FRAGRANCES FOR YOUR HOME

I have just discovered NEOM products after being a Jo Malone fragrance fan for years. NEOM aren't cheap but use natural fragrance and there is a whole background to the combinations of oils used. Their candles are divine and like the JM ones last for ages.

I open windows but in the utility room near the litter tray I use a reed diffuser.

Must admit its reassuring when you come home after 2 weeks away and get to sniff your own home and find out what it actually smells like to others - and realise its perfectly pleasant!

Thank you for all your comments. I do of course open my windows and let fresh air get in, however I do like a fragrant smell in my house. I will keep looking - thank you all.

Chemical room fragrances are said to be damaging to health, as are all sorts of chemical cleaners which should be used sparingly and with care - or preferably not at all.

I'm not sure about the reed diffusers. As they use oil, I would imagine they're OK. However, I bought one several years ago when they first came on the market and, unnoticed by us, it was knocked over and the oil took a large patch off the polished finish of our then sideboard.

I would go for opening windows when possible.

I cut lavender from the garden and arrange in vases without water. It dries out but the perfume lasts for weeks and you can then strip the dried flowers off the stems and make lavender bags if you want to.

Will only use candles as lighting (I cannot forget they are alight - and always as pure as possible). We are timber framed but thankfully not thatched......still better safe than sorry.

Jo Malone candles. Expensive but last forever. .I can not bear the synthetic, cloying smell of plug ins. But a reed diffuser is an acceptable second choice.

I have been known to treat myself to a reed diffuser from time to time for the bedrooms, especially those not in regular use. However I will always buy those that are as natural as possible, Neals Yard or similar. Can always remember visiting someone's house and needing to use the loo. They had one of those ....excuse the pun.....motion sensor air fresheners. However it was placed on top of the loo cistern and it was a very small cloakroom. The result was that as I entered the cloakroom I was sprayed in the face!

Chemical air fresheners? Yuk!! Try a vase or two of scented , real flowers about the place or a few bowls of dried rose petals and lavender flowers.

I second that ? I much prefer to smell freshness that’s real not artificial and breathing in all those chemicals isn’t good for anyone. Bin them and open up everything.

Open the windows and bin the artificial smells.