Do you love to use air freshener? It smells great, but can be bad for your health. Learn to make all-natural homemade air freshener that will leave your home smelling sweet.
This post uses affiliate links. They don't cost you a thing and help us bring you green cleaning tutorials. Read more in Policies & Disclosures.
I love a fresh smelling room and used to be a store-bought room freshener addict. A quick spritz after cooking a meal, before company came over, or as a last step to housecleaning made me feel like my home was clean and fresh. I was spraying it ALL THE TIME…
Until I began to learn more about the toxic chemicals in many household products. I checked out my favorite Febreze's ratings on the Environmental Working Group consumer guide and found out that most of their products score a D or F for "significant hazards to health or the environment."
I was shocked to find out what was I spraying around my home and decided to never use commercial air freshener.
Dangerous Homemade Alternatives
Online recipes for homemade fresheners usually contain a dangerous mixture of fabric softener and water. This mixture replaces one health hazard with another health hazard!
Both commercial air freshener and homemade air freshener with fabric softener can:
- Act as hormone disruptors.
- Cause asthma to develop in healthy people.
- Cause cancer in humans.
How to Make Room Freshener with Essential Oils
The best homemade room refresher is simple: water, vodka, and essential oils.
I often use vodka to clean around my house (it’s in my homemade Window Cleaner and natural Lemon Disinfectant Spray Cleaner). Vodka is a great cleaner because:
- It leaves no scent when used in natural cleaners.
- It leaves no residue (like the baking soda found in some homemade refresher sprays).
- It is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, and it’s a natural deodorizer.
- Alcohol emulsifies essential oils into an evenly diluted spray that does not need shaking.
- Cheap generic vodka cleans as well as more expensive brands.
Homemade Air Freshener Recipe
Mix together in a glass spray bottle mix:
- 1 cup distilled water
- ½ cup vodka (use a bottom shelf, cheap version)
- 10 drops to ½ tsp. essential oil of your choice
Shake to combine.
Room Freshener Scent Combinations
Start with 5-10 drops of essential oil and add more until the desired level of scent is reached. My favorite scent combinations:
- Zen Spa – 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil
- Sleepy Time/Relaxation – 10 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil
- Floral Dream – 8 drops ylang ylang or lavender essential oil, 8 drops jasmine essential oil
Free Printable Labels
Dress up your homemade cleaner with a free printable label or a DIY vinyl sticker. (Have a vinyl cutting machine? Get the SVG cut file here.)
 |  |
Like my green cleaning tips? Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a thing!
C Saat says
Hi, just wondering if the vodka makes fabrics more flammable.
Bren says
The alcohol evaporates as the refresher dries; however you should use caution with all fabrics near a flame whether they are dry or damp!
Orly says
Is it safe to use with children in the house? Since it has vodka in it?
Bren says
Orly, the vodka evaporates as the solution dries so I feel comfortable using it in our home with pets and children. Of course, you should always do what works for your family. Also, the spray should never be sprayed on children on pets or inhaled.
JODY Russell says
I use witch hazel as an alternative to vodka
Diane Howard says
Thank you as I keep Witch Hazel for my scalp, skin, and cleaning whereas I don’t drink.
Bre says
Me too
Nathaniel says
I used a combination of 3 parts water, 1 part vodka and 10 or so drops of lemon oil in my teenage sons room to get rid of the smell.
I mixed in a glass bowl and let sit for a week in the room.
There was a visible residue growing in the bowl on the surface of the solution.
Any idea as to what that would be?
The smell in the room was gone with 24 hrs.
Bren says
Standing water in a warm location provides an ideal environment for mildew or mold growth (the reason laundry smells if left wet in the washer for an extended time), so I suspect that was the growth. When you spray the solution lightly it dries quickly so there is not a moist environment to encourage fungal growth. If you want to leave a bowl to absorb odors I would recommend placing a bowl of baking soda, a bowl of dry coffee rounds or a bag of activated charcoal.
or activated charcoal.
MJP says
Thanks for recipe. If I buy vodka in the u.k it would be in drinkable alcohol form so presumably best to buy an ethanol product rather than uk sold vodka? Although I could have a drink whilst cleaning but maybe woudn’t get much cleaning done! Thanks for clarifying.
Bren says
I use vodka (the type purchased for drinking) because most of the rubbing ethyl alcohol sold in the U.S. has denaturants added to it (i.e. acetone, denatonium benzoate, methyl isobutyl ketone). Vodka is simply ethanol cut with water.
