How to Make a Natural Air Freshener and Room Spray

Room sprays and air fresheners are costly, and contain many synthetic ingredients. If you would like to create an inexpensive, natural air freshener, then you are in the right place. All you will need is an essential oil, some 100 proof vodka or rubbing alcohol, a spray bottle, and water. Making your own air freshener is similar to making a perfume, so first we will look at how perfume is made.

Essential Oils are the oils from herbs, flowers, or leaves that have been separated from the plant. This is usually done using a method called steam distillation. The oil is bottled and sold as an essential oil. Essential oils are sold individually, such as lavender, sage, and mint, or as blends. Essential oil blends are harmonious mixes of oils. Essential oils are different from fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are synthetic fragrances, which are usually made to recreate smells that are not found naturally. Ocean, rain, and grass scents are usually synthetic. Both essential oils and fragrance oils are mixed to create perfumes. You can also use either or both to make your own air freshener and room spray.

Room sprays are traditionally a powder mixture and essential oil that are delivered via a spray can. If you are interested in making this type of room spray, you can find the supplies at an online store, such as Wholesale Supplies Plus. I prefer to make my air freshener and room sprays using water and alcohol, which are more natural. They dry quickly enough that the water is not a problem.

First, you need an essential oil. Essential oils (and fragrance oils) are commonly found in health food stores, although you may find them cheaper online. I use a lot of essential oils, so I buy them online in larger bottles. I recommend that you start out with a simple oil, such as lavender, or a blend that has already been mixed for you. Take advantage of the samples in the store and smell them all. Mixing your own scents can be a little tricky at first, and you should learn more about blending perfumes before giving it a try.

Once you have the oil, you will need an alcohol. An alcohol will break down the oil while leaving the scent intact, allowing you to mix it with water. Otherwise, your oil will just float on top of the water. For this, you can use 100 proof vodka or rubbing alcohol. I tend to use vodka for perfumes that I use on my body, and rubbing alcohol when making room sprays and air fresheners, just because I like to spray it all the time without worrying about the cost. The smell of the rubbing alcohol will not be noticeable once it is diluted. Finally, you need a spray bottle and water, and you are ready to go.

The great thing about making your own air freshener is that you don't have to worry about following a recipe. Pour some alcohol or vodka into the spray bottle - about one to two tablespoons. Then put your essential oil or fragrance oil drops in. You can experiment with how strong you want it to smell. I usually put 25 - 35 drops. Put the lid on, and shake it up for a few seconds for the oil to dissolve. Then, fill it all the way up with water.

You now have your own all purpose room spray and air freshener. I use it to spray clothes while I am ironing to get the wrinkles out. I spray it everywhere in my house - closets, inside shoes, in the bathroom, near the cat box, in the kid's rooms. I spray it on my pillow and sheets before bed and give it a second to dry. When I am in a bad mood I spray the mist over my head and the smell relaxes me. The possibilities are endless. Make a few bottles, stash them in the house and car, and enjoy.