How to Make Your Own DIY Natural Air Fresheners

 


How to Make Your Own DIY Natural Air Fresheners

(Because your home doesn’t need to smell like “Mountain Breeze” from a chemical factory)

Walk down the cleaning aisle and you’ll see rows of aerosol sprays, plug-ins, and candles with names like “Ocean Escape” or “Spring Meadow.” The problem? Most of them contain synthetic chemicals, heavy plastic packaging, and questionable ingredients that linger in the air you breathe.

The alternative is simple, cheap, and far healthier: make your own natural air fresheners. They smell better, cost less, and won’t send mystery compounds floating around your living room.

Why Go DIY?

  • Commercial air fresheners can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to headaches and allergies.

  • Aerosol cans and plastic refills add to landfill.

  • Making your own lets you control ingredients and customise scents.

DIY Freshener Ideas That Work

1. Citrus Simmer Pot

  • Slice lemons, limes, or oranges.

  • Add to a pot of water with cloves, cinnamon, or rosemary.

  • Simmer gently on the hob for a natural, refreshing scent.

2. Essential Oil Spray

  • Mix 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons vodka (or rubbing alcohol), and 10–15 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.

  • Lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus oils work beautifully.

  • Shake before each use.

3. Baking Soda Jar

  • Fill a small jar with baking soda.

  • Add 10 drops of essential oil.

  • Cover with fabric or paper with holes poked in.

  • Perfect for cupboards, bathrooms, or near bins.

4. DIY Reed Diffuser

  • Mix ¼ cup carrier oil (almond, jojoba, or even safflower) with 15 drops of essential oil.

  • Pour into a small glass jar or bottle.

  • Insert bamboo skewers or reed sticks.

5. Coffee Grounds

  • Place used coffee grounds in a bowl or jar to absorb odours.

  • Ideal for fridges, cars, or anywhere that smells a little too lived-in.

Tips for Success

  • Experiment with combinations: lemon + rosemary, orange + clove, lavender + vanilla.

  • Use glass containers where possible — they’re reusable and safer with essential oils.

  • Keep out of direct sunlight to preserve scents longer.

Final Thought

A fresh home doesn’t need to rely on chemicals in brightly coloured bottles. With a few simple ingredients, you can make air fresheners that are healthier for your family, your wallet, and the planet. And if your house smells of citrus and coffee, no one will ever know you haven’t done the vacuuming.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Caffeine With a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee at Home

Image
  Caffeine With a Conscience: Sustainable Coffee at Home ( How to keep your brew strong but your footprint light ) For many of us, coffee is less a drink and more a survival mechanism. But behind every comforting cup is an industry that comes with a hefty environmental and social cost. From deforestation to exploitative labour , the true price of coffee can be far higher than what you pay at the till. The good news? You don’t have to give it up. You just need to drink it smarter. The Hidden Cost of Coffee Coffee production is linked to deforestation, water waste , and pesticide use . Global demand encourages intensive farming that depletes soils and biodiversity . Billions of single-use cups and pods end up in landfill every year. Your morning pick-me-up doesn’t have to be part of the problem. Choose Better Beans Look for certifications that mean something: Fairtrade : Farmers get a fairer deal. Rainforest Alliance : Supports biodiversity and sustainab...
Read more

Terracycling Explained: Because Some Plastics Just Won’t Die

Image
  Terracycling Explained: Because Some Plastics Just Won’t Die ( And yet somehow still end up in my cupboard ) We all know the recycling drill: bottles, cans, paper, cardboard. Simple enough. But then you’re left holding a crisp packet , a toothpaste tube , or that mysterious plastic wrapper that looks recyclable but definitely isn’t . Welcome to the world of Terracycle – where the plastics that haunt your kitchen finally get a second chance. 🧟 The Problem: Zombie Plastics Some plastics refuse to die. Local councils won’t take them because they’re: Mixed materials (foil + plastic = nightmare) Too lightweight to sort Too low-value to recycle profitably Result? Landfill . Incineration . Ocean. Repeat. 🧩 The Terracycle Solution Terracycle runs specialist recycling schemes for things that normally can’t be recycled: Crisp & snack packets Toothpaste tubes & brushes Coffee pods Make-up containers Rubber gloves Even cigarette butts (ye...
Read more

Shower Power – Saving Water Without Turning Into a Smelly Hippie

Image
  Shower Power – Saving Water Without Turning Into a Smelly Hippie ( Or: How Solar Hot Water Quietly Became the Unsung Hero of Sustainability ) Let’s talk about something personal. Steamy. Daily. Environmentally impactful. That’s right — your shower. Now, I’m all for reducing water use, but not if it means becoming one with your own scent . You’ll be glad to hear that saving water and energy doesn't require cold showers, fewer showers, or turning into a low-pressure dribble monk. Especially if — like us — you’ve tapped into the magic of the forgotten solar : solar hot water . 🌞 Why Solar Hot Water Deserves More Hype Everyone's talking about solar PV panels, battery storage, and smart meters. But solar thermal panels ? Hardly a whisper. Which is a shame, because: They’re cheaper to install They have fewer moving parts The return on investment (ROI) is often higher And they provide hot water for free from around March to October 🗨️ “Yes, our kettle i...
Read more