How to Make Your Own Environmentally Friendly Air Freshener

We all do our best these days to be as "green" or "eco-friendly" as possible without breaking the bank. I for one am constantly on the lookout for natural products that don't cost a fortune. It's tough being green....and sometimes we get lucky and fine something that is not only eco friendly but inexpensive as well.

Making your own natural cleaners and organic home products is not only fun, but really easy. There's nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you've done something good for yourself, your family and your environment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10ml (approx. 0.3 oz) of grain alcohol (not isopropyl) or mentholated spirits
• 500 ml (approx. 16 oz.) of distilled water
• choose from any of the following essential oils, listed in descending order of their antiseptic powers:
• thyme
• tea tree
• clove
• lavender
• lemon
• peppermint
• rosemary
• eucalyptus
• cinnamon
• 16 oz. spray mist bottle

1. 
    
   essential oil drop

   To make your eco-friendly air-freshener you must first choose which essential oils you'd like to use. I've listed them in descending order of their antiseptic/anti-bacterial qualities; Thyme, Tea Tree, Clove, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Cinnamon. (These are approximate as many times depending on the specific essential oil's original plant materials , chemotypes, growing conditions and other factors, (i.e.Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Rosemary, etc.) may actually be higher on their antiseptic / anti-bacterial list of attributes at any given time. But any / or all of the essential oils listed are excellent for purifying and cleaning the air; freshening it naturally. You may choose a combination of your favorites, or use only one of them. It won't really matter, they all work brilliantly.

2. 
    
   thyme

   Next, grab your 16 oz. spray bottle and dissolve 30 to 40 drops of your chosen essential oils into the 10ml of grain alcohol (or mentholated spirits).

3. 
    
   neroli flower

   Then add 500ml (approx 16 oz.) of distilled water and shake well to mix. This will need to be mixed before each use. ( I write on the bottle "Shake & Spray Natural Air Freshener" and the 'scent' I used with a Sharpie so I won't forget to shake the contents each time.)

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun and experiment with different essential oils
• I like to add Neroli, or Sweet Orange to my scent blends, but there are literally, hundreds of choices to make your air freshener unique and suited to your tastes. As long as it has one of the above essential oils included in your blend, it will work :)
• Aromatherapy information provided is not designed to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or injury and is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical doctor, or other alternative medical practitioner when suffering from any disease, illness, or injury, or before attempting a traditional or folk remedy. Keep all products away from children. As with any natural product, they can be toxic if misused. The best way to learn about aromatherapy is to purchase a quality book. Here are a few examples: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy--by Valerie Ann Worwood The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism (Illustrated Encyclopedia)--by Julia Lawless Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils - by Kurt Schnaubelt Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy- by Kurt Schnaubelt Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils- By Gabriel Mojay These statements and products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. CAUTIONS: These blends are not a substitute for professional medical care. For External Use Only. Do not ingest! Check warnings with each essential oil. Never use near eyes! Store blends in cool, dark place, keep upright and capped. Store blends out of reach of children! For children under 6: cut amounts in half. Test on skin for sensitivity. Essential oils are potent.

Resources

• daily green tips

[srbd]

on 2/6/2010 I LOVE this idea of making my own environmentally friendly air freshener ... in ANY scent I choose:)

[lynsuz12]

on 1/6/2010 Great idea. Making homemade is always better than buying store items. *****

[lynsuz12]

on 1/6/2010 Great idea. Making homemade is always better than buying store items. *****

[klawrence2004]

on 12/13/2009 You know I've thought about doing that many times, but never have. The essential oils are a little pricey. But I guess when you look at how much we pay for synthetic air freshners that may be harmful to us, its worth the extra money.

[missval7]

on 12/2/2009 Fantastic idea! I never thought to make my own air freshener. 5*