Want a pretty homemade air freshener that looks cute on a counter and lets you choose your own scent? This DIY natural gel air freshener is made with gelatin, water, salt, essential oils, and a mason jar.
I love easy crafts that are natural, pretty, and practical. This one checks all three boxes. It works like a simple gel air freshener, but instead of buying one from the store, you can customize the scent and make it look nice enough to leave out.
How do you make a natural gel air freshener?
To make a natural gel air freshener, dissolve unflavored gelatin in hot water, whisk in cold water and salt, then pour the mixture into a mason jar with your favorite essential oils. Let it set overnight, add a vented lid, and place it somewhere safe where kids and pets cannot reach it.
For this version, I used eucalyptus and myrtle essential oils because those are the scents I like during stuffy seasons. You can also use lavender, spearmint, citrus, or another blend you already love.
Safety note: Essential oils are concentrated, so keep this air freshener out of reach of children and pets. Do not use it as a medical treatment, and avoid strong scents if they bother your breathing, asthma, or allergies.
How to Make a Natural Gel Air Freshener with Essential Oils
For the air freshener pictured here, I decided to stick with the two soothing essential oils that work best for us when we feel congested. I scented it with Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil and Myrtle Essential Oil, just like I do for our Homemade Vick’s Inspired Shower Soothers.
The lavender and spearmint (along with the other oils) in my Tripsaver essential oil blend recipe that I use to prevent my daughter’s motion sickness also works well in this gel freshener!
So, I decided to make a gel air freshener because I wanted it to look pretty enough to display. And while I am using mine inside my house, it can be used as a natural car air freshener too. (I’ve been known to bring mine from the car back inside to my desk!)
This craft takes less than five minutes. Even the busiest — non-crafty — mom can do this project!
DIY Gel Air Freshener Ingredients
- 2 packets of Unflavored Gelatin
- 1 Tbl Salt
- A pint jar (8 oz) or two 4 oz mason jars if you want to make it a car air freshener.
- Daisy Cut Lids
- 1 cup of water, divided
- 1/2 to 1 tsp of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 1/2 to 1 tsp of Myrtle Essential Oil
- Measuring cup
- whisk
- Sprig of fake Eucalyptus* optional
How to Make a Homemade Gel Air Freshener
- First, bring 1/2 cup of water to a rolling boil.
- Next, pour into a small mixing bowl.
- Then you want to slowly add the two packets of gelatin.
- Whisk together until gelatin is dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In the mason jar, add 1/2 to 1 tsp of Eucalyptus Essential Oil and 1/2-1 tsp of Myrtle Essential Oil.
- Add the sprig of plastic eucalyptus to the jar.
(I cut one off of the fake plant I keep I my kitchen table!) - Finally, slowly pour the liquid mixture into the jar.
- Lightly tap to release any air bubbles.
- Allow to harden overnight!
Essential Oil Scent Ideas
Who would have thought that making your own essential oil diffusing air freshener would be so easy? The best part is that it is completely customizable. If you don’t like the somewhat sinus clearing scent of eucalyptus and myrtle, try lavender. There are so many essential oil scents and blends to choose from.
You can customize this homemade gel air freshener with different essential oil blends depending on where you plan to use it.
- Fresh and clean: lemon, lavender, and rosemary
- Calm bedroom scent: lavender and cedarwood
- Bright kitchen scent: orange and spearmint
- Stuffy season scent: eucalyptus and myrtle
- Car air freshener scent: lavender and spearmint
Start with less essential oil if you are sensitive to strong smells. You can always make the scent stronger next time.
FAQs About Homemade Gel Air Fresheners
Can you make a gel air freshener with gelatin?
Yes. Unflavored gelatin works well for homemade gel air fresheners because it helps the water mixture set into a firm gel. Salt helps preserve the mixture a little longer.
What essential oils work best for a homemade air freshener?
Lavender, lemon, orange, spearmint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cedarwood are popular choices. Choose oils based on the scent you like, not because you expect them to treat a health issue.
Can I use this as a car air freshener?
Yes, you can make this in a small 4-ounce mason jar for the car. Keep it upright, out of direct heat, and away from children and pets.
How long does a DIY gel air freshener last?
A homemade gel air freshener usually lasts a few weeks, depending on the room temperature, jar size, and how much essential oil you use. Replace it if it dries out, melts, spills, or looks cloudy.
Is a homemade essential oil air freshener safe around pets?
Use caution. Some essential oils, including eucalyptus, can be toxic to pets. Keep the jar where pets cannot lick, spill, or chew it, and avoid using essential oils in areas where pets spend a lot of time unless your veterinarian says it is safe.
Related:
The best car deoderizer air freshener for sports moms.
Easy Air Freshener Tutorials for you to try this weekend!
DIY Natural Air Freshener For Cold and Flu Season
Easy all natural gel air freshener that diffuses congestion busting essential oils!
Ingredients
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- 1 Tbl salt
- 1 pint jar (8 oz)
- 1 cup of water, divided
- 1/2 to 1 tsp of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 1/2 to 1 tsp of Myrtle Essential Oil
- Measuring cup
- Spoon for stirring
- Sprig of fake Eucalyptus* optional
Instructions
- Bring 1/2 cup of water to a rolling boil.
- Pour into a small mixing bowl.
- Slowly add the two packets of gelatin.
- Whisk together until gelatin is dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water and salt. Whisk to combine.
- In the mason jar, add 1/2 to 1 tsp of Eucalyptus Essential Oil and 1/2-1 tsp of Myrtle Essential Oil.
- Add the sprig of plastic eucalyptus to the jar.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the jar.
- Lightly tap to release any air bubbles.
- Allow to harden over night!
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