How to make homemade air fresheners

Do you want to make your home smell fresh and inviting without spending a lot of money on commercial air fresheners? Do you want to avoid the harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are often found in store-bought products? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to try making your own air fresheners at home.

Homemade air fresheners are easy, affordable, and natural. You can customize them to suit your preferences and create a signature scent for your home. In this article, we will show you how to make homemade air fresheners using simple ingredients and equipment. We will also give you some ideas for different types of air fresheners and fragrance combinations that you can try.

Why make your own air fresheners?

Before we get into the details of how to make homemade air fresheners, let’s talk about why you might want to do so. There are many benefits to making your own air fresheners, as well as some drawbacks to using commercial ones.

Benefits of Natural Air Fresheners

• Natural air fresheners are made with natural ingredients, such as water, alcohol, baking soda, gelatin, and essential oils. These ingredients are safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. They do not contain any harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, benzene, or artificial fragrances, that can cause health problems such as headaches, allergies, asthma, or cancer.
• Natural air fresheners are cheaper than commercial ones. You can make them with ingredients that you already have at home or that you can easily find at your local grocery store or online. You can also reuse the containers and equipment that you use to make them, saving you money and reducing waste.
• Natural air fresheners are customizable. You can choose the scent, intensity, and duration of your air fresheners according to your preferences and needs. You can also experiment with different fragrance combinations and create your own unique blends. You can also adjust the ingredients and proportions to suit the type of air freshener that you want to make, such as spray, gel, or baking soda.

Drawbacks of Commercial Air Fresheners

• Commercial air fresheners are made with synthetic ingredients, such as propellants, solvents, preservatives, and artificial fragrances. These ingredients are not only harmful to the environment but also to your health. They can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute indoor air quality and cause various health issues, such as irritation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or respiratory problems.
• Commercial air fresheners are expensive. You have to buy them regularly and replace them when they run out. You also have to buy different products for different purposes, such as sprays, plug-ins, candles, or diffusers. This can add up to a lot of money and waste over time.
• Commercial air fresheners are limited. You have to choose from the available scents and products that the manufacturers offer. You cannot customize them to your liking or change them according to your mood or season. You also have to deal with the possibility of running out of them or having them malfunction or leak.

What You Need to Make Homemade Air Fresheners

Now that you know why you might want to make your own air fresheners, let’s see what you need to do so. The basic ingredients and equipment are very simple and easy to find. You will also need some essential oils and fragrance combinations to add some scent and personality to your air fresheners.

Basic Ingredients and Equipment

• Water: Water is the main ingredient for most types of homemade air fresheners. It acts as a carrier and a diluter for the other ingredients. You can use tap water, distilled water, or filtered water, depending on your preference and availability.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is another ingredient that you will need for most types of homemade air fresheners. It acts as a preservative and a solvent for the essential oils. It also helps the scent disperse and evaporate faster. You can use rubbing alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel, depending on your preference and availability.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is an ingredient that you will need to make baking soda air fresheners. It acts as a deodorizer and an absorber of odors. It also helps to neutralize the pH of the water and the essential oils. You can use any brand of baking soda that you have at home or that you can find at your local grocery store.
• Gelatin: Gelatin is an ingredient that you will need to make gel air fresheners. It acts as a gelling agent and a stabilizer for the water and the essential oils. It also helps to retain the scent and moisture of the air fresheners. You can use any brand of unflavored gelatin that you have at home or that you can find at your local grocery store.
• Essential oils: Essential oils are the ingredients that will give your homemade air fresheners their scent and personality. They are concentrated extracts of various plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, or spices. They have different aromas, properties, and effects. You can use any essential oils that you like or that you can find at your local health store or online. You can also mix and match different essential oils to create your own fragrance combinations.
• Spray bottle: A spray bottle is an item of equipment that you will need for making spray air fresheners. It acts as a container and a dispenser for the water, alcohol, and essential oil mixture. You can use any size or shape of spray bottle that you have at home or that you can find at your local dollar store or online. You can also reuse an old spray bottle that you have cleaned thoroughly.
• Jar: A jar is an item of equipment that you will need for making gel or baking soda air fresheners. It acts as a container and a holder for the gelatin, water, and essential oils mixture or the baking soda and essential oils mixture. You can use any size or shape of jar that you have at home or that you can find at your local thrift store or online. You can also reuse an old jar that you have cleaned thoroughly.
• Lid: A lid is an item of equipment that you will need for making gel or baking soda air fresheners. It acts as a cover and a protector for the jar and its contents. You can use any type of lid that fits your jar, such as a metal lid, a plastic lid, or a fabric lid. You can also make your own lid by cutting a circle of scrapbook paper, cardboard, or fabric and punching some holes in it.
• Funnel: A funnel is an item of equipment that you will need for making spray, gel, or baking soda air fresheners. It acts as a helper and a guide for pouring the water, alcohol, gelatin, or baking soda into the spray bottle or the jar. You can use any type of funnel that you have at home or that you can find at your local dollar store or online. You can also make your own funnel by rolling a piece of paper or cardboard into a cone shape and taping it together.
• Spoon: A spoon is an item of equipment that you will need for making gel or baking soda air fresheners. It acts as a stirrer and a measurer for the gelatin, water, and essential oils mixture or the baking soda and essential oils mixture. You can use any type of spoon that you have at home or that you can find at your local dollar store or online. You can also use a measuring spoon if you want to be more precise with the amounts.

