DIY Air Freshener: 5 Natural Air Freshener Recipes

DIY air fresheners are a simple and natural way to make any home smell as fresh and comforting as a garden after a rain.

While growing up, my grandmother never bought air freshener sprays or chemical fragrances. Instead, she’d walk into the kitchen, with a bunch of mint leaves she had just picked up from the terrace, and simmer them in a large pot of water on the stove. The mint scent would drift through every room. That was her version of a natural air freshener.

A sense of calm and comfort lingered long after the mint water cooled. That’s what I love about natural air fresheners; they make your space smell good but also make it feel good.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own homemade air freshener. It’s practical yet poetic, a tiny act of self-care for your home. Light floral notes, cozy spices, or zesty citrus, making your own DIY air freshener lets you fill your space with scents that reflect your mood and personality, without synthetic chemicals or artificial perfumes.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to create your own natural air fresheners at home, from refreshing sprays and baking soda jars to gentle essential oil blends. We’ll revisit my grandmother’s old mint-water method and explore a few modern twists that feel just as pure and nostalgic.

Why Make Your Own DIY Air Freshener at Home?

Most store-bought air fresheners are often packed with synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants, and chemicals that are quite harmful. They may smell “clean,” but they can irritate sensitive lungs, trigger allergies, or overwhelm your space.

When you make your DIY air freshener at home, you know exactly what’s in it and what isn’t. You can use natural ingredients like dried herbs, essential oils, citrus peels, or even baking soda to neutralize, absorb, and eliminate odors, rather than just covering them up. Even though it is not really about masking odors, it was about creating a feeling.

Just like my grandmother’s mint-water pot, a homemade air freshener transforms your space in a gentler, more intentional way. It’s not just about scent, it’s about wellness, sustainability, and care. You can tailor your blends to your lifestyle: lavender and chamomile for relaxation, lemon and peppermint for energy, or rosemary and eucalyptus for clarity.

Beyond the sensory pleasure, DIY air fresheners are:

• Non-toxic and eco-friendly: No harsh chemicals or synthetic perfumes.

• Budget-friendly: Most recipes cost less than a few dollars to make.

• Customizable: You can adjust every note and intensity to your liking.

• Sustainable: Reuse glass bottles and jars instead of disposable sprays.

And perhaps best of all, it’s deeply personal. Your scent becomes part of your home’s story, just like mint water was part of mine.

Essential Ingredients for Natural Air Freshener

Most DIY air fresheners follow a simple structure: a base, a scent, and an optional enhancer to help the fragrance linger. Once you get these basics, you can experiment endlessly, creating everything from bright citrus sprays to soft, herbal diffusers.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Oils: The heart of your air freshener. Choose pure, high-quality oils, think lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, or sweet orange. Each one has its own personality: citrus brightens, florals calm, and herbs refresh.

Base Liquid: Distilled water, witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vodka works beautifully as a carrier for sprays. The base helps the scent disperse evenly into the air.

Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer, perfect for jar air fresheners in bathrooms or closets.We use this one.

Fresh Ingredients (Optional): Herbs like mint or rosemary, citrus peels, or even flower petals add a sensory touch.

Containers: Recycled glass spray bottles, mason jars, or small bowls for gel or baking soda blends.

How to Make DIY Air Freshener: 5 Easy Recipes

Below, I’m sharing five of my favorite natural air freshener recipes, from my grandmother’s classic mint freshener to some rich in holiday-inspired citrus and spices. These DIY Air Freshener recipes include options for a non-toxic air freshener, a DIY room spray, and a homemade air freshener with baking soda.

Fresh Mint & Lemon DIY Air Freshener

Bright, invigorating, and reminiscent of a sunlit spring garden, this DIY air freshener blends fresh peppermint and lemon for a crisp, uplifting scent. Inspired by my grandmother’s homemade air freshener, the aroma of mint still brings back memories of my childhood home, with curtains fluttering in the breeze.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water

• 20-22 fresh peppermint leaves (or 15 drops peppermint essential oil)

• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt

• 1 thin slice of lemon

Instructions:

1. Pour distilled water into a small pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Add peppermint leaves (or essential oil), salt, and lemon slice. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes to release a fresh, garden-like aroma.

3. Remove from the stove and let it sit until it cools down.

4. Pour into a spray bottle for a DIY air freshener spray, or into a small jar to place in a room corner. Mist lightly to refresh your space naturally.

