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Updated October 2026
To make a homemade baking soda air freshener, stir 10 to 15 drops of lemon essential oil into 1/2 cup of baking soda in a small mason jar. Cover the jar with a coffee filter held on by the ring, and set it wherever odors linger. The baking soda absorbs odors, and the lemon leaves a light, fresh scent.
Below is my step-by-step tutorial, other essential oils to try, and the best spots to put it. For more ways to use lemon, see my lemon diffuser blends and essential oil guide. Jump to the recipe.
Why Baking Soda Works for Odors
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is the classic box in the back of the fridge for a reason. It absorbs musty, stale and acidic odors instead of just covering them up. Adding essential oil gives it a light scent, so it freshens while it absorbs.
It's cheap, simple and free of synthetic fragrance. Plus, a pretty jar looks a lot nicer than an open box of baking soda in the fridge. :)
DIY Baking Soda Air Freshener
For the home, not skin. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What You Need
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10 to 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 coffee filter
- 4 oz mason jar with ring. Here are the mason jars I use (affiliate link).
- Ribbon or glue dots to decorate (affiliate link), optional
Directions
- Cut the filter: trace the jar's flat inner lid onto the coffee filter and cut a circle about 1/2 inch bigger. You won't need the inner lid unless you want to store the freshener closed. The filter lets air in so it can absorb odors but keeps the baking soda from spilling.
- Add the baking soda: spoon 1/2 cup of baking soda into the jar.
- Add the lemon: drop in the essential oil and stir well with a spoon or chopstick.
- Cover it: lay the filter over the opening and screw the ring on to hold it in place. Add a bow if you like. I used a glue dot and simple ribbon.
- Place it: set it where you need it. Give it a gentle shake every few days, and add a few more drops when the scent fades.
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
Other Essential Oils to Try
| Essential oil | Scent | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| Peppermint or spearmint | Crisp, cool | Cars, home office, summer |
| Sweet orange or grapefruit | Warm, sunny citrus | Living room, entryway |
| Lavender | Soft, calming | Bedroom nightstand |
| Tea tree | Fresh, herbal | Bathroom, laundry room, gym bag area |
| Cinnamon or clove | Warm, spicy | Fall and winter holidays |
I'd skip pricey oils like frankincense, rosewood or sandalwood here, since baking soda tends to mute them. For more combinations, see my lemon diffuser blends.
Where to Put Your Air Freshener
- The refrigerator: on a back shelf to absorb food smells. Use plain lemon or skip the oil if you don't want a scent near food.
- Bathrooms: near the wastebasket or on the back of the toilet.
- The car: in a cup holder. Use a jar with a sturdy lid you can close while driving on bumpy roads.
- Closets: on a shelf near shoes and clothes.
- Near the litter box or trash can: up high, where pets can't reach it.
Swap in fresh baking soda every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if it stops working. Keep it dry, since moisture makes baking soda clump and stop absorbing.
Air Freshener Safety Tips
- Keep jars where children and pets can't reach or knock them over.
- Cats are especially sensitive to citrus oils. Don't put lemon jars where cats eat, sleep or groom.
- Close the filter-topped jar or move it before cleaning so it doesn't spill.
- Store your essential oils cool and dark so they stay fresh.
More DIY Recipes for Your Home
- Lemon essential oil for cleaning
- How to make scented baking soda
- Carpet deodorizer powder with baking soda
- Best essential oils for pet odors
- Essential oil wax melts
- Homemade potpourri with rose petals
- Lemon essential oil uses and recipes
Shop my Aromatherapy Supply Kits and grab one of my free essential oil guides.
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Essential Oil Guide for Beginners - Getting Started
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Beginner's Essential Oil Guide - Download/Printable Learn how to safely and effectively make essential oils a part of your everyday life. Everything you need to know about essential oils. If you have ever been around anyone who loves using essential… Read More