Essential Oils and Fragrance Combinations

As mentioned before, essential oils are the ingredients that will give your homemade air fresheners their scent and personality. You can use any essential oils that you like or that you can find at your local health store or online. You can also mix and match different essential oils to create your own fragrance combinations. Here are some ideas for different types of essential oils and fragrance combinations that you can try:

• Citrus: Citrus essential oils are extracted from the peels of various citrus fruits, such as orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, or bergamot. They have a fresh, bright, and uplifting aroma that can energize and invigorate you. They can also help to cleanse and purify the air and eliminate bad odors. Some examples of citrus fragrance combinations are:

• Citrus Refresh is a blend of orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils that can create a refreshing and cheerful atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of orange, 10 drops of lemon, and 10 drops of grapefruit essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Tranquil Lavender: A blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils that can create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere in your home. You can use 15 drops of lavender and 5 drops of bergamot essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Blooming Bouquet: A blend of lemon, rose, and jasmine essential oils that can create a floral and romantic atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of lemon, 10 drops of rose, and 10 drops of jasmine essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Herbal: Herbal essential oils are extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, or roots of various herbs, such as mint, rosemary, basil, or thyme. They have a fresh, green, and earthy aroma that can calm and balance you. They can also help repel insects and bacteria and enhance your mood and memory. Some examples of herbal fragrance combinations are:
• Lemon and Rosemary: A blend of lemon and rosemary essential oils that can create a crisp and invigorating atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of lemon and 10 drops of rosemary essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Vanilla and Cinnamon: A blend of vanilla and cinnamon essential oils that can create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. You can use 15 drops of vanilla and 5 drops of cinnamon essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Orange and Clove: A blend of orange and clove essential oils that can create a spicy and festive atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of orange and 10 drops of clove essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Woody: Woody essential oils are extracted from the bark, wood, resin, or needles of various trees, such as pine, cedar, sandalwood, or frankincense. They have a rich, deep, and earthy aroma that can ground and center you. They can also help reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of peace and harmony. Some examples of woody fragrance combinations are:
• At Home in the Woods: A blend of pine, cedar, and sandalwood essential oils that can create a rustic and natural atmosphere in your home You can use 10 drops of pine, 10 drops of cedar, and 10 drops of sandalwood essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Sunny Citrus Breeze is a blend of grapefruit, lemon, and frankincense essential oils that can create a bright and refreshing atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of grapefruit, 10 drops of lemon, and 10 drops of frankincense essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.
• Floral Fantasy: A blend of lavender, rose, and ylang-ylang essential oils that can create a sweet and dreamy atmosphere in your home. You can use 10 drops of lavender, 10 drops of rose, and 10 drops of ylang-ylang essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture for a spray air freshener, or for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture for a gel air freshener, or for every cup of baking soda for a baking soda air freshener.

How to Make Different Types of Homemade Air Fresheners

Now that you have the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s see how to make different types of homemade air fresheners. There are three main types of homemade air fresheners that you can make: spray, gel, and baking soda. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are the steps for making each type of homemade air freshener:

Spray air fresheners.

Spray air fresheners are the easiest and fastest type of homemade air freshener to make. They are also the most versatile and portable type of homemade air fresheners, as you can use them to spray any area of your home, such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom. You can also carry them with you and use them to freshen up your car, your office, or your hotel room. However, spray air fresheners also have some drawbacks, such as the need to shake them before each use, the possibility of staining fabrics or surfaces, and the shorter duration of the scent. Here are the steps for making spray air fresheners:

• Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with water and alcohol. You can use any ratio of water and alcohol that you prefer, but a good rule of thumb is to use 3 parts water and 1 part alcohol. For example, if you have a 16-ounce spray bottle, you can fill it with 12 ounces of water and 4 ounces of alcohol. You can use a funnel to help you pour the liquids into the spray bottle.
• Step 2: Add essential oils and fragrance combinations. You can use any essential oils and fragrance combinations that you like, but a good rule of thumb is to use 20 to 40 drops of essential oils for every cup of water and alcohol mixture. For example, if you have a 16-ounce spray bottle, you can add 40 to 80 drops of essential oils. You can use a dropper or a pipette to help you measure and add the essential oils to the spray bottle.
• Step 3: Shake well and label. You need to shake the spray bottle well before each use to mix the water, alcohol, and essential oils together. You also need to label the spray bottle with the name and the ingredients of the air freshener so that you can remember what it is and what it contains. You can use a marker or a sticker to write or print the label and stick it to the spray bottle.

