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Natural Air Freshener Recipe {That Really Works}

I’ll admit it: I like my house to smell nice!  I love it when guests feel welcomed by the scent of dinner in the oven or a magnolia blossom from the tree around the corner.  We used to always light candles or turn on wax burners so the house would smell pleasant, but when I started to detox my home, synthetic smells were one of the first things to go.  It took a bit of adjustment, but now when people walk into our home, they often comment on how natural it smells.  One of the changes that made this possible was swapping over to a homemade natural air freshener.

Almost every air freshener on the market contains phthalates and other toxic chemicals.  Some of these have been linked to early puberty, birth defects, headaches, onset of asthma, and other generally undesirable health effects.  So, if you’re searching for a simple step to take in making your home more natural, changing air fresheners is a great place to start.

This natural air freshener recipe is simple, and it will fill your home with a wonderfully natural scent that won’t harm your family.  It will also save money, which is good because I love making things instead of buying them. This recipe is a great project to do with friends so that you can share each other’s essential oils.  It also makes a great gift.  My mom always keeps a bottle that I gave her in her guest bathroom.

So, if this recipe doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, what does it contain?  The ingredient that produces the freshening aroma is essential oil.  Essential oils are beneficial in a variety of ways, and they also smell delightful!

Essential Oils

Here are some essential oils to consider as well as some of their common uses:

  • peppermint: refreshing and improves concentration
  • lavender: soothing and calming
  • basil: energizing
  • lemon: calms and uplifts
  • orange: refreshes
  • frankincense: enhances mood

Ultimately, you want to find a blend that is pleasing to your senses and makes you feel good.  You can test out each blend by putting a drop of each essential oil on a cotton ball and placing it in a sealed bag.  Open the bag after a few minutes, and see if you like the scent.

You’ll Need:

  • 3 oz. glass bottle with spray top
  • 5-15 drops essential oil (You can mix them or keep it all the same)
  • 1 tablespoon vodka (or witch hazel)
  • distilled water
  • small funnel

Note: This recipe can be doubled or tripled for a larger batch; just use a larger bottle.

What You’ll Do:

  1. Add drops of essential oil to glass bottle.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon vodka (or witch hazel) to bottle.
  3. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (don’t overfill).
  4. Label as air freshener (don’t forget to write which essential oils you used).

To Use:

Shake bottle and spray into the center of a room.  If spraying on furniture or sheets, you may first want to test a small inconspicuous area.  Only spray one spritz at a time until you reach your desired scent.

Where to purchase these ingredients:

Essential oils can be purchased lots of places, but be sure you are purchasing good ones!

Glass vs. Plastic Bottle

Because the essential oils in this recipe make up less than 5% of the total liquid, it’s safe to store this spray in a PET or HDPE plastic container; however, when working with essential oils I prefer to use glass.  If the essential oils exceed 5% of the total recipe, you should always use glass.  Make sure the essential oils remain under 15% of the total recipe to keep it safe for using.

Don’t have time for another DIY project?  Here are a few natural air fresheners that you can purchase online (click to view and purchase through my affiliate link):

Natural Air Freshener Recipe

You’ll Need:

  • 3 oz. glass bottle with spray top
  • 5-15 drops essential oil (You can mix them or keep it all the same)
  • 1 tablespoon vodka (or witch hazel)
  • distilled water
  • small funnel

Note: This recipe can be doubled or tripled for a larger batch; just use a larger bottle.

What You’ll Do:

1.  Add drops of essential oil to glass bottle.

2. Add 1 tablespoon vodka (or witch hazel) to bottle.

3.  Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (don’t over fill).

4.  Label as air freshener (don’t forget to write which essential oils you used).

To Use:

Shake bottle and spray into the center of a room.  If spraying on furniture or sheets, you may first want to test a small inconspicuous area.  Only spray one spritz at a time until you reach your desired scent.

What are your favorite essential oil combinations that could be used for this recipe?

The information I have provided in this post has not been approved by the FDA.  I am not providing medical, legal, or other professional advice.  As the reader, you should use this information at your own risk.  I have done a lot of research on this topic, but it does not mean that it’s right for you or your family.  Check each essential oil you use for the safety if using around children and/or pregnant women.

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About Lexie McNeil

Lexie is a follower of Jesus, the wife of the very talented Stephen McNeill, and a work-at-home mother of two. Her passions include spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling, and teaching. In an effort to live more naturally and frugally, she started Lexie:Naturals, where she makes and sells natural skin care products. She loves sharing these passions with others on her blog and helping other families catch the vision of living a more natural lifestyle. You can follow Lexie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Jess Tipton Bosman says

    I’ve been using 2 drops each of: sweet orange, frankincense, peppermint and lime in my diffuser. Love the mood lifting benefits! My kids even love the scent!

    Reply

  4. Anne says

    I like the idea of the house smelling fresher – but my husband does not like noticeable smells, at all. Is there an essential oil, or a natural air freshener that’s sold, that might suit him?

    Reply