My kids are obsessed with those plug-in room deodorizers and candles. But I can’t stand the smell of most of them—they’re too strong and fake. But what I do love is the smell of essential oils. It’s easy as can be to make your own essential oil room sprays with just a glass spritzer bottle and water, alcohol, and essential oils. Here’s how to to make your own natural air freshener with just three simple ingredients!
How to Make Essential Oil Room Sprays
Using essential oils in a spray does more than just freshen a space, it can imbue the air with aromatherapy benefits for your central nervous system so you can relax, heal, and feel more energized whenever you like [source].
Plus, you can spritz ’em wherever you want—bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, closet, your pillow, anywhere—and you never have to worry about those chemical air freshener smells or pets and children getting hurt with candles.
Supplies
–8-ounce spray bottle
-2 tablespoons vodka
-6 tablespoons filtered water
-Essential oils (see below for specific blends)
Instructions
1. Pour the alcohol into a small spray bottle. Add the recommended number of drops of your desired essential oils.
2. Let the oils sit for 5 minutes or so, and then shake well and add the water.
3. Shake again and spritz whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
You can make the scent as strong or light as you want by altering the amount of essential oil.
I’m partial to orange and jasmine because they remind me of Hawaii (think vay-cay!). Peppermint, lavender, lemon, bergamot, cinnamon, rose, and rosemary are very nice too, but you can use just about any essential oil combination that smells good to you. I like to spritz different blends according to my mood, the season, or time of day.
If you want to scale the recipe down to use less of your essential oils, then just cut the recipe in half and use a 4-ounce spray bottle and just 1 tablespoon of vodka.
Our Favorite Essential Oil Room Spray Blends
It’s fun to come up with your own special aroma spray blends. We’ve made summery blends and cheery room sprays to beat the winter blues, but here are a few more of our favorites. As with any essential oil blend recipe, tweak the ratios to suit your own needs and preferences.
1. Relaxing Bedroom Blend
Lavender essential oil has proven benefits as a gentle, natural anxiety-lifter and sleep aid [source]. Combine lavender with vanilla to increase your melatonin levels [source] and shift your brain into sleeping mode. Or use lavender, chamomile, and vetiver to make a soothing pillow spray.
—25 drops lavender
—10 drops vanilla
—7 drops vetiver (optional)
2. Energizing Kitchen Blend
Combine sweet orange with grapefruit or lemon for a scent that keeps you alert and energized.
—15 drops orange
—10 drops grapefruit
—10 drops lemon
3. Focus-in the-Office Blend
Try this peppermint and rosemary duo when you need to stay focused and on task.
—10 drops peppermint
—15 drops rosemary
4. Clean and Deodorize Blend
Use the natural antibacterial power of cinnamon, clove, and tea tree to freshen up a closet or bathroom.
—15 drops cinnamon
—7 drop clove
—12 drops tea tree
5. Freshen-the-Air Blend
Bring the aroma of the outdoors inside with the energizing scents of rosemary and juniper or make this uplifting combo with mint or basil.
—20 drops juniper
—15 drops rosemary
—5 drops basil (optional)
6. Mood-Boosting Blend
There’s nothing like the clean, refreshing scent of citrus to make things a bit cheerier. Sweet orange oil is sunny, refreshing, and energizing, as well as relaxing. Lemon combined with eucalyptus and mint creates an invigorating aroma that’s perfect for spritzing on dreary days.
—25 drops orange
—10 drops lemon
—15 drops eucalyptus
—7 drops peppermint
7. Warm Activation Blend
Spice things up with warming scents like ginger and sandalwood. Especially when combined with sweet orange oil, they become energizing instead of overpowering.
—25 drops sandalwood
—15 drops ginger
—5 drops orange
8. Breathe Easy Blend
Try a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and basil when you feel stuffy and congested. It can be especially helpful to open up those air passages when used with the steam in the shower.
—12 drops eucalyptus
—7 drops peppermint
—15 drops basil
9. Immune Boosting Blend
Both cinnamon and thyme oils have been specifically shown to support the immune system [source].
—10 drops cinnamon
—15 drops thyme
10. Sleep Soundly Blend
More than just a soothing blend, clary sage, chamomile, and valerian essential oils help to promote rest and encourage sleep.
