Easiest, Most Effective Natural DIY Air Freshener

For anyone who has ever wondered how to make their house smell good, I have the answer! Today, I’m going to show you one of my favorite (and most simple) projects ever: a natural DIY air freshener. Read on to find out just how easy it is…

Have you ever wondered “how do I make my house smell good”? You and everyone else who has ever wondered about that (hint: that’s pretty much everyone) should prepare to have your jaw drop when I show you just how easy a natural DIY air freshener is to make.

The Need for a Natural DIY Air Freshener

I think this may be the EASIEST, QUICKEST, MOST FANTASTIC little DIY project I’ve ever done.

Really. In my own little head, this natural air freshener is completely phenomenal. But first, confession time…or maybe multiple confessions.

Before I start on my tangential musings, here’s the crux:

1. If you’re looking for natural air freshener ideas, be sure to check out our top 20 list
2. Short on time? Skip to the videos toward the bottom. They will show you all you need to know!

Confession #1: I Need Air Freshener Because My House is Anything But Clean

I live with stinky, messy people “things”. And, these stinky people are more than happy to spread their messiness and somewhat offensive odoriferousness around.

Reality stinks –  literally! 

Since I’m a mom, and we all know moms are good at pointing fingers, I’m just gonna go ahead and point out a couple of stinky things…

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Confession #2: Not Seemingly Related to DIY Air Fresheners – I’m a Big Outkast Fan

That little tidbit may not seem related at first but hang with me.

Perhaps I don’t look the part. Imagine me driving in my minivan to the elementary school for pick-up listening to a little Outkast…the bass pumped up to like a whole +3.

But “Hey Ya”, I’m a huge fan. 

And every time I think of my stinky house situation, this Outkast song starts taunting me…

So, as I’m headed to school pick up in the minivan, and Outkast comes back on my boss system (I wish) singing “so fresh and so clean”…and I have a moment. I’ve figured out the solution.

This leads me to…

Confession #3: I May Actually Be a Genius of Some Sort

That’s right. I may, or more likely, may not, be a genius. But for the moment, I’m gonna go with the former. Here’s why.

I created an easy, breezy, lavender DIY air freshener solution, with not one – but 3 different methods – for making it.

Why Make a DIY Air Freshener?

But first, why make a natural air freshener when you could just go buy candles or sprays or something else from the store?

Candles

We’ve tried using plenty of candles. The problem with candles, though, is that you have to remember to blow them out. I can barely remember my own name these days as I’m being pulled in 80 directions an hour, so putting something like “fire” in my charge is not wise.

I actually have a big old burn mark in the back of my laptop from a near-death experience (for the computer) with a candle. Whoops-a-daisy.

Yep, don’t entrust me with candles.

Plug-in Air Fresheners

I’ve also used traditional plug-in air fresheners in the past, but many of those are kinda artificial smelling, which isn’t my jam. Although I created a pretty cool hack to make a Dollar Tree plug-in an all-natural air freshener, so check that out for sure.

Sprays

I’ve also tried those scented sprays, but the temptation to aim those triggers directly at the stinky offender is just too great. Not good when the smelly thing has legs, eyes, and the ability to tattle on me if I actually tried it.

Other DIY Solutions

I do love the homemade stovetop simmer that I make in the kitchen…but the downer is that you can really only enjoy that in one room of the house.

I needed to come up with a different solution for my stinky house problem.

Enter the natural air freshener.

Related Post: Natural DIY Car Air Freshener

Supplies for the Game-Piece Stand Version (pictured below):

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Supplies for the Binder Clip Version (pictured below):

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Supplies for the Clothespin Version (pictured below):

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The Natural Air Freshener Solution (3 Different Ways)

I wasn’t kidding when I said I came up with 3 different ways to use my DIY air freshener idea. I’m giving you a guide on each method plus a video showing you all you need to know.

First up…

DIY Air Freshener #1 Instructions:

1. Place a popsicle stick in a plastic game piece stand.

2. Put several drops (or more, if desired) of essential oil onto the popsicle stick.

3. Drop into supply vent (ceiling OR floor). You can also put it into a return vent, but use more oil if you are using this method.

Moving on! Here’s the second DIY air freshener set-up du jour…

DIY Air Freshener #2 Instructions:

1. Pinch a popsicle stick in a binder clip (**check sizing).

2. Place several drops (or more, if desired) of essential oil onto the popsicle stick.

3. Drop into supply vent (ceiling OR floor). You can also put it into a return vent, but use more oil if you are using this method.

** Make sure the binder clip is large enough that it will not slip through your vent cover into the ductwork!! That is a major no-no!!

Last but not least, here’s our third concept for you…

DIY Air Freshener #3 Instructions:

1. Place several drops (or more) of essential oil onto the clothespin.

2. Clip clothespin onto the bottom of the supply vent as shown.

Whether you make this DIY air freshener with a game piece, a binder clip, or a clothespin, you’ll be done in just about 10 seconds!

You’ll spend more time trying to track down popsicle sticks and binder clips than you will on the entire project. But, that time spent searching will be SO worth it once you start smelling essential oil instead of nastiness.

The only thing you’ll likely need to buy, if anything at all, is a little bottle of essential oil in a scent that you love. There are lots and lots of different brands out there, so use whichever one you love! 

Essential Oil Scents to Use

Some scents that you may want to try in your natural air fresheners are:

Every heavenly, wonderful scent you could imagine is trapped in these little tiny magical genie bottles! And all you need to do is grab a couple – spend about $6 on a bottle – and that thing will last you for months. 

All of that means that this little homemade air freshener effectively only costs pennies each time you use it.

You WILL have to re-apply the oil drops to your popsicle stick every so often and that really depends on the size of your home.

The final caveat is that this method will only work during those months of the year when you’re actually using your heat or A/C system.

If the vents aren’t pumping air over your DIY air freshener, it won’t move that scent around your home.

But this time of year, when the weather is cold and the air inside can often feel stale, this little trick is nothing short of bliss.

I’ve been searching forever for a way to make my house smell like a spa…and now, we’ve done it. Are these natural air fresheners genius? Ok, perhaps a bit overstated.

But my house now smells so fresh and so clean. This mama is so happy!

Does your car smell bad? No judgment here! Check out my natural DIY car air freshener too! 

Pin this post for later! And if you make one, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!

Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!