Do you struggle with unwanted odors around your home? Trust me, I've been there! I used to rely heavily on store-bought air fresheners to keep my home smelling great—until I learned about the harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hiding in them. That's when I decided there had to be a better, healthier way.
After some experimenting, I discovered the joy and simplicity of making my own natural air fresheners. Not only are they safe and easy to make, but they also leave my home smelling amazing, naturally!
Ready to ditch the chemicals and try a safer alternative? Keep reading. Today, I am sharing my favorite natural air fresheners to help you keep your home fresh, inviting, and odor-free.
Risk of Conventional Air Fresheners
According to the National Library of Medicine, these products release air pollutants linked to issues like migraines, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and even neurological effects.
Many air fresheners also emit VOCs, which not only pollute indoor air but can also create secondary toxins like formaldehyde—making the problem even worse.
And those plug-in air fresheners? They often contain phthalates, chemicals also found in plastics and paints. Studies have linked phthalates to asthma, ADHD, autism, and developmental issues.
Fresh-smelling doesn’t always mean safe—so it’s worth checking what’s really in the products we use every day.
Benefits of Homemade Air Fresheners
If plug-in and conventional air fresheners come with health risks, it’s best to skip them altogether. The good news? You can easily make your own natural air fresheners at home. Here’s why it’s worth the switch:
- Uses natural ingredients. You can easily make a homemade air freshener with natural, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and chemical-free ingredients. The best air fresheners do not harm your family and the planet.
- You can customize scents. You can experiment with scent combinations and find the best natural fragrance that suits small spaces at home. Whether you want to relax, feel invigorated, or make your home smell like it's the holiday season, natural scents can help you achieve those.
- Cost-effectiveness. You can make a large batch of natural air fresheners using high-quality essential oils and other natural ingredients. Compared to commercial and plug-in fresheners, homemade fresheners bring more value for your money.
- Easy to make. You can easily make natural air fresheners with a few things and without special tools or equipment. There are several tutorials on the web that you can follow to achieve the best scent combinations.
Best Natural Air Fresheners
Here are a few ways to make natural air fresheners to make your whole house smell good and fresh.
1. Essential oils
One of my favorite methods to freshen indoor air is using essential oils. Essential oils are fantastic because they're natural extracts from plants, making them eco-friendly and safe for my family.
Here are a few of my favorite essential oil combinations based on the mood I want to create in my home:
- For clean, fresh air: tea tree oil and lemon
- For sleep: cedarwood and orange oil
- For a spa-like scent: eucalyptus and lavender oil
- For a happy scent: lemon, lime, and grapefruit oil
- To repel bugs: eucalyptus, lemongrass, and basil oil
- To relieve stress: tea tree oil, lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus oil
Who needs a plug-in air freshener when you can easily mix and match your essential oils for any mood? Just go easy with the experimentation and research what each essential oil does. Also, remember that some essential oils are unsafe for pets, so be sure to place your sprays and diffusers away from their reach.
Note: The essential oil links above point to Amazon. However, if you want to find better deals, I also recommend checking out Temu. Lately, I've been purchasing almost everything from Temu and have been very satisfied with the experience.
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So how do you use essential oil as an air freshener? There are a couple of ways.
Homemade Room Sprays
One of the best natural air fresheners you can make with essential oils is room sprays. Ditch the aerosol air sprays that contain harmful chemicals and opt for homemade room fresheners instead. Enjoy the natural scents of essential oils and reap aromatherapy benefits while purifying the natural air in your home.
You can make your own room air freshener by combining one cup of water, 20 drops of your chosen essential oil, and two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and spray into fabric surfaces like your couch, curtains, and other small spaces.
Disinfectant cleaner
Another way to use essential oils as air fresheners is to mix them with white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil. Place the mixture into a spray bottle and spray on surfaces that might be harboring bacteria, such as your trash can, countertops, and toilets. It works two ways: first, vinegar kills bacteria responsible for foul smells, while the essential oils give your home a fresh, clean scent.
Wooden air fresheners
Another type of air freshener you can make with essential oils is a wooden air freshener. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray a piece of wood evenly and hang the wooden air freshener in any small space. You can re-spray the wood anytime you feel like it's losing its scent. Not only does this simple project freshen the natural air at home, but it also makes wonderful decor or personalized gifts for the people you love.
2. Natural Reed diffusers
Another great and natural alternative to plug-in air fresheners are reed diffusers. You can easily make natural reed diffusers at home with a few ingredients. Simply put carrier oil (could be saffron oil or almond oil into a glass vase until it is ⅓ full. Now add a few drops of your chosen essential oil for a natural fragrance.
