Meet the gel air freshener - a superfun, strangely easy, and absolutely natural way to make the house smell amazing. It's one of the simple projects in Essential Glow, my (!) book that's packed with tips, recipes and DIYs for essential oils.
You can customize this simple diffuser with your favorite scent, dye it a pretty pick-me-up color, and even add in fun decorative items, like shells or flowers. Then set it somewhere in your house and enjoy! You can even pop one in the fridge to combat food odors.
How to Make Your Own Gel Air Fresheners
For parents with little kids, having flaming candles around is just asking for trouble. I love how candles look and smell, but I don't like how they attract curious little hands. The gel air freshener is perfect!
Supplies needed
- 1 packet (or 2 ½ teaspoons) unflavored Knox gelatin
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- About 15 drops essential oil (aromatherapy grade oils are okay here)
- 1-2 drops food coloring
Bring the water to boil in a small sauce pan. Add gelatin packet and stir until dissolved.
Let mixture sit until cooled to room temperature. Then pour into small jar and add vodka, oils and any color or decoration. Stir and refrigerate until set.
Seriously, it's that simple, folks.
Don't skip the vodka or rubbing alcohol. Without it, your gel air freshener will start to mold within days.
And go easy on the food coloring - you only need 1 to 2 drops per jar to create a soft, pretty hue. Then add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Here are a few scent options to try:
1. Good cheer
- 3 drops melissa
- 6 drops rose absolute
- 4 drops lavender
2. PMS soother
- 4 drops jasmine
- 4 drops geranium
- 2 drops lemon
3. Cleansing
- 2 drops lemongrass
- 2 drops peppermint
- 9 drops palmarosa
4. Unwind
- 4 drops frankincense
- 5 drops lavender
- 2 drops eucalyptus
5. Relaxing Retreat
- 6 drops bergamot
- 3 drops cedar
- 4 drops basil
- 2 drops black pepper
6. Uplifting
- 6 drops lemon
- 3 drops clove
- 4 drops pine
7. Bright and Cozy
- 4 drops grapefruit
- 3 drops peppermint
- 4 drops ginger
And if curious hands aren't a problem at your house, you can attach a wick at the bottom of the glass or jar before adding the gelatin to make a 'gel candle.' Light the candle and the scent will get even more intense.
Ways to Use Gel Air Fresheners
-Stash one in the refrigerator to get rid of food smells.
-Pop one under the kitchen sink to keep musty odors at bay.
-Keep the bathroom smelling fresh by placing one behind the toilet or under the sink.
-Place one in your entryway so you're greeted by a fresh scent whenever you enter the house.
-First, screw on a lid with a few air holes, then place an air freshener in your linen closet or bedside table.
-Use one or two to keep your laundry room and mudroom smelling fresh.
Gel Air Freshener FAQ
Why did my gel air freshener liquify after a while?
If you live in a sunny, hot or humid climate, you may run into issues with your gel air freshener liquifying. Never place your air freshener in the car, on a hot windowsill, or anywhere warm enough to melt the gelatin. If you notice it liquifying anyway, either place it in the refrigerator to re-set it or toss it out and make a new one.
Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka?
Yes, feel free to substitute rubbing alcohol in place of the vodka.
Can I use agar agar as a vegan replacement for gelatin?
While I haven't made it myself, agar agar can be used in place of gelatin in this recipe. Simply dissolve 2 teaspoons agar agar flakes in 1 cup of boiling water, then follow the remaining steps in the recipe. If your gel air freshener doesn't want to come together like with traditional gelatin, try adding more agar agar powder to the mix.
Is there a way to keep my air fresheners from separating?
I didn't experience any separation with my air fresheners, but if you do, I recommend making another batch with a slightly more gelatin and less oil and vodka.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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Habibi says
My Dear
Why is my gelatine fluid in air freshener not good and after one or two hours,that i put it in my car it becomes watery.
Best regards
Habibi
Nicola says
I, too have vegan concerns, and thought I might try it to make one with agar-agar. Also, I think the alcohol is there as a preservative, and another "tweak" I'm considering is using isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol: Why waste good vodka, and why waste money on bad vodka?
Leslie Uy says
I have tried this recipe and it's true that the oil and alcohol separated from my gelatin when it was already formed. The oil was just there on top.
So, I made another one. I used lesser oil and lesser alcohol. I combined my oil and my alcohol first before pouring my newly cooked gelatin. SUCCESSFUL at this time!!
shimalis says
How can I chat with you
Wendy says
I was really disappointed by this recipe. I was unclear as to exactly how many packs of gelatine to use. Even after refrigeration, my gel was soft. I put it out anyway, and it proceeded to grow green, furry mold. Gross.
Maryanne Sentkowski says
That’s exactly what happened to me !
bimbo says
pls is it a must to refrigerate it....CU's we don't av constant light over here...wat else should I do except from refrigerating it.
Filipa says
Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of Vodka? I'd love to make these, but I live in a place where the presence of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden (even if it's just for cooking or DIY purposes).
Thanks!
Stephanie Gerber says
Yes, that will work as well, thanks for asking!
nidhi says
hi there, I made these around 3 days ago using 1 pack gelatine, 1 tbsp salt and 2 cups water. They have not set at all :( only once i refrigerate it does it set, as soon as it comes back to room temperature, its all water and oil again. I have made 8 of these from one batch of recipe I’ve mentioned. Is there anyway to salvage these? can i add more gelatin? can i add agar agar and stir again? Please help. I went all creative with the scents I'd die to know i have to waste these! :(
Stephanie Gerber says
oh no, sorry to hear that! In my recipe I used 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup vodka with one pack of gelatine so you might need more gelatine. Also I didn't use salt so I'm not sure how that would affect the recipe. I hope it works out!
Joya says
I think the vodka is added as a preservative I made these years ago without alcohol and after a few weeks mold started to grow on them.
Juanita says
Would rubbing alcohol work instead of vodka?
Joya says
I think the vodka is added as a preservative I made these years ago without alcohol and after a few weeks mold started to grow on them.
Juanita says
Would rubbing or isopropyl alcohol work instead of vodka? Don't really want to purchase vodka!
Michelle says
Great idea! What size jars did you use?