How to Make Chemical Free Car Deodorizers

Common natural oils include basil oil, cedar wood oil and lavender oil.

While manufactured car deodorizers are cheap and easy to obtain, they are also bad for the environment. Not only do they contribute to the tearing down of forests, but they contain chemical solutions that are bad for both you and the environment. In fact, just like standard at-home air fresheners, manufactured car deodorizers typically contain chlorofluorocarbons and phthalates, both of which are hazardous air pollutants. That said, you can easily make your own chemical-free car deodorizer by using just two pieces of fabric, some cardboard and your favorite aromatic, all-natural oil.

Things You'll Need

• Piece of unused fabric
• Cardboard sheet
• Scissors
• Glue
• Natural oil
• Tablespoon

Instructions

1. Cut some old, unused fabric into a shape. It can be a circle, a square or anything else you desire. If you want to make it look just like a standard car deodorizer, buy one and then use a piece of paper to trace its design. Make two such cutouts, both with the exact same shape.

2. Glue one of the fabric cutouts to a sheet of cardboard. Cut the cardboard along the outline of the fabric and glue the other shape to the other side of it. You now have the foundation for the deodorizer. Feel free to decorate it with crayons, markers or glitter.

3. Pour a tablespoon or two of natural oil on the natural car deodorizer and use a cloth to rub it in. Pour additional tablespoons onto it if the scent is not strong enough for you. Be careful because such oils are very powerful.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour more oil on the deodorizer when the scent begins to fade.

References

• Re-Nest; How Bad Are Air Fresheners For The Environment?; 2011
• Planet Green; How to Make Your Own Natural Car Air Freshener; Elizabeth Seward; September 2008