—12 drops clary sage
—15 drops chamomile
—10 drops valerian
11. Tension Headache Blend
Known for their soothing effects on the body, wintergreen and lavender oils help ease tension that may lead to headaches.
—10 drops wintergreen
—15 drops lavender
—10 drops peppermint
—12 drops chamomile
12. Anti-Anxiety Blend
Sandalwood’s deep, woodsy scent is often used for its grounding effects, while ylang ylang [source] and vetiver encourage relaxation [source].
—10 drops ylang ylang
—12 drops vetiver
13. Romance Blend
Nothing says romance like the sweet, earthy scents of rose, lavender, and patchouli. When you’re not using this blend as a room spray, why not pour into a roller bottle and wear it as a perfume?
—20 drops rose
—15 drops lavender
—10 drops patchouli
14. Positive Mood and Immunity Blend
Essential oils, such as lemon, lavender, and peppermint, are known for their ability to help ease anxiety, improve your mood, and boost immune function [source].
—12 drops lemon
—15 drops lavender
—5 drops peppermint
Why vodka?
The vodka is an essential ingredient for the room spray. You probably know that oil and water don’t mix, but adding a little alcohol fixes that incompatibility. It disperses the oil and also helps the scent to linger longer in the air.
Buy the highest proof alcohol that you can find; I often use grain alcohol. And definitely go with the cheapest, you don’t need to use anything expensive (it doesn’t really matter how it tastes or if it is aged).
Avoid rubbing alcohol, however, since breathing rubbing alcohol vapors can be bad for the lungs.
The bottle
Before each use, you will need to shake the bottle of room spray a bit before you spritz so that the essential oil is evenly distributed in the liquid. I reuse or purchase little glass spritzer or spray bottles for the room spray. I get mine at the health food store or online.
Natural Air Freshener FAQ
How long do essential oil room sprays last?
Since this room spray recipe contains water, it should be refrigerated and used within two weeks.
Can I use gin instead of vodka?
I don’t recommend it because gin already has a slight fragrance. Instead, you can use witch hazel in place of the alcohol.
Do you have to use distilled water?
No, but tap water contains chemicals such as chlorine that may affect the smell of your room spray.
My spray looks cloudy, what gives?
Don’t worry—ours does too! It’s just what happens when you combine these particular ingredients. It doesn’t affect the quality of the spray.
Why doesn’t my spray have a stronger smell?
Rooms spray scent won’t linger in the air very long; they’re meant for a quick air freshening boost. If your spray doesn’t smell strong enough for you, just add more essential oils.
Where did you find your bottles?
Ours are from Rail19, and you can buy them here.
Can I use real vanilla extract instead of vanilla essential oil?
I don’t see why not, although you’ll need to experiment to find a ratio that works for you. Also, it may give your room spray a light brown color that can stain white clothing and furniture.
Can I use this in my car?
Yes, you can give your a car a spritz to freshen things up. Or try a simple natural car air freshener to keep the scent around longer.
Do you use essential oil room sprays? What’s your favorite scent?
Essential Oil Room Spray For A Natural Air Freshener
Equipment
- 8 ounce spray bottle
- Funnel (optional)
Materials
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 6 tablespoons filtered water
- 10–40 drops of essential oils peppermint, jasmine, citrus, lavender, etc
Instructions
- Pour the alcohol into a small spray bottle. Add the desired drops of essential oils.
- Let the oils sit for 5 minutes or so, and then shake well and add the water.
