DIY Air Fresheners That Don’t Stink (Literally or Figuratively)
Sniff test: failed. You know that moment when you walk into a room, and it smells “good” but chemically? Like a mix of overpowering florals, too ripe citrus, or a headache waiting to happen? Yeah, me too. I love having a nicely scented home and car, but when I started looking at labels on my purchases with a critical eye, I found that most “air fresheners” don’t really freshen and are often harmful.
Turns out, traditional air fresheners are more about masking odors than eliminating them — and they do it using a not-so-fresh cocktail of chemicals that aren’t great for us, our pets, or the planet. The good news? You can whip up your own natural air fresheners that smell amazing and actually do the job.
Let’s break down what’s in those store-bought sprays — and what to use instead.
Why Conventional Air Fresheners Kinda Stink
Here’s the dirty truth: most mass-market air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — a fancy way of saying “chemicals that easily become airborne.” These include things like formaldehyde, phthalates, benzene, and synthetic fragrances. Studies from the Environmental Working Group have shown that these ingredients can cause or worsen health issues like asthma, hormone disruption, headaches, and even cancer with long-term exposure. Yikes.
Also? A 2020 peer-reviewed study published in Building and Environment found that emissions from fragranced consumer products can react with indoor air to form secondary pollutants like formaldehyde — even if the original product didn’t list it as an ingredient.
And get this: manufacturers in the U.S. aren’t required to disclose all fragrance ingredients, so “fragrance” on a label could mean dozens (or hundreds) of undisclosed chemicals.
In short: That lavender-scented spritz might be doing more than just clearing the air — it might be polluting it.
So… What Can You Use Instead?
Natural DIY air fresheners are a safer, cheaper, and way more customizable way to freshen your space. These recipes rely on essential oils, herbs, vinegar, and other pantry staples — no mystery ingredients, no fake-out scents.
Let’s get into a few of my go-tos, tested and tweakable depending on your vibe.
1. Home Sweet Home Spray
Use it: Anywhere in your house — bedrooms, bathrooms, linens, closets.
Smells like: A spa, but one that lets you wear sweatpants.
You’ll need:
1/2 cup distilled water
2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol (helps the scent linger)
15–20 drops essential oils (try lavender + eucalyptus or lemon + rosemary)
Spray bottle (Bonus points for recycling a bottle previously used)
How to make it: Combine all ingredients in the bottle, shake well, and mist around your space. Store in a cool, dark spot and shake before each use.
Field Tip: Essential oils like tea tree, clove, and lemon have antibacterial properties, so they’re not just covering up funk — they’re fighting it.
2. Toilet Spray à la “Poo-Pourri”
Use it: Pre-flush, pre-houseguest panic.
Smells like: You were never in there.
You’ll need:
1/2 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin or castile soap (helps create a film on the water’s surface)
Small spray bottle (remember to recycle)
How to make it: Mix it all in a spray bottle and shake it up. Before doing your business, spray directly into the toilet bowl — it forms a scented barrier that traps odors under the surface.
3. Car Freshener that Doesn’t Smell Like a Gas Station
Use it: In your cupholder or under a seat.
Smells like: You just detailed your car.
You’ll need:
1 small mason jar
Baking soda
10–15 drops essential oil (peppermint + orange is great for alert driving)
A piece of fabric or paper with holes (like coffee filter or muslin)
Rubber band or lid with holes
How to make it :Fill the jar halfway with baking soda. Add your oils and stir to combine. Cover with your breathable lid or fabric, secure it, and place it in your car. Shake occasionally to refresh the scent.
4. Stovetop Simmer Magic
Use it: When you want your kitchen to smell like fall.
Smells like: Martha Stewart’s kitchen.
You’ll need:
A small pot
Water
Sliced citrus (lemons, oranges)
Herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise)
How to make it: Add everything to a pot, cover with water, and bring to a simmer. Let it steam for as long as you’re around to watch it (and keep topping off with water as needed).
The Scent of Something Better
Swapping synthetic air fresheners for natural DIY versions isn’t just about the vibe — it’s about health, transparency, and feeling good in your space. You get to choose what’s in the air around you, and that’s pretty empowering.
