Real-life examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils

Everyday examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to the fun part: real examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils that you can mix up in minutes. We’ll build from a basic spray, then expand into more creative options. As you read, notice how each example of a recipe uses the same core building blocks—water, a carrier (like alcohol or baking soda), and a blend of essential oils.

Before we get into the recipes, a quick safety note: essential oils are highly concentrated. The U.S. National Institutes of Health points out that some people can experience skin or breathing irritation from strong fragrances, even natural ones (NIH). Always use them in moderation, keep them away from pets and kids, and make sure your space is well-ventilated.

Example of a simple room spray with essential oils

The first and easiest of our 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils is a basic room spray. This is your everyday workhorse: quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Here’s how it comes together in practice:

You grab a clean 8-ounce spray bottle, preferably glass. You fill it about three-quarters full with distilled or filtered water. Then you add 2 tablespoons of high-proof vodka or rubbing alcohol—this helps the essential oils disperse more evenly and extends the shelf life. Finally, you add 20–30 drops of essential oils total.

Fresh citrus blend (great for kitchens)
A real example of a bright, energizing spray:

• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops sweet orange
• 5 drops lime

Shake well before every use and mist into the air, away from faces and fabrics that stain easily. Citrus oils are popular examples of natural deodorizers because they cut through cooking smells and leave a clean, sunny scent.

Calming bedroom blend
Another example of a room spray, this time for winding down:

• 15 drops lavender
• 10 drops cedarwood
• 5 drops bergamot

This blend is cozy without being overpowering. Spray lightly on linens from a distance of at least 12 inches, or into the air 10–15 minutes before bed. The Mayo Clinic notes that lavender is commonly used in aromatherapy for relaxation and sleep support (Mayo Clinic).

In both of these examples of homemade room sprays, the method is the same—you just swap out the scent profile to match your mood or the season.

Gel jar freshener: another example of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils

If you want something you can set down and forget for a few weeks, a gel jar air freshener is one of the best examples of low-maintenance DIY. It looks like a little scented jelly and slowly releases fragrance into the room.

Here’s how a typical gel jar example works:

You heat 1 cup of water until it’s almost boiling. Stir in 1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) of unflavored gelatin until it dissolves completely. Add 1 tablespoon of salt (this helps prevent mold), then pour the mixture into a small glass jar. While it’s still warm, add 20–30 drops of your chosen essential oils and stir gently. Let it cool, then either leave the jar open or poke holes in a lid and screw it on.

Spa bathroom gel jar
Examples include blends like:

• 15 drops eucalyptus
• 10 drops peppermint
• 5 drops tea tree

Set this near (but not in) the shower for a fresh, spa-like feel. Just be careful with eucalyptus and peppermint around young children and pets; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends caution with strong menthol-like vapors for kids under 2 (HealthyChildren.org).

Cozy fall gel jar
Another example of a seasonal twist:

• 15 drops sweet orange
• 10 drops cinnamon leaf (not bark, which can be more irritating)
• 5 drops clove

This is one of the best examples of a warm, homey scent that feels like baked goods without actually firing up the oven.

These gel jars are great examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils that last longer than a quick spray—usually 2–4 weeks, depending on room temperature and airflow.

Reed-style diffuser example using upcycled jars

If you like the look of those store-bought reed diffusers but not the price or ingredients list, you can easily create your own version. This is another example of a hands-off air freshener that quietly works in the background.

You start with a small glass bottle or jar with a narrow opening. Fill it halfway with a light, neutral oil—fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil both work well. Add 30–40 drops of essential oils. Then place 5–8 reed sticks or even bamboo skewers (cut to size) into the bottle. Flip the sticks every few days to refresh the scent.

Clean laundry hallway diffuser
A real example of a fresh, “just washed” vibe:

• 20 drops lavender
• 10 drops lemon
• 10 drops rosemary

Holiday living room diffuser
Another example of a festive blend:

• 20 drops fir or pine
• 10 drops orange
• 10 drops cinnamon leaf

These reed-style jars are quiet examples of natural air fresheners that can sit on a shelf for weeks, making them one of the best examples for people who don’t want to remember to spray anything.

Baking soda air freshener jars: simple but powerful example of odor control

If you’re more worried about odors than “decor” fragrance, baking soda is your friend. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reducing sources of indoor air pollution and using safer cleaning options whenever possible (EPA). Baking soda plus essential oils is a nice example of that idea in action.

To make this, you fill a small jar halfway with baking soda. Add 15–25 drops of essential oils and stir well to break up any clumps. Cover the jar with a piece of breathable fabric or paper and secure it with a rubber band, or use a lid with holes punched in it.

Fridge deodorizer example

• 10 drops lemon
• 5 drops tea tree

Tuck this in the back of your fridge to help absorb food odors while adding a light, clean scent.

