TikTok's DIY Air Freshener Spray Will Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh For Less

Scent — often the first thing you or your guests encounter upon entering — is considered one of the most important invisible design elements in a home. Scent can tap the part of the brain that evokes nostalgia, energize the body and brain, and soothe the spirit. Discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of chemically scented items in the home like air fresheners, oils, wax tarts, and candles, have recently sent homeowners looking for more natural alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and non-toxic to humans or pets. A recipe for making your own air freshener spray has recently circulated sites like TikTok and lifestyle blogs — basically, it allows you to create your own custom-scented easy air freshener using distilled water, witch hazel, and essential oils. The spray also works as a fabric spray for freshening linen and upholstery.

Not only is the spray freshener more environmentally friendly than many chemical and manufactured sprays, but it's also inexpensive to create. While essential oils can be more expensive than synthetic scent oils depending on the variety, this DIY only requires around 20 drops. A bottle of witch hazel is under $5 at Amazon, however, you will also need a spray or atomizer bottle.

Fill your spray bottle three-quarters full with distilled water, then add around 2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of witch hazel, which is usually sold as an astringent in the skincare aisle or online. The witch hazel works as an emulsifier, which facilitates the blending of the water and essential oils. It also helps carry and sustain the scent for longer periods of time. Add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. Feel free to mix and combine and create a custom scent. You can also add dried herbs, which will add more scent and provide a pretty botanical look, particularly if you are using a clear bottle. 

Shake the bottle to mix before spritzing in the air, on surfaces, or on soft objects like linens, bedding, pillows, and upholstery. You can make many bottles for a low price, so keep a bottle in all areas of the house where you might need them, including the bathroom and kitchen. You can also make a small bottle to carry with you or use in places like the car or workplace.

Not only is the spray less toxic and budget-friendly, but it's fully customizable, so it could become any number of scents that aren't immediately available in manufactured sprays at retail outlets. You can try mixing numerous combos of flowers, herbs, and fruits for a multi-layered scent like raspberry and spearmint or bergamot and honeysuckle. You can also create specific scents for each area of your house to help your home smell amazing.

Many essential oils have additional potential benefits — creating a relaxing or energizing atmosphere, for two examples — that lend themselves to certain tasks. Try peppermint in rooms where you need to stay awake, or lavender, which can facilitate a good night's sleep, in the bedroom. Create a blend with citronella essential oil as a great scented spray to keep bugs away from outdoor linens and furniture. A mix of cedar, peppermint, and lavender essential oils can help keep moths from eating up your closet.