Mrs Rogers says
Hiya
What kind of ratio would I use for a 500ml bottle?
Bren says
250 ml water, 120 ml vodka, 10 drops to ½ tsp. essential oil of your choice
Christina Lo says
Can I use white vinegar instead of the alcohol?
Bren says
Yes, but your spray will have a vinegar odor.
Lisa says
Thank you for this easy diy recipe. I’ve made several fabric refresher sprays and they all clog up the spray bottle, so perhaps this one without the baking soda won’t do that. Quick question…does it have to be a glass bottle? I have several plastic spray bottles I’ve saved that I’d like to utilize if possible. I would be spraying this on our actual clothing (armpit areas, etc.) to lengthen time between washes. Do you think this spray would be safe for that use?
Bren says
You can use whatever spray bottle you have on hand. I like to use glass when possible to prevent any possible plastic leaching,
Virginia says
I’m new to the DIY scene and have a question. Would just the alcohol and water kill odors around the house. My husband can’t tolerate the aroma of essential oils or actually scents of any kind.
Bren says
Yes, just using the acohol (no essential oils) will help eliminate odors.
LT says
Does the plastic spray bottle degrade over time with oil in it?
Bren says
I use a glass spray bottle and have not had trouble with the plastic stem degrading.
Jawwad says
HI,……….what is the alternative of vodka.
Bren says
You can use any plain Ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Ethanol is sold as vodka or grain alcohol in the United States. Other types of denatured alcohol (non-drinkable) are available in the U.S. including isopropanol (rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol). However, substituting other alcohols for the ethanol in this recipe will result in a cleaner that contains additional ingredients that could be dangerous to inhale and may not be safe on all surfaces.
vanessa says
hi so essential oils will NOT damage fabrics? I ruined the finish on my piano once when I was a child, by placing one of those scent sachet envelopes on top of it, and the oils ruined it. also, a dropped oil diffuser in the bathroom permanently ruined my hardwood floor in that area. have also ruined metal vents by spraying oil mixture on them. so I’m super eager to spray this all over my sofa, but you can see why I’m very cautious….
Bren says
EOs and fragrance oils can be very corrosive to wood finishes if they are not diluted. A few drops of EO in a mixture has never damaged any of my fabric surfaces. f you are nervous I would spot test in a inconspicuous area. I advise people to do only what they are comfortable doing!
Caelin says
I’m under 21 and can’t buy vodka, can I use rubbing alcohol?
Bren says
Yes, but it will change the scent.
April says
Can I add baking soda to this recipe?
Bren says
I do not add baking soda as it will eventually leave a gritty film.
Terii says
Can I use this on my clothes? I spend all day in a classroom filled with people with bad body oder. If i can smell myself not them.
Thank you
Bren says
Yes, you can use it on washable, natural fabrics (like cotton). I would use it on a clay necklace or bracelet diffuse to be safe.
Tk says
Could isopropyl alcohol be used instead of vodka?
Bren says
Yes, but it will change the scent.
Mitch Berkowitz says
can you use a plastic spray bottle?
Bren says
Yes, but you should use on rated for cleaners to prevent leaching.
Sylwia says
For how long can this mixture be used? When does it “expire”?
Bren says
I’ve kept it for quite some time (months and months). Through out if it start to smell different or off or becomes cloudy.
Tcnicky says
I am looking for one that will also leave a nice smell. Will this one leave a smell? Would I need to add more oil? Thanks
Bren says
Yes, it leaves a nice odor.
Stephanie Pajonk says
for the room freshner scent combinations – is it still made with the alcohol, water and EO? Is it just being left out in a jar or simmered on the stove??
Bren says
It is made with the alcohol, water and EO.
Brenda says
Is there anyway to make a room fresher without the alcohol. Alcohol is illegal here in Kuwait.
Bren says
I would use a carpet refresher or use an essential oil diffuser.
Zoe Lim says
What happens if you leave out vodka and only use water + EO?
Bren says
The EOs will not combine with water alone.
Iwona says
I don’t have distilled water at this moment at home, can I use tap or boiled water or a bottled water? Thanks
Bren says
Yes, you can use tap water! Good luck!
Nikki p says
HI could you substitute a flavored vodka?
Bren says
Nikki, I’ve never use flavored vodka so I’m not sure how it would work. Let me know if you try!
Michelle Leemhuis says
What is the shelf-life on your fabric spray? Thanks – can’t wait to try it out!
