Keeping your home smelling fresh doesn’t have to involve artificial fragrances or chemicals. With a few simple ingredients from your pantry and garden, you can easily make your own all-natural air fresheners. Not only are these DIY options better for your health, they also provide a more genuine, pleasant scent without being overpowering. Give these 8 all-natural DIY air freshener ideas a try!
1. Baked Citrus Peels
One of the easiest ways to freshen your home is by baking citrus peels. The heat helps to activate the oils in the peels, releasing their fresh, bright scent.
Here’s how:
- Collect peels from lemons, oranges, grapefruits, limes, etc. Rinse and let them dry completely.
- Place the peels on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 1-2 hours until dried out.
- Let cool then transfer to a mason jar or other sealable container.
To use, simply open the jar and enjoy the refreshing citrus aroma. You can also pulverize the peels into a powder to use as a fragrant scrub or potpourri. The baking helps the peels retain their scent longer.
2. Herbal Sachets
Making little herb sachets is an easy way to add a lovely aroma to any room.
You’ll need:
- Dried herbs and flowers like lavender, rosemary, mint, rose petals
- Small cloth bags or reusable tea bags
- Cute ribbon or twine (optional)
Simply fill the bags with your chosen herbs and tie closed with ribbon or twine. For stronger scent, gently crush the herbs first to release their oils.
Place the sachets in drawers, closets, or hang in doorways. You can also keep them under pillows for sweet dreams! Change the herbs periodically as the scent fades.
3. Essential Oil Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are a simple, mess-free way to scent your home with essential oils. They come in stylish glass bottles that complement any decor.
To make:
- Add 1⁄2 cup of carrier oil like fractionated coconut, sweet almond, or vegetable oil to the bottle.
- Add 15-25 drops of your chosen essential oil(s). Popular combinations are lavender-lemon, rose-vanilla, peppermint-eucalyptus.
- Insert the reeds so the bottoms are submerged in oil.
The oil will diffuse the aroma naturally. Flip the reeds regularly to wet the dry ends. Top up the oil as needed for continuous fragrance.
4. Simmering Stovetop Potpourri
For an instant aromatic boost, try simmering fragrant ingredients on the stovetop. As they gently heat, their scent is released and fills your home.
Try simmering:
- Citrus peels
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Vanilla beans
- Pine needles
- Rosemary
- Lavender buds
Simmer in a small pan with water for 30-60 minutes. Never leave it boiling or unattended. The warmer months are perfect for making stovetop potpourri with fresh ingredients from the garden.
5. Solid Potpourri Candles
For an air freshener with flair, make DIY solid potpourri candles. Create an herbal candle “topper” embedded within soy wax. The herbs infuse the wax with their fragrance.
You’ll need:
- Soy wax flakes
- Essential oils
- Dried herbs and flowers
- Pre-tabbed or votive candle jars
Instructions:
- Melt soy wax slowly in a double boiler. Remove from heat.
- Add 15 drops essential oil per pound of wax. Stir well.
- Pour a thin layer of wax into each jar, about 1⁄4 inch deep.
- Sprinkle in herbs, flowers, and spices.
- Top up the jars with remaining wax.
- Let cool completely before trimming wicks.
Light the wick to fill your space with herbal aroma. The sprinkled botanicals provide visual interest.
6. Orange and Clove Pomanders
Pomanders are a festive way to scent your home with natural ingredients. Traditionally, pomanders were made by studding oranges or other fruits with cloves. As the citrus slowly dries out, the cloves infuse it with spicy aroma.
To make:
- Push whole cloves into the skin of an orange until completely covered.
- Optionally, roll in fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger etc.
- Tie a ribbon or loop of string around it for hanging.
- Store at room temperature, allowing 1-3 months for the orange to dry into a natural potpourri.
Pomanders look beautiful hung during the holidays or in a bowl on the table. The citrus and spice scent lingers beautifully.
7. Fresh Flower and Herb Bouquets
One of the simplest ways to add natural fragrance is by displaying fresh flowers and herbs. The beauty is an added bonus!
Some wonderfully scented options:
- Roses
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Mint
- Jasmine
- Gardenias
- Lilies
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
Cut, arrange, and display them in vases around your home. For potted herbs like rosemary or mint, gently run your fingers over the leaves to release their scent. Replace water and trim stems regularly.
8. Wood Stove Potpourri
Harness the gentle heat of your wood stove to infuse your home with relaxing scent.
Place a small crockery pot or iron skillet on top filled with:
- Dried orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole nutmeg
- Cloves
- Apple slices
- Rosemary sprigs
As the wood stove radiates heat, it will slowly warm the potpourri and circulate the scent. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like cedarwood or pine for an extra woodsy aroma. Replace ingredients as needed.
Conclusion
With a variety of all-natural ingredients, it’s easy to make your own safe and healthy air fresheners. Experiment with different botanicals and essential oil blends to find your favorite scents. Not only will you save money, but your home will smell wonderfully genuine without the harsh chemicals. Try out a few of these simple DIY air freshener ideas for an instant home refresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about creating natural air fresheners at home:
What are the benefits of all-natural DIY air fresheners?
The main benefits are avoiding harsh chemicals, saving money, and personalizing scents to your liking. DIY options provide genuine aromas from real plant ingredients. They are also better for people sensitive to artificial fragrances or chemicals.
Where is the best place to display natural air fresheners at home?
Good spots are entryways, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. You can also tuck them into drawers or closets. Place them where airflow will circulate the scent.
How long do homemade air fresheners last?
It depends on the method, but typically 1-4 weeks. Sachets, simmering potpourri, and reed diffusers need occasional replenishing as the scent fades. Baked citrus peels and pomanders can last months.
Can I adjust the strength of scent with homemade air fresheners?
Yes, adjust herb amounts in sachets or potpourri ingredients to make the scent lighter or stronger. With essential oil recipes, add more or fewer drops. Start with less and gradually increase if needed.
What are good essential oil combinations for air fresheners?
Some great blends are lemon + lavender, cedarwood + orange, jasmine + vanilla, peppermint + wild basil, rose + sandalwood, eucalyptus + tea tree, cinnamon + grapefruit.
How do I make my own reed diffuser?
Add 1⁄2 cup carrier oil and 15-25 drops essential oil to a decorative diffuser bottle. Insert the reeds so the bottoms are immersed. Turn the reeds regularly to diffuse scent. Add more oil as needed.
Can I use citrus peels that have been sprayed with chemicals?
It’s best to avoid treated citrus peels. Opt for organic when possible. Thoroughly scrub conventional peels before use and avoid the pith or outer colored layer which may contain more residues.
How can I make my home smell good naturally every day?
Open windows regularly for fresh airflow, take out trash promptly, dust and vacuum often, use green cleaning products, display fresh flowers and herbs, simmer citrus peels and spices, bake homemade bread, and use natural fragrances like essential oils.
What’s the difference between potpourri and pomanders?
Potpourri is made of dried herb and flower petals. Pomanders center around studded citrus fruits that slowly dry out for aroma. Both are used to scent homes. Pomanders can be displayed during the holidays.