DIY Carpet Deodorizer with Essential Oils

If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to refresh your carpets and eliminate unwanted odors, making your own DIY carpet deodorizer with essential oils might just be the perfect solution. Store-bought carpet fresheners often contain chemicals that can be harsh on your health and the environment, but with a few simple ingredients, you can create a natural, fragrant carpet refresher that’s both effective and safe. 

Homemade Carpet Deodorizer with Essential Oils

I’m just going to get straight to the point—I hate carpet!

I’ve dreamed of hardwood floors my entire adult life. And my dreams recently came true when we bought a fixer-upper, and we were able to install hardwood floors throughout our entire home.

I do not miss having carpet at all. However, we do have oversized area rugs in most of our rooms, and between the dog, the kids, and husbands’ dirty work boots, they need refreshing often.

So, I created a super simple DIY carpet deodorizer with essential oils that gets the job done.

However, before I share the recipe, let’s talk a little bit about carpet deodorizer.

(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure statement here.)

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.

How Does Carpet Deodorizer Work?

The particles in carpet deodorizer sink deep into the carpet’s fibers, down to the base, and absorb and neutralize odors.

The particles and the unpleasant odors are then removed with a vacuum, leaving your carpet odorless.

Is Carpet Deodorizer Toxic?

I’m not a fan of most store-bought household cleaners, and carpet deodorizer is no exception.

But with that being said, many years ago, before I knew any better and had carpet throughout my house, I would use it all the time.

And I always ended up with a throbbing headache every time I used it. It took me a while to finally make the connection. But once I did, I threw it out.

Luckily, that was the only side effect I experienced, but according to the EWG, some carpet deodorizers can cause skin irritation, allergies, and reproductive effects.

Store Bought Carpet Deodorizer Ingredients

Many store-bought carpet deodorizers contain benzyl benzoate, which can be very harmful if swallowed and is recognized by the European Union as a skin allergen.

You can click here to learn more about the dangers of benzyl benzoate.

Some store-bought carpet deodorizers also contain methylisothiazolinone, which the US EPA reports can be very toxic to aquatic life and can also cause skin irritation.

You can click here to learn more.

Most carpet deodorizers contain scents that “freshen” the carpet, but no one knows what ingredients make up these scents. Most companies just list the mysterious ingredients as “fragrance.”

But no one knows what “fragrance” actually is. There are quite a few concerns about this mystery ingredient. You can click here to check them out.

Is it Safe to Use Carpet Freshener During Pregnancy?

I couldn’t find any medical evidence to confirm whether carpet fresheners are safe to use during pregnancy.

However, based on the information I provided above, I would never use store-bought carpet fresheners, especially while pregnant.

You can easily make a DIY carpet deodorizer (recipe below) that is toxin-free and safe to use while pregnant.

Is Carpet Deodorizer Safe for Babies?

Once again, I couldn’t find any medically based evidence to confirm whether store-bought carpet deodorizers were safe to use around babies.

But based on the information I provided above, do you really want your baby exposed to those nasty chemicals?

Think about it—if your baby is crawling around, it is coming into direct contact with the carpet.

I wouldn’t chance it. It is best just to make your own.

Is Carpet Deodorizer Safe For Pets?

According to the ASPCA, carpet deodorizers can cause minor respiratory irritation, resulting in sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose if inhaled by your pet.

And if ingested, it can cause an upset stomach.

While doing research for this post, I discovered many stories from people who used carpet deodorizer, and their pets (snakes, birds, cats, etc.) had very bad reactions.

Based on the stories I read, I would not use store-bought carpet deodorizers around pets at all.

Is Carpet Deodorizer Bad For Vacuum?

Powdered carpet deodorizer can have negative effects on your vacuum cleaner, whether it is store-bought or homemade.

The particles can clog the pores of your vacuum bag or HEPA filter.

For this reason, I sprinkle very little carpet deodorizer on my rugs and only use it when I really need to—usually only once or twice between shampooing.

Can You Put Carpet Freshener on the Couch?

Yes, you can use carpet freshener on your couch. But you may want to test a small area before applying everywhere.

Just sprinkle it on the couch, let it sit, and vacuum up.

How to Make Natural Carpet Deodorizer

This carpet deodorizer is one of the easiest DIYs I have ever put together. You’ll just need to get a bottle or container to store it in and gather the ingredients below to make it.

I recommend a jar that holds around 12 ounces and has a perforated lid. These shaker jars with perforated lids are perfect.

You could also use a 12-ounce mason jar and attach one of these perforated lids.

You can use whatever size jar or container you like. However, the recipe below is for a 12-ounce container, so you will need to make adjustments if you use a larger or smaller one.

Homemade Carpet Freshener Ingredients

Aside from your jar or container, you’ll also need baking soda and your favorite essential oils.

You can use whatever essential oil combinations that you prefer. However, I’ve shared some of my favorite essential oil blends below.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have small children or pets, make sure the essential oils you choose are safe for you and your family.

You can click here to learn more about essential oil safety.

DIY Carpet Freshener Recipe

Follow the step-by-step directions below to make this DIY carpet freshener.

Add 1 1/2 cups of baking soda to a large bowl.

Add 30 drops of your favorite essential oils to the bowl (blends are below).

Use a spoon to mix everything together. Combine well, and make sure to break up any chunks.

Pour into a container or jar using a funnel.

Attach the perforated lid, and that is it!

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 blend and a few of my other favorite go-to blends.

Anthropologie-Inspired Blend

• 9 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 7 drops geranium essential oil
• 7 drops black spruce essential oil
• 7 drops orange essential oil

Wild Flower Blend

• 13 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 7 drops clary sage essential oil

Cozy Home Blend

• 8 drops lemon essential oil
• 7 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops peppermint essential oil
• 9 drops orange essential oil

How to Use DIY Carpet Deodorizer

To use this DIY carpet deodorizer, sprinkle it on your carpet or rugs. You don’t need much, so don’t get too carried away.

Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly—that’s it!

How Long to Leave Carpet Deodorizer on Carpet

You should let it sit for at least 20 minutes. You can leave it on longer, up to about 3 hours. Just make sure you keep pets and kids off the carpet during that time.

Need Essential Oils?

As essential oils have become increasingly popular over the years, they’ve also become much easier to obtain. But do not be deceived. Not all essential oils are created equal. 

Many essential oils sold today are synthetic. Your body processes synthetic oils as a toxin, which does not help your body but actually works against it. So please do your research before purchasing 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.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own DIY carpet deodorizer with essential oils is an easy and effective way to bring a fresh, clean scent to your home without relying on harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can maintain a fresh-smelling, healthier home that’s as kind to the environment as it is to your nose. Try making your own DIY carpet deodorizer today, and let the natural scents transform your space!

I hope this DIY carpet deodorizer with essential oils brings you one step closer to a toxin-free home and life.

As I’ve mentioned in many other previous posts, a clean home should be a healthy home. You should never have to sacrifice one for the other.

Let me know if you have any comments or questions below!

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