Next, stir the mixture and place the bamboo skewers or rattan reeds. Let them sit in the mixture for a few hours, and flip the reeds to soak the dry ends of the reeds. Over the next few days, you'll only have to flip the reeds over to maximize the fresh scent from the reed diffusers.
3. Homemade scented candles
Recently, I also started making my own scented candles at home! It’s a wonderful way to ensure I know exactly what's in my candles, and I love experimenting with different essential oils and scents.
To create your own scented candles, you'll need just a few simple items: wax flakes, candle wicks, and your favorite essential oils.
I got my candle making kit for cheap on Temu! They offer free shipping to 89 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia! Plus, they offer amazing free gifts when you sign up here.
Once your candles are ready, you can enjoy them yourself or give them as thoughtful, personalized gifts. I love making candles in various scents, so I can pick the perfect candle to match my mood or the season!
4. Air purifying houseplants
Want to enjoy the fresh air at home the whole year round without making as much effort? Then put some air-purifying houseplants in different parts of your home.
Air-purifying houseplants work as natural air fresheners by absorbing pollutants and harmful chemicals from the air. These plants are natural deodorizers, which can immensely help improve indoor air quality.
5. Coffee grounds
Did you know your used coffee grounds can double as a natural air freshener?
Yep, instead of tossing them in the trash, you can actually use them to freshen up your space—and it’s super easy!
After brewing your coffee, just collect the used grounds and let them dry completely. Once they're nice and dry, pop them into a small bowl and place it anywhere that could use a little deodorizing—think musty corners, smelly closets, or that spot near the trash can.
If you’re like me and love cooking (especially fish!), you know how strong food smells can linger. Coffee grounds are great at absorbing odors, so they’re perfect for the kitchen. You can also tuck some into paper bags and hang them in the bathroom, in your car, or even inside your shoes if you’re feeling bold!
The best part? This DIY air freshener is all-natural, non-toxic, and basically free—just one more reason to love your morning cup of coffee.
6. Baking soda air fresheners
Want to remove pesky pet odors naturally? Baking soda works wonders in a wide range of odor issues, including stinky carpets caused by pet accidents, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. Simply pour some baking soda onto the offending area, whether it's stinky shoes or carpet, and let it sit right there until the powder absorbs the foul scent.
You could level it up by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to baking soda and placing the mixture in a jar covered with a light fabric. Place the air freshener in any area that needs a scent touch-up, including your bathroom and laundry area.
7. White vinegar
You can also make a homemade and natural air freshener with white vinegar. White vinegar is known for its anti-microbial properties, allowing it to combat foul smells. All you have to do is pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray at stinky areas. Vinegar may have a strong scent initially, but it should go away soon.
You can also mix vinegar, water, and essential oil and use them as a room freshener.
8. Scented wax melts
Scented wax melts to make your home smell amazing! Simply put wax melts in your preferred scent on the wax warmer and wait for the amazing scent to waft inside your whole room or house. You can make your own wax melts to ensure that they are chemical-free and non-toxic by using natural products like beeswax and organic coconut oil.
9. Stovetop potpourri
Lend your home an irresistible delicious scent by making a stovetop potpourri or simmer pot. This natural air freshener will make your home smell like it's Christmas. Simply feel a pot with water and add sliced oranges and lemons, apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary, and vanilla extract. Leave the pot simmering and let it fill the house with an amazing scent.
10. Pomander balls
Pomander balls are traditional natural air fresheners that are more popular among the older generation, and for good reason. Pomander balls are cheap and easy to make, and they are non-toxic, so they're safe for everyone.
To make pomander balls, simply poke an orange or lemon and insert cloves into those holes. Hang the fruit and leave it to dry, and it will release its Christmas-y scent. Pomander balls are excellent air fresheners and make amazing holiday decor.
Natural Air Fresheners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I use as a natural air freshener?
You can easily make a home smell nice by putting some fresh flowers in a vase. Or, you could use a natural air freshener spray with your preferred scent.
How can I make my house smell nice naturally?
Foul scents are indicators of germs and bacteria, so tackle the root cause and don't just mask the stink. Clogged sinks, food leftovers and spills, garbage cans, and pet urine are some of the common causes of foul odors at home. Clean up as soon as you spot them.
Also, make sure to do your laundry regularly, as dirty clothes can make your room smell bad. Air out your home by opening doors and windows and deodorizing shoes and bed mattresses.
Final Thoughts
You don't have to spend a lot on commercial plug-ins or sprays to keep your home smelling fresh. In fact, tackling unwanted odors can be affordable and simple with just a few natural ingredients. Baking soda, essential oils, and white vinegar are my go-to choices for quick and effective homemade air fresheners. They're easy to use, budget-friendly, and completely safe for my family.
Ready to give it a try? I'm sure you'll love the fresh, clean scent in your home as much as I do!
