How to Make a Scented Air Freshener

Homemade scented air freshener makes a wonderful gift, but is also a great way to improve the air in your home without spending a fortune. Using a premade gel base takes the hassle out of creation and leaves more room for you to customize the air freshener to suit your personal taste. This recipe yields approximately 8 ounces of scented air freshener.

Things You'll Need

• Unscented, colorless air freshener gel base
• Liquid water-soluble color tints
• Liquid water-soluble fragrance
• Glass jar

Instructions

1. Scoop 8 ounces of the air freshener gel base out of the container and transfer to a heat-safe glass measuring cup.

2. Put the container into the microwave and heat on medium-high for one minute. If the base is melted, remove from the microwave. If not, continue heating for 15-second intervals until the base is completely melted.

3. Add the liquid water-soluble color tints to the air freshener base, one drop at a time, until you reach the desired color.

4. Add approximately ½ ounce of liquid water-soluble fragrance to the scented air freshener mixture. Stir lightly to incorporate the fragrance throughout the gel base.

5. Pour your completed scented air freshener into an eight-ounce or larger glass jar. Allow the mixture to sit for several hours until firm. If you need the air freshener to set faster, place the jar in a pan of cold water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• You may use any other heat safe glass container if a measuring cup is not available. Purchase air freshener gel base, color tints, and fragrance at local craft and hobby or candle stores. An old candle jar or large baby food jar may be used to store your scented air freshener.

• Do not use perfumes or essential oils to create this scented air freshener. The gel base is water soluble and anything other than water soluble fragrances and tints will result in a cloudy, unappealing air freshener. Do not use more than two primary colors when tinting your gel base. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

References

• Book: Jazzy Jars: Glorious Gift Ideas; Marie Browning; 2003