Shelf life & storage:

• Use within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.

• Store in the refrigerator to preserve the scent longer.

This homemade air freshener is perfect for spring mornings, post-cooking refreshes, or any time your home needs a natural, uplifting boost.

Holiday Spiced Citrus Natural Air Freshener

Perfect for winter holidays or cozy evenings, this non-toxic air freshener fills your home with festive scents of citrus, cinnamon, and rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 1 sliced lemon

• 1 sliced orange

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 rosemary stalks

• 5 whole cloves

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extrac

• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all your ingredients except the vanilla extract in a pot with water.

2. Boil for about 5 minutes, then add the vanilla extract.

3. Simmer gently over low heat for 20-30 minutes to allow the scents to mingle.

4. Remove your freshener from the heat and pour it into a decorative jar, or leave it simmering on the stove to scent your home naturally.

Shelf life & storage:

• Best used fresh while warm.

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat gently before use.

This homemade air freshener is my favorite to use during family gatherings and holiday parties.

Lavender & Baking Soda DIY Air Deodorizer

For bathrooms, closets, or laundry areas, this homemade room deodorizer with baking soda neutralizes odors while releasing a soft floral fragrance.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup baking soda

• 2 tablespoons dried lavender

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• ½ teaspoon Himalayan salt

Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda, dried lavender, and Himalayan salt in a small bowl.

2. Gradually add vinegar while stirring until slightly damp.

3. Place in a jar, small mesh sachet, or open container in the desired area to absorb odors and refresh your home naturally.

Shelf life & storage:

• Refresh every 1-2 weeks for maximum effect.

• Keep in a cool, dry place.

Rubbing Alcohol Essential Oil DIY Air Freshener Spray

This crisp, antiseptic essential oil air freshener is perfect for high-traffic areas or rooms that need a quick refresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol

• 1 cup distilled water

• 10-15 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, or mint)

Instructions:

1. Combine your alcohol, distilled water, and essential oils in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well to mix.

3. Mist lightly around rooms, fabrics, or surfaces for a clean, refreshing scent.

Shelf life & storage:

• Lasts up to 6 months.

• Store in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight.

This DIY air freshener spray is ideal for fast, safe, and effective odor control in your home or office.

Dried Creosote Natural Air Freshener

A subtle, earthy scent that works well in kitchens, bathrooms, or showers. The creosote releases its fragrance naturally, making this a gentle, non-toxic air freshener.

Ingredients:

• Small bundle of dried creosote

• 1 cup distilled water

Instructions:

1. Hang the dried creosote near a shower, in a bathroom, or above the stove.

2. Lightly mist distilled water around it to release the scent.

3. Do not boil or immerse the creosote in water to preserve its aroma.

Shelf life & storage:

• Replace dried creosote every 2–3 weeks.

• Store unused bundles in a cool, dry, airtight container.

This natural air freshener offers a subtle, lasting aroma that complements your home’s atmosphere without synthetic fragrances.

Tips for Using DIY Air Fresheners Safely

• Spray-based DIY air fresheners can be used safely around people, but ensure the essential oils are pet-safe.

• Substituting essential oils for fresh leaves or dried herbs helps create a diy air freshener without essential oils that’s safe for animals.

• Boiling or warming scented water should always be done gently to avoid overpowering aromas or accidental spills.

These easy-to-follow DIY air freshener recipes show you how to make natural air fresheners for the home, from a refreshing DIY room spray and a homemade air freshener with baking soda to a gentle simmer on the stove. Using simple, non-toxic air freshener ingredients and the best essential oils for DIY air freshener, you’ll have everything you need to create your own homemade scents.

Dried Herbs and Essential Oils for DIY Air Fresheners

Essential oils, or their dried natural counterparts for an even simpler touch, are at the heart of every DIY air freshener. The right blend can instantly transform the scent of a room and create a calm, cozy, or bright atmosphere.

Below are some of my favorite natural dried herbs and essential oil air freshener blends to match your mood or the season. Feel free to experiment, mix, and make them your own.

Relaxing Blend (Lavender + Chamomile)

For evenings when you want to unwind, this blend creates a spa-like calm that melts stress away.

Best for: Bedrooms, meditation corners, or winding down before bedtime.

How to use: Add 9 drops of lavender and 6 drops of chamomile essential oil to your DIY air freshener spray or diffuser. You can also add dried lavender buds and chamomile flowers for a gentle, natural touch.