Gel air fresheners

Gel air fresheners are another type of homemade air freshener that you can make. They are also easy and fun to make, as you can use different colors and shapes to create your own gel air fresheners. They are also more durable and stable than spray air fresheners, as they do not need to be shaken or sprayed, and they do not stain fabrics or surfaces. However, gel air fresheners also have some drawbacks, such as the need to heat and dissolve the gelatin, the possibility of mold or bacteria growth, and the shorter shelf life of the air fresheners. Here are the steps for making gel air fresheners:

• Step 1: Heat water and gelatin in a saucepan. You can use any ratio of water and gelatin that you prefer, but a good rule of thumb is to use 4 packets of unflavored gelatin for every 2 cups of water. For example, if you want to make 4 gel air fresheners, you can use 8 packets of gelatin and 4 cups of water. You need to heat the water and gelatin in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear and smooth.
• Step 2: Add alcohol, essential oils, and fragrance combinations. You can use any amount of alcohol, essential oils, and fragrance combinations that you like, but a good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of alcohol and 20 to 40 drops of essential oils for every 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture. For example, if you have 4 cups of water and a gelatin mixture, you can add 2 tablespoons of alcohol and 40 to 80 drops of essential oils. You need to add the alcohol and essential oils to the saucepan and stir well to combine them with the water and gelatin mixture.
• Step 3: Pour into jars and refrigerate. You need to pour the water, gelatin, alcohol, and essential oil mixture into jars, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can use any size or shape of jars that you like, but a good rule of thumb is to use 8-ounce jars for 2 cups of water and gelatin mixture. For example, if you want to make 4 gel air fresheners, you can use 4 8-ounce jars. You can also add some food coloring or glitter to the mixture if you want to make your gel air fresheners more colorful and sparkly. You need to refrigerate the jars for at least 4 hours or until the gel is set and firm.

• Step 4: Decorate and label. You can decorate your jars with ribbons, stickers, or labels to make them more attractive and personalized. You can also poke some holes in the lids or use fabric lids to allow the scent to escape and diffuse. You also need to label the jars with the name and the ingredients of the air freshener so that you can remember what it is and what it contains. You can use a marker or a sticker to write or print the label and stick it to the jar.

Baking soda air fresheners

Baking soda air fresheners are another type of homemade air freshener that you can make. They are also easy and cheap to make, as you only need baking soda and essential oils to make them. They are also effective and long-lasting, as baking soda can absorb and neutralize odors, and essential oils can release and refresh the scent. However, baking soda air fresheners also have some drawbacks, such as the need to shake or stir them occasionally, the possibility of clumping or spilling, and the lower intensity of the scent. Here are the steps for making baking soda air fresheners:

• Step 1: Fill a jar with baking soda. You can use any amount of baking soda that you prefer, but a good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of baking soda for every 8-ounce jar. You can use a funnel to help you pour the baking soda into the jar.
• Step 2: Add essential oils and fragrance combinations. You can use any essential oils and fragrance combinations that you like, but a good rule of thumb is to use 20 to 40 drops of essential oils for every cup of baking soda. You can use a dropper or a pipette to help you measure and add the essential oils to the jar. You also need to stir the baking soda and essential oils well with a spoon to mix them evenly.
• Step 3: Cover and label. You need to cover the jar with a lid that has some holes in it to allow the scent to escape and diffuse. You can use a metal lid that you have punched some holes in with a nail or hammer, or a fabric lid that you have cut some holes in with scissors. You also need to label the jar with the name and the ingredients of the air freshener so that you can remember what it is and what it contains. You can use a marker or a sticker to write or print the label and stick it to the jar.

How to Use and Store Homemade Air Fresheners

Now that you have made your homemade air fresheners, let’s see how to use and store them. There are some tips and tricks that you can follow to make the most of your homemade air fresheners and to keep them fresh and effective for as long as possible.

