I love a fresh-smelling house as much as the next person, but I despise how much air fresheners cost. Studies showing they’re also toxic worry the heck out of me. I’d much rather prefer to make my own.
Not surprisingly, there are several homemade mixes you can whip up to give your house a fresh scent of your choosing. They’re inexpensive, can be customized to your taste, and don’t contain the toxic ingredients of their commercial counterparts. Here are three that I’ve used with success, although you should feel free to use the essential oils you most prefer.
Homemade Air Freshener #1
1.5 ounces of distilled water
1.5 ounces of cheap vodka*
20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils**
Homemade Air Freshener #2
1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
4 whole cloves
Homemade Air Freshener #3
2 cups hot water
1/8 cup baking soda
1/2 cup lemon juice (doesn’t have to be fresh)
To use any of these, simply add them to a spray bottle, shake, and mist the air. Be careful around delicate fabrics (i.e., silk) and leather since the oils may leave spots. Since essential oils can degrade quickly, store unused spray in the refrigerator. Shake well before your next use.
*I am morally opposed to using the “good stuff” in this instance, and prefer to save it for martinis.
**You don’t have to stick with just one oil, either. In the winter I use a mix of sage and orange oils, while spring and summer seem to call for lemon, grapefruit or rose.
Equipment You May Need:
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Very cool! I can’t wait to try these! I’m a new subscriber!
YAY! I like #2 in the fall and winter; the cloves and vanilla give the house such a warm, spicy smell.
I bought my spray bottle today, off to make #2 –only because I have no vodka on hand…I figured red wine wouldn’t have the same effect
LOL! Red wine would definitely *not* have the effect you’re looking for. On the other hand, if you drink enough of it you won’t care what the house smells like.
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