Learn how to make a naturally scented homemade baking soda air freshener using your favorite essential oil blend.
Making your own baking soda air freshener is fast, inexpensive, and keeps artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals out of your home. With just baking soda and a few drops of essential oil you can create an effective odor absorber that leaves a light, natural scent in cars, closets, bathrooms, drawers and more.
Try this simple project and pair it with a homemade room spray for a more noticeable scent in larger spaces.
What you need to make a baking soda air freshener:
- Baking soda – Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes and absorbs odors, making it an ideal, non-toxic base for an air freshener.
- Essential oils – Choose scents you enjoy. Essential oils add a natural fragrance without the synthetic chemicals found in many commercial products.
- Dried lavender buds (optional) – Use if you want a stronger lavender scent and a decorative touch.
- 4-ounce mason jar and ring – Glass preserves scent better than plastic and looks tidy on a shelf.
- Fabric scrap – A 4″ x 4″ piece of thin fabric or cheesecloth works well as a breathable lid to let fragrance out and odors in.
- Glue – To secure the fabric inside the mason jar ring so it stays in place.
How to make a DIY air freshener:
Mix the ingredients: Measure about 1/3 cup baking soda into an 8-ounce mason jar, then add 20–30 drops of your favorite essential oil. If you like, mix in 1/2 tablespoon dried lavender buds or other dried botanicals. Stir or shake gently to combine so the oil disperses through the baking soda.
Create the breathable lid: Turn the mason jar ring upside down on your fabric scrap, trace it, and cut a circle. Apply glue to the inside of the ring and press the fabric into place. Screw the ring and fabric onto the jar and give the jar a gentle shake to distribute the oil.
Tips for success:
Placement: These air fresheners perform best in smaller, enclosed spaces: cars, closets, bathrooms, drawers, cupboards and refrigerators.
Refresh as needed: Give the jar a shake occasionally to revive the scent. Replace the baking soda and essential oil every 2–3 months, or sooner if the fragrance fades.
Customize the scent: Use a single essential oil or create blends to match the mood—calming lavender, bright citrus, or fresh eucalyptus are all great options. Typical measurements are 20–30 drops per 1/3 cup baking soda.
Alternative lid: If you don’t have fabric, a piece of paper or cardstock with holes punched in it also works as a breathable cover.
About this homemade baking soda air freshener:
Made with only natural ingredients
Many commercial air fresheners contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals that can cause irritation or other health concerns. A baking soda and essential oil air freshener uses simple, natural ingredients to neutralize odors while adding a gentle scent without overwhelming the space.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that offer pleasant fragrances and, depending on the oil, can provide calming or uplifting effects. Because they are natural, essential-oil-based air fresheners are a good alternative for anyone looking to reduce synthetic scent exposure in their home.
Easy and affordable
This DIY air freshener takes only a few minutes to assemble and costs only a fraction of what store-bought products cost. A small mason jar, baking soda and a bottle of essential oil will make several jars over time, making this an economical option for continuous odor control.
Subtle, pleasing scent
Natural air fresheners won’t be as intense or long-lasting as heavily perfumed commercial sprays, but they provide a gentle, clean aroma that keeps the air feeling fresh without masking odors with artificial chemicals.
Where to use your DIY air freshener:
- Bathroom
- Trash can cabinets
- Car
- Closets
- Dresser drawers
- Refrigerator
- Laundry room
- Bedroom
- Diaper changing area
- Shoe storage or gym bags
- Anywhere you need simple odor control
More DIY baking soda based cleaners:
- Homemade Laundry Scent Booster
- DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel
- Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- DIY Toilet Cleaner Bombs
- How To Clean Carpet With Baking Soda
Pin these steps to try later. Share a photo of your finished air freshener on Instagram to show what you made!