Air freshener has become a staple in most homes, the problem is it may also be causing harm to our health. Making your own air freshener is easy and safer for your family.
Keeping your home clean is the best way to keep it smelling fresh but sometimes it’s not enough. And some smells linger after when clean up the mess. It’s easy to reach for an air freshener spray and cover up that gross smell.
I also like to use air fresheners before people come over and right after I clean. It’s nice to have a fresh smelling home for guests and it feels like a nice final step when cleaning.
Making Your Own Natural Air Freshener
First let’s talk about why you may want to make your own air freshener. Other than the fact that it’s fun to create your own scents.
Want to skip all the information in this post and just want the directions? Scroll down for the full directions.
Possibly Issues With Air Fresheners
Chemicals found in air fresheners have been linked to many health issues. One chemical commonly found in air fresheners is 1,4-dichlorobenzene or 1,4-DCB. 1,4-DCB is linked to possible reduced lung function. And this chemical has been found in 96% of American’s blood.
While there are other factors that could also be at play since air freshener isn’t vital to our lives it’s not a bad idea and play it safe and avoid them.
Especially for people with asthma and other lung conditions as reduction in lung function could be more serious. It could also put people at an increased risk of lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
A group of chemicals also commonly found in air fresheners is phthalates. Phthalates have been shown to possibly alter hormone levels and cause other health problems.
“Phthalates are known to interfere with production of the male hormone, testosterone, and have been associated with reproductive abnormalities. Numerous animal studies have linked prenatal exposure to certain phthalates with decreases in testosterone, malformations of the genitalia, and reduced sperm production. The State of California notes that five types of phthalates—including one that we found in air freshener products—are “known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm.” Phthalate exposure in indoor environments has also been associated with allergic symptoms and asthma.”- Natural Resources Defense Council
While occasional use is likely fine, we do know that air quality in homes is not great and being careful what we use in our homes can help.
How to Make Your Own Air Freshener
Making your own air freshener is very easy. You may even have all of the ingredients already on hand. You can use this spray as an air freshener, in trash cans, on fabrics, in shoes, or just about anywhere you have odor issues.
Many DIY air fresheners call for water. The problem with this is water can promote bacteria growth and would cause this recipe to go bad overtime. Using alcohol in place of the water keeps the spray from going bad overtime. Alcohol also dissipates quicker than water helping prevent it from leaving a residue. Alcohol also has anti-odor qualities.
Supplies You Will Need
- Alcohol- grain alcohol like Everclear or vodka works well.
- Essential Oils- I like to buy mine from Thrive Market or Plant Therapy.
- Glass Spray Bottle- blue or brown is best to help keep the essential oils from degrading.
That’s all! You can scroll down for the full directions.
Suggested Scents
You can just use a single essential oil to create all kinds of great room sprays. You can also try mixing different scents, it’s fun to play around. You can also try my different scent combinations.
- Citrus Fresh Room Spray
- Autumn Orange Air Freshener
- Fresh and Clean Air Freshener
- Candy Cane Room Spray
Natural Air Freshener
This easy DIY air freshener can be made in any scent to fit your home and style.
Materials
- 1 cup Cheap Vodka (or cheap clear grain alcohol)
- 10-20 drops Essential Oil
- Reusable Spray Bottle
Tools
- Funnel
Instructions
- Pour the alcohol into a spray bottle.
- Add the essential oil(s) of your choice, and shake.
- Use like you'd use any air freshener.
Notes
The amount of oil you will need depends on how strong you want it, start low and work up to your desired scent level.
Recommended Products
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More DIYs to Try in Your Home
After you make your natural air freshener there are some other DIYs to try on this site. Here are a few to get you started
Heather @ The Nerdy Fox says
EO are great for so many household things! I love making new cleaning products with them.
Lisa Sharp says
Aren’t they?! I love to making my own cleaners as well. So much fun!
Maddie Adeline says
Totally doing this. Vodka makes everything better! And you can’t go wrong with EOs!
Lisa Sharp says
It’s so easy and fun to play with the scents!