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Here is a super simple way to freshen any area in your home, office or even car! You can make a homemade baking soda air freshener. They are simple to make, yet act as a fabulous odor absorber.
You may already know that baking soda has the great power of absorbing odors. When you add essential oils into the mix, it just gets even better. This baking soda air freshener with lemon essential oil is quick, easy, and effective odor eliminator. Plus, it's completely natural and easy to make!
Making your own air freshener is a great way to save money and avoid using harsh chemicals. Let's look at how baking soda can fight smelly odors and make this easy home DIY recipe.
Can Baking Soda Absorb Odors?
Baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, has many uses and benefits. It is one of those staple ingredients that just about every home has in the cupboard.
It can be used as a cleaning agent, in cooking, for DIY projects, as a home remedy, and so much more. One thing it is excellent at is absorbing bad smells in the home.
A study was done on its ability to control the odor of organic waste and was found that it can reduce the odor by about 70% when spread at the bottom of garbage cans.
How Do You Deodorize a Room with Baking Soda?
In this recipe, we paired baking soda with lemon essential oil. Why? Because when paired they make an awesome odor neutralizer that can deodorize a room.
Once complete this recipe, let it absorb the musty, stinky and funky aromas that tend to linger. You can place the neutralizing air freshening jar in your refrigerator, pantry, bathroom, car cup holder, and so many more places.
Don't worry, the final product has a light scent so it will not overwhelm whatever location you choose to place it.
PLUS it looks so much prettier than a box of baking soda sitting in the refrig :)
DIY Baking Soda Air Freshener
Using a few simple ingredients, this easy home DIY recipe will help you fight smelly odors and leave your room smelling clean and fresh with the help of a homemade baking soda room deodorizer with essential oils as fragrance.
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10-15 drops lemon essential oil
- coffee filter
- 4 oz mason jar with jar ring
Instructions:
1. Cut down coffee filter to fit on inside of jar ring, I used the inner lid as a guide, making it about a 1/2 inch bigger than the inner lid. You will not need the inner lid after this unless you want to store your air freshener and not use it. The coffee filter allows the air freshener to breath and absorb odors but keeps the mixture from spilling out.
2. Place the baking soda into 4 oz mason jar.
3. Add in essential oils and stir baking soda mixture together.
4. Place the coffee filter on top of jar, tighten ring around jar keeping the coffee filter in place. Decorate if desired, I just used a glue dot and a simple bow.
5. To use, place in your area of choice. Allow it to absorb odors. You may need to shake it occasionally to keep it fresh. Add more essential oils as needed.
More Essential Oil Air Freshener Options
You can try other smell good oils for this natural freshener like drops of cinnamon oil instead. It will have a spicy fresh scent that smells especially lovely during the holidays.
Try a lavender essential oil room freshener and place it next to your bed, this way you can enjoy the sleep benefits too.
Some essential oils I wouldn't use in this recipe include frankincense, rosewood, or sandalwood. They are too costly for this type of recipe.
Some other options to try instead of lemon oil:
- Peppermint or Spearmint: Crisp and invigorating, perfect for car fresheners, home offices or during hot seasons.
- Sweet Orange or Grapefruit: Warm citrusy sparkle, ideal for living rooms or spaces where you entertain.
- Lavender Oil: Soft, calm and soothing, nice for bedrooms or relaxation zones.
Tea Tree: Herbal and clean, a good pick for bathrooms, laundry rooms or pet-areas.
Cinnamon or Clove (Holiday Blend): Spicy and festive, use during fall/winter for a cozy atmosphere.
Handy with a needle and thread? If you don't want to put your room freshener in a glass jar or small bowl, how about a baking soda sachet.
Where to Place Your Air Freshener for Maximum Impact?
You’ve mixed up your DIY baking soda air freshener, but where you place it can greatly affect how well it neutralizes odors and freshens the space. Here are ideal placement ideas (and a few locations to avoid) so you get the best results.
Placement Ideas
- In the refrigerator or mini-bar: Place the jar in the back or on a shelf to absorb lingering food or drink smells.
- In bathrooms or powder rooms: Especially useful near wastebaskets or behind doors where smells linger.
- In cars or vehicle cup-holders: Perfect for freshening the small enclosed space and neutralising odors from road snacks, pets, etc.
- Inside closets or wardrobe corners: Use the freshener where clothes and shoes are stored for an extra layer of scent control.
- Under desks or beside electronics: Heat from equipment can intensify odors; a freshener nearby helps mitigate that.
Replace or refresh the mixture every 4-6 weeks (or sooner if the scent fades) to maintain performance. For enclosed spaces (e.g., car or closet), rotate/shake the freshener jar every few days and add a drop or two of essential oil to “recharge” the scent.
Placement Notes
Keep it out of reach of pets and children, especially if you’ve used essential oils they may be sensitive to. Avoid putting it where it will get wet or in direct contact with water (e.g., inside a shower or where water drips), moisture reduces baking soda’s effectiveness.
Step by Step Tutorial:
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