Lavender is a popular scent known for its calming and relaxing properties. It’s no wonder that many people want to bring this pleasant aroma into their homes. Making your own lavender rug and carpet freshener is an easy DIY project that allows you to eliminate odors in an eco-friendly way. Not only will it make your home smell amazing, but you’ll also save money compared to buying chemically-laden store-bought fresheners.
Why Use A Lavender Rug And Carpet Freshener
There are several benefits to using a homemade lavender freshener on your rugs and carpets:
- Natural and chemical-free – Store-bought fresheners often contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that can be irritating. Lavender is a plant-based scent that is much gentler.
- Long-lasting freshness – The lavender oil permeates deep into carpet fibers and padding to provide lasting odor elimination.
- Calming aroma – Lavender has a pleasant, calming scent that can help create a relaxing environment. Many people find it soothing.
- Cost-effective – Making your own freshener at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for commercial products.
- Customizable – You can adjust the strength of the lavender scent to your personal preference.
How To Make A Lavender Carpet Freshener
Making a lavender rug and carpet freshener is very easy with just a few simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- 2 cups baking soda
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- Glass jar or container with lid
Steps
- Add the baking soda to the glass jar. Baking soda helps absorb odors trapped in carpet fibers.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil, depending on how strong you want the scent to be. Lavender oil provides the fresh, floral aroma.
- Put the lid on the jar and shake vigorously to distribute the lavender oil throughout the baking soda.
- To use, simply sprinkle a thin layer of the mixture over the surface of your rugs, carpets, or carpeted areas. Let sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming up.
- Store the leftover mixture in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months.
- Re-apply as needed when odors return. The baking soda will continue absorbing smells until fully saturated.
Tips
- Conduct a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of carpet first to check for staining.
- For stronger scent, use more drops of lavender oil, up to 25 drops.
- Shake the jar before each use to distribute the lavender oil again.
- Keep away from pets and children until fully vacuumed. Essential oils can be harmful if consumed.
- Combine the lavender freshener with your usual carpet cleaning for a deep clean.
Why Lavender Is An Eco-Friendly Choice
Using lavender oil to freshen your home is much more environmentally-friendly than commercial rug sprays and deodorizers. Here’s why lavender is a green choice:
- It’s a natural plant extract, not synthesized chemicals.
- Can be grown sustainably and ethically sourced.
- Biodegradable and non-toxic. Won’t harm pets, children, aquatic life.
- No aerosols or propellants that damage the ozone layer.
- No plastic waste from disposable wipes, sprays, or plug-in refills.
- The reusable glass jar has minimal packaging.
So you can feel good about using lavender oil to keep your home fresh! It’s better for your indoor air quality and has less environmental impact.
Additional Uses For Lavender Freshener
Your homemade lavender carpet freshener has many other great uses around the home:
- Sprinkle in gym bags or lockers to repel odors.
- Use in the car interior to eliminate smells.
- Sprinkle on upholstered furniture like couches and chairs.
- Refresh smelly shoes by sprinkling inside.
- Eliminate odors from the cat litter box.
- Repel moths and freshen closets or dressers.
- Sprinkle on yoga mats to clean and deodorize.
- Use in the bathroom to make it smell fresh.
So get creative and take advantage of this versatile freshener throughout your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lavender oil should I use?
Look for 100% pure essential oil of lavender, free of any carrier oils or adulterants. French lavender and English lavender are some popular varieties.
How long does the homemade freshener last?
It should provide fresh scent for 2-3 months normally. Properly stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 6 months or longer before losing potency.
Is the lavender baking soda mixture safe for pets?
While lavender oil and baking soda are non-toxic, it’s best to keep pets away until it’s fully vacuumed up. Ingesting essential oils could cause an upset stomach.
Can I use it on all types of carpet?
Yes, it’s safe for all standard carpeting fibers including nylon, polyester, wool, and natural fibers. As always, test a small patch first.
What’s the best way to apply the freshener?
Sprinkle liberally over the carpet surface. For best results, let sit for 15-30 minutes before running the vacuum to lift away odors.
How often should it be reapplied?
Every 2-4 weeks is ideal, or whenever odors return. Vacuum first before reapplying for maximum freshness.
Conclusion
Making your own eco-friendly lavender rug and carpet freshener couldn’t be easier. And it provides such a fresh, inviting scent in your home while eliminating odors in a natural way. The calming aroma of lavender can instantly create a more relaxing environment. Homemade lavender freshener is also extremely versatile to use all over the home, car, closets, and more. Plus, it’s a green alternative to chemical-laden store-bought options. With just two ingredients, you can make an effective, natural DIY freshener.