DIY Car Air Freshener with Essential Oils

Tired of the synthetic scents and chemical-laden air fresheners that overwhelm your car? It’s time to switch to a more natural and customizable alternative—a DIY car air freshener with essential oils. Not only will you be able to create a fresh, clean atmosphere inside your vehicle, but you’ll also benefit from the therapeutic properties of essential oils.

Homemade Car Air Freshener with Essential Oils

I don’t know about your car, but with two teenage boys (no offense, guys), my car can definitely use a little freshening up from time to time.

And especially with summer around the corner. Summertime means lots of traveling, which means lots of eating in the car, which can leave lingering odors behind.

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I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using essential oils on children under 5 or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Please do not ask me for medical advice. Click here to read my full disclaimer.

I’m not a huge fan of those dangling tree air fresheners. Although they definitely make the car smell good, they tend to just mask the odor rather than eliminate it.

Plus, they always give me an enormous headache. As do other artificially scented car air fresheners.

Is Car Air Freshener Bad for Your Health?

I’m not entirely sure if store-bought car air fresheners are harmful to your health. However, I’ve researched candles and indoor air fresheners extensively, and it’s pretty clear that both can negatively affect your health.

So I am a little suspicious of store-bought car air fresheners.

After some research, I discovered that most car air fresheners are made with VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are synthetic compounds that can stay suspended in the air.

According to the EPA, exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, cancer, and more.

You can click here to learn more about VOCs.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, some car air fresheners also contain formaldehyde and phthalates.

Now I know why they always gave me a headache!

Car Air Freshener Without Toxic Chemicals

Like so many other toxic products, I decided to ditch store-bought car air freshener and switch to a homemade version. Out of concern for your and your family’s health, I suggest you do the same!

This homemade car air freshener is made without toxic chemicals. In fact, it only contains baking soda and essential oils.

The best part about this homemade car air freshener is that it not only smells amazing, but the baking soda also absorbs unpleasant odors.

So the air freshener doesn’t just mask the stench—it eliminates it.

DIY Car Air Freshener Ingredients

When it comes to ditching and switching toxic products, I’m all about simplicity—the simpler, the better.

I don’t want to have to buy 20 ingredients and spend tons of money. That’s why I love this homemade car air freshener so much—it takes less than five minutes to make and probably costs around $1 (not including the jar).

Everything that you need is listed below.

Jar

You will need a jar to store your homemade car air freshener in, preferably one that fits in your car’s cup holder.

I use these 4-ounce glass jars. You can use whatever size jar you like, but keep in mind the recipe below is for a 4-ounce jar.

However, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to fit a larger jar.

You will also need a perforated lid for your jar.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the main ingredient in this DIY car air freshener. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer known for absorbing and neutralizing unwanted smells.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are what give this homemade car air freshener its amazing scent.

You can use whatever combination of essential oils you like. However, I have included my all-time favorite Anthropologie blend below, as well as several other of my favorite essential oil blends.

Dried Flowers (Optional)

The dried flowers are just for looks. They do not affect the air freshener in any way other than making it pretty. They are 100% optional.

How to Make Car Air Freshener

To make this super simple DIY car air freshener, add the baking soda to a small bowl. The amount of baking soda you need will depend on the size of the jar you plan to use.

I use a 4-ounce jar. So I use about a half cup of baking soda.

If you decide to use dried flowers, you can sprinkle some into the bowl as well.

Then, you’ll need to add the essential oils. The amount of essential oil will also depend on the size of the jar you plan to use. For a 4-ounce jar, I recommend 15-20 drops of essential oil.

If you use a larger jar, you’ll need more baking soda and essential oils; if you use a smaller jar, you’ll need less.

When you have finished adding all the ingredients to the bowl, use a spoon to mix well.

Then, pour the mixture into the jar. I like to use a funnel when I do this. It makes it really easy and mess-free!

I didn’t add any flowers to my baking soda mixture, but I did decide to sprinkle some on the top. I just think it looks so pretty!

Attach the lid, and you’re done!

Essential Oil Blends

As I previously mentioned, you can use whatever combination of essential oils you prefer. Below is the recipe for my Anthropologie-inspired scented car freshener blend and a few of my other favorite go-to blends.

Anthropologie-Inspired Blend

• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops black spruce essential oil
• 5 drops orange essential oil

I’m obsessed with this scent, and I know you will be too! Everyone who gets in my car falls in love with it.

Cozy Car Blend

• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops orange essential oil

Wild Flower Blend

• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 6 drops clary sage essential oil

Beach Days Blend

• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

Need Essential Oils?

There are many essential oil companies that sell high-quality essential oils. I used to use Young Living oils exclusively, but I just couldn’t afford to use them anymore.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover several brands that sell amazing, high-quality essential oils at very affordable prices.

A few of my favorites are Eden’s Garden, Simply Earth, Plant Therapy, and Far & Wild. 

If you purchase from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive a big bonus box and a $45 Simply Earth gift card with the purchase of an essential oil recipe box.

You’ll get the recipe box, the big bonus box, plus a $45 Simply Earth gift card for only $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you are unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes here.

How to Use Homemade Car Air Freshener with Essential Oils

To use this homemade car air freshener, I just set the jar in one of the cup holders in my car, and that’s it.

The essential oils may need to be reapplied every 2-3 weeks. Feel free to add more essential oils if the scent isn’t as strong as you would like.

This DIY car air freshener can also be used to freshen up any small space in your home, such as the bathroom, a small bedroom, or a linen closet.

How Long Does DIY Car Air Freshener Last?

I recommend making a new batch of this DIY car air freshener every 2-3 months, but it really depends on the level of stinkiness in your car. As soon as you notice it’s not working anymore, it’s time to replace it.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own DIY car air freshener with essential oils is not only easy and fun, but it also offers a healthier and more sustainable alternative to conventional air fresheners.

By selecting your favorite essential oils, you can customize the scent to match your personal preferences while enjoying the added benefits of aromatherapy.

So, say goodbye to artificial fragrances and hello to a naturally fresh ride every time you hit the road!

Well, I hope this homemade car air freshener makes your commute or road trips just a tad more pleasant. There is nothing worse than driving in a stinky car.

Now you can keep your car smelling great without toxic chemicals! Share your favorite car freshener essential oil combinations in the comments below 🙂

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