Bren says
The vodak/water spray will last months and months (I’ve never had it go bad). The cornstarch spray will last about a month if stored in a cool place. Hope you enjoy!
reem says
hi Bren,
we are non alcoholic family and i want to use an everyday disinfectant spray on kitchen n bathroom counter tops which are of granite.could you please suggest an alternative for vodka good on marble / granite tops as well.
Thanks & best regards,
Remeen
Bren says
Reem, you can use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide in place of the vodka.
Abby says
Can fragrance warming oil be used in place of essential oils?
Bren says
Yes, but I do not recommend using artificial scents in your home because they can damage your health.
Doreen says
I made air freshener but it is staining my tiles so what can I do so that it will stop staining the floor
Bren says
I’m not sure what would cause the staining. I’ve never had that problem. I would check your ingredients.
Dee Free says
Hi! One of our cars smells like some kind of Febreze or cheap, scented air freshner. I think it has penetrated into the fabric seats. I’ve tried airing the car out, to no avail. The smell makes me feel sick. I’d like to eliminate it, not just spray a cover-up odor on top of it. Do you think this fabric freshener would work on that?
Thanks very much!
Bren says
It might help. I would try spraying the fabric with a mix of 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup rubbing alcohol (unscented, no additives) and let it dry overnight with the windows open (if possible) before adding more scent. Hope this helps! You can also buy charcoal odor neutralizers that can help absorb some of the odor.
Karen says
What strength vodka do you use?
Bren says
I generally use 80 proof. You can use everclear (which can be purchased at 95% alcohol by volume) or rubbing alcohol if you want the spray to be stronger. I have been happy with the 80 proof.
Donna Young says
I’m so happy that I found your recipe! I made some this weekend and it works brilliantly! I was fed up with the strong, chemical-like fragrances of the commercial products. This does a perfect job of freshening my home with a lovely, subtle herbal fragrance. (I made mine with lavender and thyme oil.) I will definitely pass this recipe along to my friends who want to go natural. Thanks again, Bren!
Bren says
I’m glad it was a success, Donna!
Patricia says
I want to try your Febreze recipe, but do you know any essential oil combinations that are safe for cats that still smell good?
Bren says
Patricia, I would check out this site for suggested EOs: http://www.animaleo.info/cats.html
Katelin says
I’ve read your article about making your own glass spray bottles, but where did you get the blue glass bottles?
Bren says
The blue glass bottles are from Amazon. You can get them here.
Marissa says
Thanks for the “recipe”! I just used it to freshen my house to be ready for showings while it’s on the market!
Bren says
Hooray! It’s perfect for keeping the house smelling fresh but not overly scented for prospective buyers!
Heather says
Recently I’ve read that certain essential oils can be life threatening to cats (and maybe other animals?) I was a bit surprised that this information wasn’t much openly warned about when promoting products like these. I love the idea of using something chemical free but if there’s truth to it’s effect on cats I’d need to be very careful which types of oil to use! Do you know much about these warnings? Is there truth to them in your opinion?
Bren says
Yes, essential oils can be very dangerous to cats. You can read more about it here: http://www.today.com/pets/essential-oils-danger-cats-warning-signs-look-t121300 . I would check the ASPCA guide to toxic and non toxic plants to see which oils are safe (www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants). As a side note, you can make the air freshener without the essential oils and it will still deodorize your room. Good luck!
KMF says
does spraying alcohol (vodka) room spray damage fabrics if used often and/or over time?
Thank you
Bren says
I’ve been using this fabric refresher spray and have never had any damage. You should spot test any fabrics if you are concerned.
Tammie says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I plan on making it today! Thank you also for providing the cut file for “Refresher Spray”. It’s so cute! Would you mind sharing the font your used for “Refresher”? I want to make more labels to match it. 🙂
Bren says
Thanks, Tammie. The font is called Honey Script.
Roby says
How long does the smell of eo lasts? I have been trying severalc combinations but they dont last too long, could you help?
Bren says
It should last for a few hours but will not last as long as a artificial scent. Have you seen my post about scenting your home with essential oils?
RJackson says
Is this recipe safe to use around the house when you have pets? I have an 11-year-old dog that loves to smell any and everything. I don’t plan to spray it on him but to spread it around the house, he might start to lick it.
Also, do you have a recipe for a pet odors? It’s more for the air then for furniture or carpet.
Bren says
If you dog does a lot of licking you want to make sure the essential oil you choose is safe for pets. You can read more here. You can also use just the water and vodka. This is the recipe I use for air freshener as well. Good luck!
Ana says
I love this and want to try it! Does the vodka or essential oils leave any stains on carpet or cloth?
