Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter from 3M

Who likes to breathe yucky stale air?  Of course not!  It can be difficult trying to keep up with eliminating unpleasant odors that linger in our homes, from basement mildew and the cat’s litter box, to smelly dinners or even our children’s sports gear.  Many of us think that a simple solution is to spray an air freshener or light a fragrant candle, right?

While these products smell good, they only temporarily and partially mask odors in a particular room.  Plus, air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, while scented candles and incense ma contain particulates, soot and chemicals, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  So, what do we do now?  Enter the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter from 3M – the most effective carbon filter at removing odors from the entire home from cooking, cleaning chemicals, tobacco smoke, pets and mildew from the air passing through the filter.

– 65 times more effective than other carbon filters at removing odors.

– The filter lasts up to three months for odor removal and particle capture from the air passing through the filter.

– Helps reduce airborne allergens from the air passing through the filter, such as household dust, pollen, dust mite debris and mold spores

– Helps maintain airflow in heating and cooling systems, which may help prevent stress on the system and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the home this summer

TIPS FROM HEALTHY LIVING EXPERT LISA BERES

Healthy living expert, Building Biologist and author Lisa Beres shares some simple solutions to naturally create and maintain a fresh home:

Source:  Kitchen Refrigerator

Solution:  Forgotten leftovers can cause a foul odor in your fridge.  Clean the fridge drawers and shelves by adding a few drops of natural dish soap to a bowl of baking soda and stir until it creates a thick paste.  This will remove odors as well as stains left behind from food.  Also, store an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to help eliminate odors before they start, and replace it with a fresh box at least every three months.

Source:  Pests and Repellents

Solution:  Pesky ants and other insects can make their way into your kitchen pantry when they’re on a mission to find food, but dousing them and your kitchen’s surfaces in toxic repellent isn’t a healthy solution for the home or the family.  Instead, set a line of coffee grinds, lemon juice, cinnamon or cayenne pepper around doors and windows to create an effective barrier they won’t cross.

Source:  Cooking

Solution:  Prevent unappealing cooking odors, such as fish, from spreading and lingering throughout the entire room by upgrading to the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter.  It traps odors and gases from the air passing through the filter and helps keep the home fresh for families and houseguests.  Synthetic air fresheners, candles and incense only provide temporary relief from odors by masking them in one particular room but will do nothing to remove the odors from the entire home.

Source:  Damp towels

Solution: Wet towels from a shower, a trip to the gym or a day at the pool can be a breeding ground for mildew to develop if they sit too long without drying.  To rid towels of the mildew smell, first wash them once in hot water with a cup or two of white vinegar.  Then wash them again with a natural or eco-friendly laundry detergent.  Finally, dry the towels in the dryer on high heat.  To avoid mildew and associated smells in the future, hang towels up right away to ensure they dry thoroughly.

Source:  Pet odors

Solution:  Furry companions are considered family members to many – 72 percent of American households today own either a dog or a cat.  Reduce the unpleasant smell of pet dander by bathing and grooming your pet weekly and establishing pet-free zones in the home, such as the bedroom.

Source:  Candles and air fresheners

Solution:  Instead of trying to mask the odors with store-bought air fresheners, create your own air freshener by combining 10 drops of essential oil – such as lavender or eucalyptus – with two cups of water.  Many air fresheners may sway you with the scents of fresh cut grass, warm vanilla or tropical fruits, but they can contain synthetic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can irritate eyes, skin and throats.

What is your favorite tip?  Be sure to follow Filtrete on Facebook and Twitter for new information and offers!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.