Now that spring is here I've been doing a little freshening up around the house (or, apartment rather.) I find that opening a few windows and buying some fragrant flowers from my local market is a great way to bring spring inside.

Here are a few tips on how to freshen the air inside your home:

• Put baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes around the house to absorb odors - especially at the source, such as the refrigerator or garbage area
• For a spray freshener, dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in 2 cups of hot water and add 1 tsp lemon juice
• Simmer 1 tbsp of vinegar in 1 cup water on the stove, or for a more fragrant alternative simmer cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, or cut citrus fruits and rinds in water
• To deodorize utensils and cutting boards wipe with vinegar and wash in soapy water
• Fill small decorative bowls with fragrant dried herbs or flowers
• Houseplants filter the air and reduce unwanted odors inside
• Scented candles also work wonders. One of my eco-friendly favorites is a line of soy candles by Bluewick. They are made with 100% soy wax, and contain cotton-paper wicks, natural and fragrance oil blends, and recycled packaging (available at 3r living)

What are some of your tips for keeping your home fresh?