Bren says
Thanks, Ana. I successfully used the homemade air freshener for years with no stains (I spray it on carpet, couches, throw pillows, etc). If you have delicate fabrics (silk, satin, etc) you should spot test. Hope this helps! -Bren
Leslie says
I use vinegar , water and tea tree oil , I do have a plastic spray bottle and have not yet had a problem with it .
Not only is it a great room refreshing combination but I also use it as a disenfecrant spray on counters and where food is prepped .
I get my tea tree oil at Costco , comes in a large bottle for under $15.00 canadian , lasts a long time . I use it with coconut oil for healing all sorts of bumps and bruses, it has a lovely aroma and doesn’t hang around after the job is done . ☺
Bren says
Great tips, Leslie. Thanks for sharing.
Megan says
Hi! Could you infuse the vodka like the vinegar with lemons?
Bren says
Yes, I do that in my Lemon Disinfectant Spray Cleaner.
Kylee Yavorsky says
I’m probably being overly skeptical and I know you’ve said it multiple times but I’m so nervous spraying vodka on my couch lol the vodka really has no smell when mixed with water and the EO’s? I just don’t want my house to smell like I spilt some booze everywhere.
Bren says
Vodka has a very faint odor, so when diluted and mixed with essential oils you smell only the essential oils. Think of it this way, vodka is ethanol. Ethanol is the alcohol that is used for making perfume. Whe you spray on perfume you don’t smell like alcohol. If you have doubts I would spray it on a towel first and then decide how you like the smell before smelling it on your furniture.
Dee says
Will the essential oils stain fabrics?
Bren says
I have never had a problem with staining, you should spot test if you have concerns about certain fabrics.
Felicia says
Do you have to use distilled water? Regular tap water wouldn’t work?
Bren says
You can use either distilled or regular tap water in this recipe.
Erin says
I’m excited to try this, but I’m wondering how big a batch to make. How long does this usually keep? I made way too much natural body scrub once and it went rancid.
Bren says
Since this is just water, vodka and essential oils it will not go bad. I make the full batch every few months and store it under my kitchen sink or bathroom counter. If you use a dark colored bottle it will help keep the essential oils smelling their best. If you have doubts just make a small batch by cutting the ingredients in half or thirds.
pcooley40 says
Found this post today and was just wondering if it is possible to use any of the many different “flavored” vodkas, such as lemon if you wanted your spray to have a lemon scent? Anybody try this?
Bren says
I’ve never tried using flavored vodka, but I think it may be better to use essential oils which are used for aromatherapy. The vodkas are flavored for taste not scent. You might not get as much aroma from the flavored vodka.
Kristin says
Sounds great! Where do you get your spray bottles?
Bren says
Kristin, I actually make my own spray bottles! You can get the instructions here: DIY Glass Spray Bottles.
Leigh says
We are an “alcohol free” home. Any substitute for the vodka?
Bren says
Leigh, you can use white vinegar or witch hazel in place of vodka. The vinegar may smell a bit at first, but it dries odorless leaving just the essential oil fragrance.
Ashley says
Excited to try this! What brand are your spray bottles? And where did u get them?
Bren says
Thanks Ashley! I actually make my own glass spray bottles. You can read the tutorial here.
Elena Lescano says
Why not alcohol instead of vodka?
Bren says
Elena, I assume you are asking about rubbing alcohol? I prefer to use vodka because it is simply water and ethanol. Rubbing alcohol is ethanol, water, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, flavoring to make it taste bad and/or artificial coloring and artificial fragrance. I prefer to avoid all the additives in rubbing alcohol. In addition, rubbing alcohol smells bad when sprayed and the vodka is almost odorless allowing the essential oils to be smelled.
Nicole says
Rubbing alcohol is not usually ethanol. It’s more commonly isopropyl alcohol and is not suitable for consumption. Isopropyl alcohol is a bacteriostatic, and is used in labs at a 70% concentration, so if you wish to use rubbing alcohol in place of the vodka that is okay but make sure it is at around a 70% concentration in your final solution (meaning usually you have to buy the special 91% isopropyl alcohol rubbing alcohol at the drugstore and dilute). 70% has been found to be the most effective concentration of isopropyl alcohol. Source: clinical diagnostics lab tech (lots of bodily fluids 🙂 )
Bren says
Thanks for the comments, Nicole! Yes rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol and/or ethanol plus additives, the mixture is sometime referred to as denatured alcohol. I prefer to use vodka since it does not contain any of the additives found in rubbing alcohol.
