Air fresheners can be expensive and many of them are too strong or have a chemical smell that’s just not pleasant. Most of them have a smell that gags me anyway but sometimes I do like to spray a little something around the house to give it a festive smell. During the holiday season I stock up on Aura Cacia Candy Cane Aromatherapy Mist (LOVE that stuff!!) and other times I make my own.
Making Gelatin Air Fresheners
Step #1 Decide what type of scent you’d like to have. Lavender is calming, eucalyptus is invigorating and deters spiders, and lemon is fresh and clean. Purchase the essential oils online at a place like Young Living, or at other natural grocery stores like Whole Foods. Craft stores may have some too for making scented floral arrangements but they may also infuse them with synthetic fragrance too.
Step #2 Bring one cup of water to a boil and mix in four packets of unflavored gelatin. Stir until the gelatin has dissolved and then remove from heat. Ethical vegans may not want to use gelatin so an alternative may be needed for them.
Step #3 If you want it to have texture, you can add items like lemon peel, eucalyptus leaves, cloves, or even flowers.
Step #4 Add up to ten drops of your chosen essential oil and a cup of cool water.
Step #5 Pour into your chosen container, baby food jars work well. Cap or cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to cool.
When cool, you’ll have gel air fresheners you can place wherever you need, or want, them.
However, if you’d rather mist the offensive area or spritz freshener where you need it, you can make a spray air freshener.
Spray Air Fresheners
Step #1 – Again, choose your favorite essential oil or a combination of oils.
Step #2 – Get a spray bottle. If you use homemade green cleaners you likely already have some of these.
Step #3 – Add one cup of witch hazel, which you can also buy at the dollar store or drug store.
Step #4 – Add 10 or more drops of your preferred essential oils, cap, shake and spray when needed.
You can also place essential oils on pine cones, potpourri items or other decorations around your home for a natural air freshener without the expense or the chemicals. You can even dry them at home yourself in a dehydrator.
Natural, green moms can have all the luxuries we used to have… now they are just safer and healthier for our us and our families.