Tips for Using Homemade Air Fresheners

• Spray air fresheners: You can use spray air fresheners to spray any area of your home that needs some freshening up, such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom. You can also use them to spray your car, your office, or your hotel room. You need to shake the spray bottle well before each use to mix the water, alcohol, and essential oils together. You also need to spray lightly and avoid spraying directly on fabrics or surfaces that might stain. You can spray as often as you like, depending on your preferences and needs.
• Gel air fresheners: You can use gel air fresheners to place them in any area of your home that needs some freshening up, such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom. You can also use them to place them in your car, your office, or your hotel room. You need to remove the lid or the fabric lid from the jar to allow the scent to escape and diffuse. You can also shake or stir the jar occasionally to refresh the scent. You can place as many jars as you like, depending on your preference and needs.
• Baking soda air fresheners: You can use baking soda air fresheners to place them in any area of your home that needs some deodorizing and freshening up, such as the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom. You can also use them to place them in your car, your office, or your hotel room. You need to keep the lid with the holes in the jar to allow the baking soda to absorb and neutralize odors and the essential oils to release and refresh the scent. You can also shake or stir the jar occasionally to refresh the scent. You can place as many jars as you like, depending on your preference and needs.

Tips for Storing Homemade Air Fresheners

• Spray air fresheners: You can store spray air fresheners in a cool and dark place, such as a cupboard, a closet, or a drawer. You can also store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and make them more refreshing. You need to keep them away from heat, light, and moisture, as these can affect the quality and effectiveness of the air fresheners. You can use spray air fresheners for up to 6 months, depending on the ingredients and the storage conditions.
• Gel air fresheners: You can store gel air fresheners in a cool and dry place, such as a cupboard, a closet, or a drawer. You can also store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and make them more refreshing. You need to keep them away from heat, light, and moisture, as these can affect the quality and effectiveness of the air fresheners. You also need to check them regularly for signs of mold or bacteria growth, such as discoloration, odor, or texture changes, and discard them if you notice any. You can use gel air fresheners for up to 3 months, depending on the ingredients and the storage conditions.
• Baking soda air fresheners: You can store baking soda air fresheners in a cool and dry place, such as a cupboard, a closet, or a drawer. You can also store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and make them more refreshing. You need to keep them away from heat, light, and moisture, as these can affect the quality and effectiveness of the air fresheners. You also need to replace the baking soda and the essential oils every month or so, depending on the usage and the storage conditions, to maintain the deodorizing and freshening power of the air fresheners.

Conclusion

Homemade air fresheners are a great way to make your home smell fresh and inviting without spending a lot of money or exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. You can make your own air fresheners using simple ingredients and equipment that you already have at home or that you can easily find at your local grocery store or online. You can also customize your air fresheners to suit your preferences and needs and create your own signature scent for your home. You can choose from different types of air fresheners, such as spray, gel, or baking soda, and different fragrance combinations, such as citrus, herbal, or woody. You can also use and store your air fresheners properly to make them last longer and work better. Homemade air fresheners are easy, affordable, and natural, and they can make a big difference in the atmosphere and the mood of your home.

FAQs

• Q: How do I make my homemade air fresheners stronger or weaker?
• You can make your homemade air fresheners stronger or weaker by adjusting the amount of essential oils that you use. You can use more or less essential oils depending on your preferences and needs. You can also use different types of essential oils that have different intensities and effects, such as citrus, herbal, or woody.
• Q: How do I make my homemade air fresheners last longer or shorter?
• You can make your homemade air fresheners last longer or shorter by adjusting the amount of water and alcohol that you use. You can use more or less water and alcohol, depending on your preferences and needs. You can also use different types of water and alcohol that have different evaporation rates and preservative properties, such as tap water, distilled water, filtered water, rubbing alcohol, vodka, or witch hazel.
• Q: How do I make my homemade air fresheners more colorful or sparkly?
• You can make your homemade air fresheners more colorful or sparkly by adding some food coloring or glitter to the mixture. You can use any color or type of food coloring or glitter that you like or that you can find at your local grocery store or online. You can also use different shapes and sizes of jars or spray bottles to make your air fresheners more attractive and personalized.
• Q: How do I make my homemade air fresheners more eco-friendly or biodegradable?
• You can make your homemade air fresheners more eco-friendly or biodegradable by using natural and organic ingredients and equipment. You can use natural and organic water, alcohol, baking soda, gelatin, and essential oils that are free of chemicals, pesticides, or additives. You can also use reusable and recyclable containers and equipment, such as glass jars, metal lids, fabric lids, spray bottles, funnels, spoons, droppers, or pipettes.
• Q: How do I make my homemade air fresheners more unique or creative?
• You can make your homemade air fresheners more unique or creative by experimenting with different ingredients and equipment. You can use different types of ingredients and equipment that you have at home or that you can find at your local thrift store or online, such as tea bags, coffee filters, cotton balls, salt, sugar, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, baking powder, corn starch, agar agar, or pectin. You can also use different types of fragrance combinations that you like or that you can find at your local health store or online, such as floral, fruity, spicy, or exotic. You can also use different types of decorations and labels that you like or that you can find at your local craft store or online, such as ribbons, stickers, beads, shells, or flowers.

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make homemade air fresheners. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me. I would love to hear from you and learn from your experience. Thank you for reading, and happy crafting!