Homemade Air Fresheners: Room & Carpet Deodorizers

By: http://naturesnurtureblog.com/2013/07/18/homemade-air-fresheners-room-deodorizers/
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Continuing with our homemade air freshener series, this week we’re making super simple DIY room and carpet deodorizers! With just baking soda and some essential oils, you can make one of these easy homemade air fresheners for each room in your house, in no time!

Commercial air-fresheners are filled with toxic chemicals that are so overpowering and let’s face it, they don’t really get rid of odors. Instead, they just mask the odors with a super-fruity, synthetic scent. That’s not to mention all the health problems they can cause for some people, especially those with allergies and other sensitivities. So after you ditch the commercial air fresheners, give this super easy, insanely cheap, homemade option a try!

First, you’ll need some small glass jars. Mason jars work great because their lids can be removed and replaced with thick card stock or decorative paper, then you’ll just poke some holes in your new lid and you’re good to go. Some folks have actually punched holes directly into their metal lids (but I cherish my lids too much to do that to them  ). Another option is to use some nice thin scrap fabric. You can also go with something like a parmesan cheese shaker or spice shaker as well. 

My friend also shared with me these lovely decorative mason jar lids which I thought were pretty neat!

Then, fill your jars about one-third to one-half full with some baking soda. Baking soda hasso many uses and is known for its great deodorizing and neutralizing properties, which makes it the perfect ingredient in an air freshener. Instead of masking odors, baking soda neutralizes them leaving the surrounding areas smelling like, well…nothing. And nothing is a great thing!

But if you want to add a little something, essential oils are where it’s at! Add about 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil, stir it up with the baking soda, then cover your jar with the lid of your choice. You can certainly leave out the essential oils, but your freshener may not work as well in areas with stronger odors like the bathroom.

Use as a Room Deodorizer

Place the jars in various areas around the house that need a little extra freshening: the bathroom, kitchen, linen closets, coat closets, even the bedroom and living areas – really any area in the house! When the scent starts to fade, just give the jar a good shake to reactivate the oils and baking soda again.

Use as a Carpet Deodorizer

You can also use this to freshen up your carpets! Just sprinkle it evenly on your carpets, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, then vacuum it up and enjoy the wonderful, natural scent of deodorizing baking soda and essential oils freshening up your room! 

What are your favorite ways to naturally freshen up your home?