The onset of cold weather usually means that we are trying our best to keep warm and that translates into no open windows.

Even still, we might just have on the sweater and fuzzy slippers while inside to stave off high heating bills. So an open window is sort of out of the question.

But, the benefits of an open window, just a crack mind you, allows the flow of air throughout the home to provide fresh air. Without fresh air, dust and allergens are among the other contaminants left trapped inside your home. Which could possibly increase the incidence of colds and flu because of close family proximity.

So, in addition to cracking a window every once in a while, you might want to use a spray to help disinfect the air.

I like the fragrance of a nice room air freshener, and it’s pretty easy to create your own natural disinfectant room spray.

Below are two recipes online at eHow.com for natural disinfectant room sprays that contain all ingredients easily purchased from a local market like Whole Foods.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4486471_make-natural-disinfectant-room-spray.html

Eucalyptus Disinfectant Room Spray

Place 3 oz. distilled water in a glass spray bottle.

Add 9 drops lemon or bergamot essential oil, 9 drops eucalyptus oil, 6 drops pine oil and 3 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil.

Shake the bottle to mix the essential oils with the water. Apply the eucalyptus room spray as needed to combat bacteria and odors.

Tea Tree Oil Disinfectant Room Spray

Place 16 oz. of warm distilled water into a spray bottle.

Add 6 drops of tea tree oil, 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 3 drops of lemon, orange or bergamot essential oil.

Shake the mixture well and use it to disinfect and freshen the air.

Both provide soothing aromas in addition to their disinfectant qualities.