There is no better feeling than walking into a fresh and scented home after a long day. But, how often is that really happening? The reality is a bit different – the probability of hitting the lingering smell of food leftovers, pet odors or just that stale room smell is much higher. There are plenty of commercial air fresheners available in the stores, offering the quick fix. But, the bad side of these products is a long list of artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals which can be harmful and trigger allergies or headaches. Good news is that there is a great natural and budget-friendly alternative to them – you can make your own DIY room deodorizing sprays.
These sprays are made of ingredients every household already has. The making process is simple, cheap, customizable and the final product is completely natural and safe. You can be sure that you won’t spray harmful chemicals into the air. The other advantage is that you can make scents you like, such as calming lavender, energizing citrus or cozy, woodsy notes – it is totally up to you.
This guide will provide you with all necessary info about the ingredients you will need and recipes you should follow. Let’s see how to make your home smell amazing.
Why DIY Deodorizing Sprays are the Best Option?
There are a few really good reasons why you should choose DIY sprays rather than just buy one at the store:
1. Natural Ingredients: Commercial sprays are full of synthetic chemicals which can cause allergies, worsen existing respiratory issues and even disrupt hormone balance. When you make these sprays on your own, you can be sure that they are completely safe for you and your family. They usually consist of essential oils and distilled water and they actually neutralize odors – not just cover them up.
If you want to go a step further and improve the overall air quality in your home, it’s important to keep your house clean using the right products. Check out these 5 essential cleaning products that will help keep your home fresh and spotless.
2. Cost-Effective: The fact is that a bottle of DIY spray is significantly cheaper than store-bought brands, which are not only expensive, but run out in a blink of an eye. Although essential oils may seem pricey at the first sight, you should know that you will need just a few drops per batch, so they will last really long. The other ingredients of DIY sprays, such as baking soda and vinegar are cheap and once you buy them, you can use them for other cleaning projects, too.
To ensure you have all the necessary supplies, take a look at this list of essential cleaning supplies every home must have – it will help you stay prepared for any cleaning task.
3. Customizable Scents: Making your own spray is funny because you can mix and match essential oils of your choice to create scents which are not available in the stores. If you are feeling stressed, lavender and chamomile are good choices. With store-bought sprays, you’re stuck with whatever scent is available , but when you make your own, you can mix and match essential oils to create scents that actually make you happy. Citrus and peppermint will wake you up in the morning. Choose the notes that will boost your mood and adjust the strength of the scent to match your preferences.
4. Eco-Friendly: Using DIY sprays you are doing a favour to the planet. Reuse glass bottles and you will reduce plastic waste. Additionally, you will not release harmful chemicals in the air and water. It is a win-win situation for you and the environment.
For more tips on keeping your home not only clean but also healthy, check out this guide on protecting your health through cleaning.
Essential Ingredients for DIY Deodorizing Sprays
Before you dive into the making process, let’s see what are the basic ingredients you have to prepare. The most important ingredient is essential oil – they not only have an amazing, intense smell, but they also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, eliminating odors at the source. Some of the mostly used essential oils are lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus and sweet orange. You can use only one or mix them according to your taste and preferences.
Another important ingredient is distilled water. Tap water can cause mineral buildup over time and make your spray cloudy. Distilled water will help essential oils disperse more evenly. As the distilled water and oil do not mix naturally, you need one more ingredient – witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. They act as emulsifiers and have mild antibacterial properties, making your spray fresh for a longer period of time.
White vinegar can be a great addition to your DIY sprays because it acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. If you want to freshen fabrics and carpets, baking soda is the unbeatable choice for odor absorption.
How to Make DIY Deodorizing Sprays
Now it is time for the funniest part – let’s make some sprays together:
1. All-Purpose Citrus Spray
This bright and refreshing spray works great in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray into the air or directly onto fabrics (test a small spot first).
2. Lavender and Peppermint Relaxing Spray
Perfect for bedrooms or any space where you want to create a calm, cozy atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray onto pillows, curtains, and furniture.
3. Odor-Fighting Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Spray
This is the spray you want for problem areas like the bathroom, laundry room, or near the trash can.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus oil
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before using.
- Spray in problem areas where odors linger.
4. Baking Soda and Lemon Spray for Carpets
Great for carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Dissolve the baking soda in the water.
- Add the oils and pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray lightly onto carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
5. Floral Room Spray
For a luxurious, spa-like scent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rose essential oil
- 5 drops jasmine essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray onto fabric furniture or bedding.
Our Tips for Using DIY Sprays
As we mentioned before, always use glass bottles, not only to reduce waste – essential oils can break down plastic. Shake the bottle well before each use, because oils and water do not mix naturally – you need to help them. If you want to spray the fabric, test it first, as essential oils can leave stains on delicate fabrics. Bottles should be stored in a cool and dark place and do not overuse them – a spray or two in each room will do the job.
If you need a deeper clean or just want to refresh your space thoroughly, consider hiring a professional apartment cleaning service or a commercial cleaning service. Professionals can help you keep your home in top shape with minimal effort.