DIY Air Freshener with Essential Oils (2025)
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Making a homemade air freshener with essential oil & baking soda is SUPER simple, cheap, eco-friendly & a much better natural option.
After trying this DIY recipe and seeing how great it is, you will hopefully get inspired to ditch the toxic store-bought air fresheners.
Let’s jump right in!
What’s wrong with conventional air fresheners?
Air fresheners emit a range of hazardous air pollutants. (1) Even at low-level exposures, air fresheners are associated with a range of negative effects, such as: (1)
- Migraine headaches
- Asthma attacks
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Dizziness or nausea
- Hormonal disruption and reproductive harm
Many popular brands also contain phthalates, which are linked to birth defects and hormone disruption. (1) Others release formaldehyde and benzene, both of which are known carcinogens. (1, 2)
The scariest part? Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all ingredients, meaning you often have no idea what’s actually inside the product you’re spraying around your home, your kids, and your pets.
Despite claims like “natural,” “pure,” or “green,” these terms are unregulated and often meaningless. After doing my research and reading ingredient labels from commercial brands, I was shocked to see just how many harmful substances were being used -many of them flagged as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxicants. (1, 2)
So, if you’re looking to clean up the air in your home without introducing harmful chemicals, making a homemade air freshener with essential oils is a far better (and safer) choice.
And if you prefer not to use oils, you can also create a homemade air freshener without essential oils using natural alternatives like citrus peels, herbs, or infused vinegar.
Safe, natural & effective: What you’ll need
Essential oils
They’re the star of this recipe, not just for scent but for their natural benefits. Any therapeutic-grade, high-quality product you have will work. Some great options:
- Lavender – relaxing (1)
- Lemon – calming, good for mood and headaches, odor-neutralizer (1)
- Peppermint – energizing, enhances memory & alertness (1)
- Rose – calming, reduces anxiety (1)
- Ylang ylang – calming (1)
- Tea tree – antibacterial, neutralizes odors
- Eucalyptus – immune function-enhancing (1)
- Patchouli – antibacterial (1)
- Cinnamon – antimicrobial (1)
- Rosemary, lavender, tea tree, orange – neutralize odors
Not into essential oils? You can still make this DIY air freshener without essential oils by swapping them out with more common, natural ingredients. Try:
- Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet scent.
- Lemon or orange juice – Offers a light citrus aroma (use fresh and store in the fridge).
- Cinnamon or clove powder – Add a pinch for a cozy, spicy touch (shake well before each use).
- Rose water or orange blossom water – Floral and refreshing, plus already water-based.
These won’t be as strong or long-lasting as essential oils, but they’ll still leave your home smelling clean and naturally fresh & toxic-free.
Alcohol
- Helps the oil and water mix
- Speeds up evaporation
- Prevents mold and bacteria
Use vodka (40%+) or, if preferred, witch hazel – just shake before use
Baking soda
- Neutralizes odors (doesn’t just mask them)
- Especially great for musty areas or bathrooms
- Keep the amount small to prevent residue.
Filtered or distilled water
To make your homemade air freshener with essential oils last longer and stay clean, use filtered or distilled water. If using boiled tap water, let it cool before adding essential oils – adding them too soon can cause the scent to evaporate.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Air Freshener (Step-by-Step)
This simple DIY air freshener with essential oils takes just 5 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup (350 ml) filtered water
- 8-10 drops lavender essential oil
- 8-10 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 1 tbsp baking soda (15g)
- 2 tbsp vodka (11 ml)
- A reusable spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water in a bowl or jar.
- Add your alcohol and stir.
- Once the mixture cools (if heated), add your essential oils.
- Add the remaining water and stir or shake well.
- Transfer to your spray bottle using a funnel or paper cone.
- Shake well before each use.
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14 scent combinations to try
Experiment with these blends to suit your mood or season:
🌙 For relaxation
- Cedarwood + Rose
- Tangerine + Patchouli
😴 For better sleep
- Cedarwood + Lavender
- Lavender + Rose
🌿 For freshness
- Lemon + Tea Tree
- Lemon + Peppermint + Lavender
- Lemon + Rosemary
- Cinnamon + Clove + Tea Tree
🧠 For focus
- Rosemary + Peppermint
- Lavender + Bergamot
☀️ For energy
- Orange + Peppermint
- Rosemary + Lemon + Peppermint
- Orange + Lemon + Grapefruit
DIY Air Freshener With Essential Oils And Baking Soda
Homemade, non-toxic air freshener.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup (350 ml) filtered water
- 8-10 drops lavender essential oil
- 8-10 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 1 tbsp baking soda (15g)
- 2 tbsp vodka (11 ml)
- A reusable spray bottle
Instructions
- Add baking soda to a bowl, or a jar. Add a bit of water, and mix well.
- Add the vodka, then the essential oils, and lastly - the rest of the water.
- Once everything is mixed, transfer to a spray bottle.
If you have a funnel - use it! I didn't have one, so I had to improvise with a paper one (+spil a lot).
Notes
- Shake the bottle before each use for a few seconds.
- In this recipe, I added 16 drops of essential oil. If the smell is not strong enough - you can add a couple more drops. (up to 20-30 in total)
- Do not spray directly on clothes, wood, furniture, fabrics, curtains, or carpets.
- Use with caution around children, pets, and pregnant women.
FAQ
How does baking soda freshen the air?
Baking soda absorbs odors rather than masking them. A study found it reduced garbage odors by 70% when used in bins! (1)
How long will the spray last?
Stored away from heat and sunlight, your homemade air freshener with essential oils can last 4–6 months.
How long does the smell linger?
It depends on:
- Room size
- How much do you spray
- The essential oils used
Citrus oils fade faster; heavier oils (like patchouli) last longer.
Is it safe for pets?
No. Most essential oils can be toxic to cats, dogs, and birds. If you have pets, opt for a homemade air freshener without essential oils using herbs or citrus-infused vinegar instead.
Will it leave oily spots?
No, essential oils are different from fatty oils. The alcohol and water help them evaporate quickly.
Why is the spray cloudy?
Totally normal. It’s just the mix of ingredients reacting naturally. Nothing to worry about.
Final thoughts
This DIY air freshener with essential oils is easy, non-toxic, and fully customizable. Plus, it smells amazing.
It is a simple, budget-friendly way to ditch chemical sprays and freshen your home the natural way.
Got a question or favorite scent combo? Share it in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
The article offers a fantastic DIY recipe to make an air freshener without chemicals. Many thanks to Meri for encouraging a healthier way to keep our living areas smelling nice.