Most commercial air fresheners contain a chemical called phthalates. Phthalates are used in air fresheners to dissolve and carry the smell of fragrances. Once these chemicals enter the bloodstream, they can alter hormone levels and wreak havoc on your health.
Why not reduce your exposure and make your own? It’s quick and easy. I love making my own air freshener because I can change up the scent and customize it depending on my health needs and moods with different essential oils. They are chemical free and can improve your health and mental well-being.
Benefits of making your own chemical free air freshener
Aside from having phthalates, a lot of the fragrances in commercial air fresheners contain toxins or chemicals which they do not have to disclose. They are frequently cloaked under the ingredient “fragrance.” By law they are not required to disclose proprietary blends such as fragrance.
You gain additional health benefits depending on which essential oil you choose to include in your air freshener. These air fresheners diffuse faster than commercial sprays but have far more health benefits.
Quick and Easy Recipe for Air Freshener Using Essential Oils
Here’s the basic formula for a small batch of air freshener. Avoid storing in sunlight to maintain potency.
One plastic sprayer (you can buy at a dollar store)
8 ounces of distilled or purified water
11 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (my favorite oil, but you can substitute with any of the oils below)
- Shake several times before spraying. Spray upwards so the mist will drift down into the whole room. I like to spray the fabrics in my home because the scent seems to last longer. Before spraying on your furniture and linens do a test on a small corner of the fabric first.
Other Essential Oils That Work Well As Air Fresheners
Depending on your need, here are other essential oils you can use and their benefits. I mix up a batch of several different air fresheners to use depending on my needs.
Lemon Essential Oil – contains high levels of vitamins and minerals. Antiseptic and anti-bacterial .Can treat illnesses as well as boost mental alertness. Loses potency faster than most other oils. Use within 8 months of purchase.
Oil of Oregano – Very clean smell. It’s useful in combating bacterial and viral infections. See a full explanation of this potent essential oil here. I like to use this during the winter cold and flu season. It works wells as a disinfectant. Blends well with orange or lemon essential oils.
Ylang-ylang – Relieves tension and stress. Can help to lower blood pressure. Also pairs well with Lemon and Orange Essential Oils.
Orange Essential Oil – Antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Mood elevator. Decreases anxiety and fear. Has a short life. Use within six months of purchase.
Peppermint Essential Oil – It’s antiseptic and antibacterial. Helps with depression and fatigue. It increases mental alertness. I use this during summer months because it also works to repel insects and mice. I don’t blend any other oils if I’m using it as a pest and insect repellant. Blends well with Lemon and Tea tree.
Tea tree Essential Oil – This oil has a lot of uses and is very popular. It’s antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral. A great disinfectant. And can also be used as an insect repellant. Blends well with Peppermint, Oregano, and Lemon.
Lavender Essential Oil – I saved this for last because it’s my all-time favorite. It blends well with most other oils and has a wide array of health benefits. – It’s antiseptic and antibacterial. It’s very calming, good for insomnia. I sleep really well when I spray this in my room and on my bed linens. I also use Lavender in my household cleaners for scent and its great cleaning properties. Another way I use Lavender Essential oil is as a car deodorizer. My passengers and I enjoy a calm relaxing ride.
What to Look For in Essential Oils
Avoid using oil blends because you don’t really don’t what’s in the blends, unless the complete breakdown is disclosed on the product label. Otherwise you don’t know if the other additives are harmful or beneficial. Go for 100% pure essential oils. Make sure you always store your oils in a cabinet. Sunlight breaks down their composition and changes their chemical makeup.
These essential oils have helped me tremendously but you should always use sparingly until you know for sure that you don’t have any allergies to certain essential oils. Some people may have sensitivities to certain essential oils.
Please let me know which oils you have found beneficial as air fresheners.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your doctor for any health problems you may be experiencing.
References
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/airfresheners.pdf
https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/1-AirFresheners
Really enjoyed learning all about the different essential oils that can be used as air fresheners. Thanks for the great blog post.
This is awesome! I have just recently started using oils and I’ve noticed a huge difference. I can’t wait to do this.
Wow I had no idea. I know which one I may try!!!