Many commercial air fresheners on the market today are loaded with chemicals and artificial fragrances that can be harmful to your health. DIY natural room smells are the ideal option if you're searching for an eco-friendly, natural way to maintain a welcoming and fresh perfume throughout your house. They are inexpensive, simple to create, and devoid of dangerous poisons. Additionally, you can alter the fragrances to fit the season or your tastes.
We'll go over a number of natural ways to perfume your house in this comprehensive tutorial, such as using essential oil mixes, simmer pots, herb sachets, and other do-it-yourself options.
Why Choose Natural Room Scents?
Let's quickly go over why natural room scents are a better option for your house before getting into the do-it-yourself recipes:
- Non-toxic: Natural fragrances are devoid of pollutants and good for your health, in contrast to commercial air fresheners that frequently contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates.
- Eco-friendly: You may lessen your environmental impact by using natural components like fruits, herbs, and essential oils.
- Customizable: You can design fragrances that fit the season or your tastes with natural scents.
- Affordable: You can usually find inexpensive items for DIY room smells in your kitchen or garden.
Let's now examine several inventive and practical methods for creating a pleasant natural scent in your home.
1. Essential Oil Diffusers
Using an essential oil diffuser is one of the simplest and most common ways to naturally perfume your house. Concentrated plant extracts known as essential oils have both medicinal and aromatic advantages. These oils are released into the air by a diffuser, which gives the space a pleasing aroma.
How to Use:
- Add water to the diffuser as instructed.
- Add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil or blend.
- Turn on the diffuser and let the natural fragrance fill your space.
Suggested Essential Oil Blends:
- Citrus Fresh: 3 lemon drops, two orange drops, and two grapefruit drops.
- Relaxing Lavender: Two drops of cedarwood and five drops of lavender.
- Forest Retreat: Three pine, two eucalyptus, and two tea tree drops.
Pro tip: Depending on the season or how you're feeling, switch up your essential oil mixtures. For instance, citrus and flowery fragrances are perfect for spring and summer, while peppermint and pine are excellent for winter.
2. Pots for Simmering
Another great option to add natural scents to your house is with simmer pots. To generate lovely scents that fill your home, all you need is some water and fresh herbs, fruits, and spices.
How to Make a Simmer Pot:
- Fill a small saucepan with water.
- Add your chosen ingredients (see below for suggestions).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Let it simmer for a few hours, adding water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
Ingredient Ideas for Simmer Pots:
- Citrus & Cinnamon: Orange and lemon slices, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of cloves.
- Herbal Blend: Mint, bay leaves, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Holiday Blend: Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a few pine or fir sprigs make up the holiday blend.
Pro tip: The mixture from your simmer pot can be used again for up to three days. Simply place it in the refrigerator after each use, and when you cook it again, add fresh water.
3. Spice and Herb Sachets
Herb sachets are an easy yet efficient way to add a natural aroma to small areas like bathrooms, drawers, and closets. They are tiny cloth bags that gradually produce a light fragrance when filled with aromatic dried flowers, herbs, or spices.
How to Make Herb Sachets:
- Choose small fabric bags made of breathable material like muslin or cotton.
- Fill the sachet with your chosen herbs, spices, or dried flowers (see suggestions below).
- Tie the sachet tightly and place it in your desired location (closets, drawers, under pillows).
Ingredient Ideas for Sachets:
- Lavender and Chamomile: Aromas that are soothing and relaxing are ideal for bedrooms.
- Rose Petals and Cinnamon: Warm and romantic scent for living areas.
- Mint and Rosemary: Fresh and invigorating fragrances for drawers or closets.
Pro tip: Every few months, add a few drops of essential oils to the herbs in the sachets to refresh them.
4. DIY Scented Spray
A DIY room spray is a fantastic substitute for store-bought ones, which frequently contain artificial chemicals. Natural substances that are safe for your house and health can be used to make your own spray.
How to Make a Natural Room Spray:
- Fill a spray bottle (preferably glass) with distilled water.
- Add 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil or blend.
- Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka to help the oils disperse evenly.
- Shake well before each use and spritz around your home.
Suggested Room Spray Blends:
- Citrus Energizer: Three drops of lime, two drops of grapefruit, and five drops of lemon.
- Relaxation Mist: Four drops of chamomile and six drops of lavender.
- Warm Spice: Three cloves, two orange drops, and four cinnamon drops.
Pro tip: The essential oils may separate from the water, so always shake the spray bottle before using.
5. Baking Soda Deodorizer
Baking soda is an effective natural deodorizer that eliminates odors rather than covering them up. To revitalize your furniture, carpets, or even refrigerators, make your own DIY baking soda deodorizer.
How to Make a Baking Soda Deodorizer:
- Fill a small jar or bowl with baking soda.
- Add 10–20 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils.
- Stir the mixture well and leave it in problem areas (e.g., smelly closets or refrigerators).
- For carpets, sprinkle the baking soda mixture on the surface, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Suggested Deodorizer Blends:
- Lemon and Lavender: Five drops of lavender oil and ten drops of lemon essential oil.
- Tea Tree Fresh: Five drops of eucalyptus oil and eight drops of tea tree oil.
Pro tip: Place the deodorizer close to air vents so that the fragrance is dispersed throughout the space for an added scent boost.
6. Dried Potpourri
Using dried flowers, herbs, and spices, potpourri is a traditional method of adding a natural aroma to your house. To keep the air in your bedroom, bathroom, or living room fresh, place bowls of potpourri there.
How to Make Potpourri:
- Collect dried herbs, spices, and flowers (such as lavender, roses, cinnamon sticks, and star anise).
- In a large bowl, mix the ingredients.
- To improve the aroma, add a few drops of essential oils.
- Distribute the potpourri about your house in pretty containers or sachets.
Pro tip: Occasionally add a few more drops of essential oil to refresh the aroma.
7. Beeswax or Soy Candles
Essential oil-scented beeswax or soy candles are healthier alternatives to the synthetic perfumes and petroleum-based paraffin found in many commercial candles. For a pleasant, clean-burning atmosphere, you can either buy naturally scented candles or manufacture your own.
How to Make Beeswax Candles:
- Melt beeswax in a double boiler.
- Once melted, add 20–30 drops of essential oils of your choice.
- Pour the wax into a candle mold or glass jar, and place a wick in the center.
- Let the wax cool and solidify.
Suggested Essential Oils for Candles:
- Relaxing: Sandalwood, lavender, and chamomile.
- Energizing: Lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Pro tip: Another advantage of beeswax candles is that they help purify the air by generating negative ions that lessen dust and allergies.