Closet or shoe cabinet jar
Examples include blends like:

• 10 drops lavender
• 10 drops peppermint

Just keep peppermint-based jars out of reach of pets, as some animals can be sensitive to strong mint oils.

These are some of the simplest examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils, and they’re perfect for small, enclosed spaces.

Stovetop simmer pots: cozy, low-waste examples of natural air fresheners

Simmer pots are one of my favorite real examples of natural air fresheners because they use scraps you might otherwise toss. They’re not long-term solutions, but for a few hours on a chilly afternoon, they transform the whole mood of your home.

You fill a small pot with water, then add fresh or dried ingredients plus a few drops of essential oils. Bring it to a gentle simmer on low heat and top up the water as needed.

Winter citrus simmer example

• Peels from 1–2 oranges or lemons
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5–8 drops orange essential oil

Spring herb simmer example

• A handful of fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1 sliced lemon
• 5–8 drops lemon or lemongrass essential oil

These simmer pots are wonderful examples of how to stretch ingredients and create a fresh scent without aerosols or sprays. Just remember to never leave the pot unattended on the stove.

Car and closet fresheners: portable examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils

So far, most of our examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils have been for rooms. But you can absolutely take the same idea on the road.

Car vent clip example
You can buy a plain, refillable car vent clip or make your own with a small felt pad clipped near the vent. Add 3–5 drops of essential oil to the felt and refresh as needed.

Examples include:

• For focus on commutes: 2 drops peppermint, 1 drop rosemary, 1 drop lemon
• For motion sickness-prone passengers: 2 drops ginger, 2 drops lemon (used lightly)

Drawer or closet sachet example
Fill a small cotton bag with baking soda or dried rice, then add 10–15 drops of essential oils. Tuck into drawers, gym bags, or linen closets.

Fresh laundry-style examples include:

• 10 drops lavender
• 5 drops eucalyptus (again, avoid for young kids’ rooms)

These portable options are great examples of low-waste, refillable alternatives to single-use synthetic car trees and plastic-heavy closet fresheners.

How these examples fit into a more sustainable home

All of these examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils share a few things in common: fewer mystery ingredients, less plastic packaging, and more control over what you’re breathing.

Many conventional air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and synthetic fragrances. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and may irritate eyes, nose, and throat in some people (EPA Indoor Air Quality). While “natural” doesn’t automatically mean harmless, using simple, transparent ingredients gives you the option to adjust or avoid scents that bother you.

If you’re just getting started, here are three of the best examples to try first:

• A citrus room spray for kitchens and bathrooms
• A lavender-based bedroom spray or reed diffuser
• A baking soda jar for closets or the fridge

Once you’re comfortable with those, you can branch out into gel jars, simmer pots, and car fresheners. The beauty of these examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils is that you’re never locked into one formula. You can tweak the number of drops, swap one oil for another, or create seasonal “house scents” that change throughout the year.

FAQ: Common questions about DIY air freshener examples

What are the best examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils at home?

Some of the best examples include a simple water-and-alcohol room spray, a baking soda deodorizing jar, and a reed-style diffuser with a light carrier oil. These three cover most needs: quick refresh, odor control, and slow, steady fragrance.

Can you give an example of a kid-friendly air freshener blend?

A gentle example of a kid-friendly blend (for older children, not infants) is 10 drops lavender and 10 drops sweet orange in an 8-ounce room spray. Always spray into the air, not directly on bedding or stuffed animals, and avoid strong oils like peppermint or eucalyptus in young children’s rooms.

Are these examples of DIY air fresheners safer than store-bought ones?

They can be, because you control the ingredients and can avoid synthetic fragrances and dyes. That said, “safer” doesn’t mean risk-free. Essential oils are potent. Follow dilution guidelines, keep them away from pets and children, and use them in well-ventilated spaces. For people with asthma or fragrance sensitivity, even natural scents can be irritating.

How long do these homemade air freshener examples last?

Room sprays usually last 1–2 weeks once mixed, especially if stored in a cool, dark place. Gel jars and reed diffusers can last 2–4 weeks. Baking soda jars are effective for about a month; after that, replace the baking soda. Stovetop simmer pots are short-lived examples—just for the day.

Do I have to use distilled water in these examples of sprays?

Distilled or filtered water is recommended because it has fewer minerals and contaminants, which can help your spray last longer and reduce the chance of cloudiness or odor changes over time. If you only have tap water, it will still work; just make smaller batches and use them up quickly.

If you experiment with these examples of 3 examples of making your own air freshener with essential oils, treat them like recipes: start with a basic formula, then adjust the scent blends until your home smells like you, not a factory-made “fresh linen” fantasy.