Choosing the right air freshener may not always be easy, especially when trying to find a fragrance you truly love.  Many consumers prefer choosing commercially available air fresheners over those that are healthy, natural, and compatible with their home atmosphere. However, making a homemade air freshener is much easier than people generally believe. The good thing about this process is that one will be able to monitor what ingredients will be used and how intense the aroma will be. In addition, homemade air fresheners are usually affordable and durable when made correctly. This guide will show you how to make your natural air freshener, whether lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus.

What you’ll need to make a homemade air freshener 

The ingredients you need for this easy-to-make air freshener are:

1. 2 cups of water
2. 20-30 drops of essential oil
3. 2 tablespoons of baking soda
4. A funnel
5. A spray bottle

Disclaimer: Although essential oils are commonly used to create homemade air fresheners, some scents may cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, or irritation in people who are sensitive to them. It is advisable to use them in small amounts and to have proper ventilation when using them.

Essential oils suitable for making your own home fragrances

Selecting a suitable essential oil can transform the ambiance of your home. Some good options include:

1. Lavender oil: soothing and relaxing
2. Lemon oil: invigorating and refreshing
3. Eucalyptus oil: refreshing and stimulating
4. Peppermint oil: cooling and revitalizing
5. Orange oil: refreshing and citrusy
6. Tea Tree oil: refreshing and cleansing

Feel free to combine different oils to create a fragrance that suits your preference, but use them moderately as some scents may be too strong or irritating for sensitive individuals. 

The process of making a homemade air freshener

Making your own air freshener only takes a few minutes:

Step 1: Mix the essential oil and baking soda

Add about 25 drops of your selected essential oil into two tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture well until both elements are well blended. The scents of lavender and lemon are fresh and calming, whereas eucalyptus is refreshing.

Step 2: Add water

Pour the baking soda and essential oil mixture into 2 cups of water, then stir properly.

Step 3: Transfer to a spray bottle

Pour the mixture through the funnel into a spray bottle carefully. Seal the lid firmly and shake well to make sure all the components mix evenly. You now have your very own air freshener.

How to use your homemade air freshener properly

Before using any air freshener, it is important to remove the actual source of unpleasant odors. Some easy steps for maintaining a fresh-smelling home include:

1. Throw out waste from trash cans.
2. Regularly clean trash cans with water and bleach.
3. Maintain cleanliness in pet areas and litter boxes.
4. Frequently vacuum carpets, rugs, and fabric surfaces.
5. Utilize bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans to decrease humidity and odors.
6. Thoroughly clean bathrooms.
7. Open windows whenever possible.
8. Maintain a dry basement.
9. Wash out refrigerators.
10. Place a box of baking soda inside the refrigerator.

How to spray the homemade air freshener

Once your home is clean, you can begin freshening the air.

1. Stand in the center of the room.
2. Spray upward toward the ceiling two or three times.
3. Change the angle slightly with each spray to help the scent spread evenly.
4. Lightly spray soft furnishings such as curtains or couch cushions if appropriate.

Stovetop Air Freshener Recipe

A stovetop air freshener is one of the most effective ways to spread a pleasant fragrance throughout the home. This strategy works especially well on occasions where people get together, such as during holidays or events.

Ingredients

1. Water
2. One Lime, Sliced
3. Mint Stems (Fresh)
4. Thyme (Fresh)
5. Vanilla Extract (One Teaspoon), or One Vanilla Bean Pod.

How to use a stovetop air freshener 

1. Fill a small pot about three-quarters full with water.
2. Add sliced lime, fresh mint, thyme, and vanilla extract or a vanilla bean pod.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
4. Leave the mixture in the pot while it simmers, allowing the steam to spread the natural fragrance throughout the home.
5. Add more water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out.

Other natural stovetop scent combinations

Here are some additional combinations you can try:

1. Lemon, rosemary, and vanilla
2. Orange, ginger, and almond extract
3. Pine twigs, nutmeg, and bay leaves
4. Orange slices and cloves

These combinations create warm, refreshing scents that naturally fill your home.

Conclusion

It is a joy to know that there is a variety of homemade air fresheners you can make yourself. You can come up with calming fragrances for your bedroom, invigorating mixes for the bathroom, or even a combination of citrusy and spicy scents for your living room.

Sources

• Homemade Air Freshener: 8 Steps (with Pictures) 
• DIY Air Freshener: 5 Natural Air Freshener Recipes