Whip Up DIY Air Fresheners with These 7 Household Staples

Essential oils not only smell divine, but they are also extremely versatile. You can use these concentrated plant extracts in diffusers, homemade sprays or sachets. To make an air freshener, add a few drops of your favorite oil into a dark-colored glass jar. Additionally, you can extend the scent by blending in a carrier oil, like sweet almond. Shake the mixture to activate and freshen the room periodically. Another idea is to put several drops onto wooden clothespins. Then, attach these to car air vents for a lovely aroma while driving.

Certain houseplants naturally purify indoor air while emitting pleasant scents. For example, palms, bamboo and philodendrons filter out pollutants and odors. Moreover, herbs like rosemary and mint lend a welcoming fragrance to kitchens. Lastly, keeping fresh lavender bouquets around the home not only smells wonderful but also promotes relaxation.

As an odor absorber, baking soda helps remove unpleasant smells instead of merely masking them. To make a freshener, add three tablespoons of baking soda to a jar. Next, mix in several drops of essential oils in your favorite scent. Poke holes in the lid before shaking the jar daily to activate the ingredients. After a couple months, you'll want to replace the baking soda to keep the air smelling fresh.

Citrus fruits like lemon and lime smell bright and clean. Plus, they are natural deodorizers. To harness these properties, slice lemons into rounds. Then, bake at 200° F until completely dried out. Place these zesty slices around areas that need freshening. As a bonus, citrus repels insects like flies and moths.

With its sweet, floral scent, dried lavender makes an excellent air freshener. Save bouquets from your garden by hanging them upside down until crispy. Once dried, the buds and flowers hold their fragrance for ages. Then, display lavender sprigs in bowls or use to fill sachets. For extra freshness, combine with other dried herbs like rose petals, cinnamon sticks and cloves.

For truly foul odors, vinegar is a must-try air freshener. Thanks to its highly acidic nature, vinegar destroys tough smells lingering in appliances and other hard-to-clean spots. First, set out a bowl filled with undiluted white vinegar. Then after an hour or so, wipe the area down. You'll find even persistent stenches in the fridge or garbage disposal fade away. As a preventive tip, occasionally clean with vinegar to discourage new smells from taking hold.

Candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut or beeswax have a light, pleasant aroma when burned. You can add extra scent by infusing essential oils into the wax before setting. Candles also provide mood lighting and ambiance in addition to freshening the air. Place scented versions around dining areas to repel flying insects, too.