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.
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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 vinyl sticker (see the 2 options below). Both DIY versions are available to download in my free printable library.
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Dawn says
This sounds like a great idea! Where can you buy essential oils?
contactbrendid@gmail.com 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 😉
contactbrendid@gmail.com 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!
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!
Bren says
Thanks Krista! I love simple cleaners that I feel good about using around my family. Let me know how you like it!
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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christine says
I’m loving your ideas and will be making some soon. My question is about pets. There are many essential oils that are very toxic to cats. The reading I’ve done says that they don’t have the right enzymes in their livers to filter out toxins that the oils have. Therefore, things like tea tree and juniper will make them sick. Do you happen to know of any that are safe for cats?
Bren says
Christine, I am not a pet/cat expert so I don’t want to give you inccorrect advice. This site is written by a vet and might help: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/05/14/dr-shelton-on-pets-essential-oils.aspx . Hope this answers your question! -Bren
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
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.