Tiffany says
This recipe looks awesome! Already bought the vodka! My car smells like my dog and i want to use this on the floor fabric behind the back seat, but I have leather seats. If some accidentaly gets on my seats, do you think it can cause any damage to the leather? Also, do u think this can be used on hard surfaces as a sanitizer?
Thank you!!!
Bren says
Thanks Tiffany! I have not used the spray on leather so I am not certain of the results. I frequently spray it in my living room near my leather chair and have had no issues. Yes, it can also be used on hard surfaces as a sanitizer. I would stick to no-porous surfaces such as ceramic tile or countertops. I would not use it on wood. Hope this helps!
Katy Lawler says
I love, love, love this spray. I have almost given up on a homemade air freshener that actually works. Thank you for this recipe.
Bren says
Thanks Katy! I love it too. I am so glad it works well for you.
Rosemary says
1. Is it okay to use a plastic spray bottle? Will the EO break down the plastic? 2. Would Witch Hazel be as effective as vodka?
Bren says
Rosemary, if you want to use a plastic spray bottle I would mix a very small batch and use it up right away. The EO will break down the plastic if it is stored in a plastic bottle. I have never used witch hazel as a room deodorizer, it has a very strong odor and is not a deodorizer (it’s astringent) . I use vodka because it does not smell. If you do not want to use vodak and do not mind a subtle odor I would use white vinegar.
Hélène says
Get glass ones on amazon. Not too pricey if u buy six at a time of the 4oz ones.
Ashleigh says
Wow cant wait to try these, I havent made an air freshener spray in a while now. Thanks for the printables as well!
Bren says
You’re welcome! Thanks for the kind words!
Amanda says
Could you use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka! I’m Mormon, and although I have no problem buying the vodka, it would take me a long time to actually use up a bottle just using it in the air freshener.
Bren says
Yes, you could use rubbing alcohol but it will have an unpleasant odor and does not rate well on the EWG scale. If you are concerned about green cleaning I would use white vinegar. It will have a bit of a vinegar smell but it will dry without any odor. You could also look for a mini bottle of vodka if you are not opposed to buying alcohol. I do not drink the vodka I buy for cleaning, I use it in the Room Refresher, Spray Starch, Glass Cleaner, and Foot & Shoe Deodorizer.
Hélène says
I use vodka in my roller bottles too. Itll keep a long, long time. I have lots of different roller bottle blends and even singles to roll on. I make different scented room sprays too, one for the bathroom, one lavender, one citrus…
Bren says
Great ideas, Hélène.
RJackson says
Depending on The amount he needs, you could always buy the small bottles that they have at liquor stores. I bought one to make a natural deodorant years ago because I don’t drink and I didn’t need very much
Bren says
Thanks for the tip! I clean with vodka a lot so I buy a big cheap bottle for about $10 and store them under the sink with my cleaning supplies.
grablelisa says
Thanks for sharing. I really would like to drop Febreze. I think I’ll try grapefruit EO.
Bren says
Grapefruit would smell great! Since citrus EO is energizing it would give you a great pick me up too.
Christine says
Could this work well as a cleaner for windows, counter tops, etc? I’m pretty sure it would, but wanted to ask you before trying it.
Bren says
Yes, you can use it on counter tops, etc. You might want to reduce the amount of essential oils. Have you seen my Window Cleaner recipe?
Laura Sue Shaw says
Great idea! I never knew that about vodka. I’ll have to give this recipe a try now.. thanks for sharing!
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
This is a great idea! I love using essential oils but have never tried to make a air freshener spray before. This is something I’ll definitely have to try! 🙂
Bren says
Thanks Michelle! I also use EO to clean. I hope you like the spray!
Krista says
i love this idea–it’s so simple and I love that it’s non toxic. I can’t wait to try it!
Dawn says
This sounds like a great idea! Where can you buy essential oils?
Bren says
Good question, Dawn. I get some at a natural/health food store, some at the drugstore and some online at Amazon.com. They are lots of sources. I look for the words therapeutic or cosmetic grade to ensure they are natural, not knockoff chemicals. Here’s a link that gives some more tips on choosing EOs.
Dawn @ Reveal Natural Health says
I made this fabric refresher this week using wild orange essential oil. It works really well. My husband got excited when I told him I needed to buy cheap vodka for the house. I never realized he was so into natural cleaning products 😉
Bren says
Whatever gets him on board with natural cleaning, LOL! I hope you like the fabric refresher! My new favorite is eucalyptus and lavender, very spa like!