Tip: Pair with soft lighting and a cozy blanket for an instant relaxation ritual.

Energizing Blend (Lemon + Peppermint)

Perfect for mornings or workdays, this refreshing natural air freshener will wake up your senses and clear your mind.

Best for: Kitchens, home offices, or workout spaces.

How to use: Mix 8 drops of lemon essential oil with 5 drops of spearmint or peppermint essential oil. Use lemon slices, lemon peel, or fresh mint leaves for a natural burst of brightness.

Why it works: Lemon clarifies and uplifts while peppermint invigorates, helping you stay focused and refreshed.

Cozy Blend (Vanilla + Cinnamon)

This is my go-to blend for fall and winter, or anytime I want to create a comforting, warm atmosphere.

Best for: Living rooms, reading nooks, or holiday gatherings.

How to use: Combine 7 drops of vanilla essential oil with 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil. For a natural alternative, try using vanilla extract and cinnamon sticks instead.

Scent profile: Think freshly baked cookies and soft hugs. It’s perfect for family movie nights or lazy Sundays.

Fresh & Clean (Eucalyptus + Tea Tree)

If you love that crisp, clean-home smell, this is the ultimate non-toxic air freshener option.

Best for: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, or after deep cleaning.

How to use: Blend 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 4 drops of tea tree oil in your spray or stovetop mix. Add dried eucalyptus or tea tree leaves for the natural version.

Tip: These oils are naturally purifying and antimicrobial, but remember that concentrated oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can be toxic to certain pets.

Tips to Make Your DIY Air Freshener Last Longer

Because natural ingredients don’t contain synthetic preservatives, homemade air fresheners may fade faster, but these simple tips help extend their freshness.

Use distilled water: Regular tap water contains minerals that can lead to bacterial growth. Distilled water keeps your spray fresher longer.

Add a splash of alcohol: Alcohol or vodka helps disperse oils evenly and acts as a natural preservative.

Store in dark glass bottles: Amber or cobalt glass protects essential oils from light damage and extends shelf life.

Shake before each use: Oils and water separate naturally, so always shake before spraying.

Refresh weekly: For baking soda or dried herb blends, stir or replace them weekly to maintain fragrance.

Keep away from sunlight and heat: Store in a cool, dry place.

These small habits help your DIY air fresheners last longer, keeping your home beautifully scented and toxin-free.

FAQs About Homemade Air Fresheners

How long do DIY air fresheners last?

Most DIY air fresheners last between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the ingredients and storage conditions. Homemade Air Fresheners made with baking soda or dried herbs can last longer if kept dry and stored properly. Simmer pot recipes should be used within a few days.

Can I make air fresheners without essential oils?

Yes! You can use natural ingredients like citrus peels, herbs, or spices. Mint, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and dried lavender all release fragrance beautifully when simmered or warmed. This option is great if you have pets or sensitivities.

Are homemade air fresheners safe for pets?

They can be, but choose ingredients wisely. Stick to pet-safe options like lavender, rosemary, and vanilla. Avoid using peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree essential oils, as they can be damaging or toxic to pets in concentrated form. Always consult your vet if unsure.

How do I make an air freshener with baking soda and vinegar?

A basic recipe mixes ½ cup of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 12-14 drops of essential oil in a small, open jar. Place it in closets, bathrooms, or the kitchen to naturally absorb odors.

What are the best essential oils for DIY air fresheners?

Lavender, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and vanilla are classic choices. Lavender calms, citrus energizes, and peppermint refreshes, but you can customize blends to match your mood or the season.

Final Thoughts On DIY air freshener

Your home, like your mood, changes with the seasons, energy, and rhythm of daily life. What feels refreshing in summer might feel too sharp in winter, and that’s the beauty of making your own DIY air freshener. You can adjust the scents, ingredients, and blends to suit your space and your spirit.

I hope these DIY air freshener recipes bring a little extra warmth, freshness, and calm into your home. If you enjoy crafting your own natural products, you’ll love exploring our DIY dry shampoo and DIY scalp scrub made with simple, non-toxic ingredients.

Pin this article to save it for later so you can revisit your favorite air freshener blends anytime. And if you’ve tried your own recipe or have a signature scent that makes your home feel like you, share it in the comments. I’d love to keep this mindful home ritual going together.

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Let us know in the comments how your air freshener turned out and which blend you loved most!

Besitos,

Laura