Most of us would agree that being in a clean, organized and fresh-smelling space makes us happy. Yet, no matter how hard we try, sometimes funky smells make it into our homes, whether it's a wet dog coming in from a rainy walk or a smoker who lives next door and decides to use the outdoor patio as an ashtray. To help freshen up the air in your space, try a DIY air freshener.
All of these ideas are cheap and easy to make with just a few ingredients, some of which are as close as your refrigerator or pantry.
Biophilic design considers plants in our interior environment, and while the jury is still out on whether houseplants help purify the air or not, there's no dispute that they do a lot of good for our mental health.
Still, some houseplants emit wonderful scents including hyacinths, gardenias, scented geraniums and lavender.
Lavender and lavender oil have long been considered powerful in terms of helping with inducing calm, better sleep and overall mental health. Fresh lavender is delightful in any home, but you can reap the benefits for several months if you dry them, since the scent doesn't immediately dissipate.
Arrange fresh lavender in a pretty jar or vase, and let it dry naturally to enjoy for months to come.
Similar to lavender, eucalyptus comes with its own host of health and wellness benefits. From warding off mosquitos to reducing some pains, eucalyptus does more than just smell great in your home.
Hang some in your shower to enjoy some zen time or weave eucalyptus boughs into a frame to enjoy its dried scent as wall décor, too.
In only a couple of steps, you'll have an easy DIY air freshener.
You can also grind them using a coffee grinder or spice mill to produce powder and make salt and sugar scrubs.
If you prefer to use a spray air freshener or to wipe down spills or clean surfaces, this citrus spray air freshener is both eco-friendly and easy to make. Bonus is that the fresh scent lingers well past the time you wash up your space.
All you need is vinegar, citrus fruit like lemon, lime or orange (pick your fragrance preference) and a jar. It does take a couple of weeks to make this green cleaning product, but it's well worth having it on hand whenever you need it.
Essential oils smell great, come packed with a host of medicinal benefits and can work in both small or large spaces as an air freshener. Experiment with how many drops you'll need or want, since some people prefer a light fragrance, while others prefer something heavier.
A good rule of thumb is to fill a wide-mouthed Mason jar with eight to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil for smaller spaces and a half cup of baking soda (that's it). Bigger spaces will require more drops but, again, you can choose how many based on your aromatic preference.
Sometimes an air freshener is just minutes away, thanks to your pantry. Fill a stockpot with water and throw in some cinnamon sticks, whole star anise and cloves for a delightful licorice scent once the water begins to boil.
If licorice isn't your scent style, cinnamon sticks on their own will make your home smell like you have cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.
Another way to get a sweet smell wafting throughout your apartment is with a few drops of vanilla or almond extract in a simmering pot. For spring, consider adding lemons, fresh thyme or lavender to the pot for a more a springtime air freshening scent. Experiment with scents you love to create your own signature stovetop potpourri recipe.
With these DIY air freshener ideas, you can keep your place smelling naturally fresh without having to break the bank.