- Shake again and spritz whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Notes
1. Relaxing bedroom blend
2. Energizing kitchen blend
- 15 drops orange
- 10 drops grapefruit
- 10 drops lemon
3. Focusing office blend
- 10 drops peppermint
- 15 drops rosemary
4. Deodorizing bathroom blend
5. Freshen-the-air blend
6. Mood boosting blend
- 25 drops orange
- 10 drops lemon
- 15 drops eucalyptus
- 7 drops peppermint
7. Warming blend
- 25 drops sandalwood
- 15 drops ginger
- 5 drops orange
8. Breathe Easy Blend
- 12 drops eucalyptus
- 7 drops peppermint
- 15 drops basil
9. Immune Boosting Blend
10. Sleep Soundly Blend
- 12 drops clary sage
- 15 drops chamomile
- 10 drops valerian
11. Headache Blend
- 10 drops wintergreen
- 15 drops lavender
- 10 drops peppermint
- 12 drops chamomile
12. Anti-anxiety Blend
- 15 drops sandalwood
- 10 drops ylang ylang
- 12 drops vetiver
13. Romance Blend
14. Allergy Blend
- 12 drops lemon
- 15 drops lavender
- 5 drops peppermint
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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How much alcohol? I don’t see it in the recipe.
Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of actual alcohol?
Hi there, when using witch hazel in this recipe, does it have to be distillate or alcohol free?
I have alcohol free witch hazel on hand, but worried that it is not going to function the way it should? Thanks in advance!
What's the shelf-life for this recipe?
Thank you for the great recipes. How many drops of orange and jasmine do you use for the vacay room spray?
Thank you so much!!
You can purchase a gallon of distilled water at most Drug Stores for about $2.00. it will last quite a long while…i use distilled water in my steam iron as well as my clothes steamer so it does not sit around. hope this helps some of you.
Thank you Lindsay for all your time and effort you put into researching and sharing with us.
I appreciate it.
yvonne
Hi Lindsey,
I got a problem on the essential oil mixing with alcohol and water, it turns cloudy after mixing. First i added the 1 ml lavender essential oil into 30ml alcohol it was still remain clear but once i poured in the water, immediately it turns cloudy.
Can you use a non glass bottle?
I just made it with lavender oil, it worked and its delicious!!
Once made how long does the spray last before you need to discard abd makeup a new bottle ?? Thanks ??. I love DoTERRA Essential Oils
Can I use gin instead of vodka?
Howdy Lindsey Johnson!
Well, this method – making natural air freshener, using essential oils is truly wonderful.
This method so useful for me, Of course!
Perfumed candles help to uplift the mood of the surrounding.
And From this, I will feel happy in my work!
Thanks
why do you need to use distilled water. would tap water or bottled water not do
this is what I am wondering!
Tap water varies from one location to another depending on the mineral content of the source water. Distilled water is a consistent product devoid of minerals because its derived from the steam of heated water. Distilled water is less likely to turn your humidifier or vaporizer slimy so it stands to reason that its also less like to breakdown in a spray bottle.
Vanilla extract IS alcohol, but most people dont consider it alcohol. Substitute that for the vodka (and dollar store vanilla is cheaper than any vodka around anyway!).
Hey everyone! Your posts/comments are so helpful :)
If you’re looking for a natural spray using witch hazel instead of alcohol then feel free to contact me to find the perfect spray for you :) ranging from calming pillow mists to help you sleep to energising sprays to get you going!
Search for Alumiscent on Etsy :)
Please send those recipes!
Hi,
Can you please send me some of your recipes.
Thanks
Hi there what is best spray to help me sleep can you please tell me ,?
Margaret. W.?
Hi there… I’ve been trying my Hand at room sprays. Using fragrance oils and a solution from essential wholesale labs that is “supposed to “ hold the scent . But, for me, not so much . Any suggestions? Should I try the vanilla? Vodka? Whatcha hazel? Maybe more FO? Desperate for help .
Thx !
Denise
Denise, have you gotten a response? I also would like to know the answer to your question…
Hi, I'm a botanical perfumer I thought this might help you. To make a fragrance hold you require a % of base notes, essential oils that are heavy, like vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss etc. then add middle notes, like rose, geranium, neroli and last add some top notes, like lemongrass, spearmint, Mandarin. You are best to create your scent before adding to your solution, this way you can add one drop at a time and adjust it as you go. This is the fastest way to learn how to blend a fragrance, I run classes and my students always create a natural fragrance they like this simple way. You will have to experiment a bit to find your perfect fragrance balance. Working with one drop at a time will save you wasting your precious oils. Have fun :)
Please send me your recipes to thank you kindly
sharon
I have tried to mix 15ml vodka with a few drops of essential oils and then added 15ml water to it. You wrote vodka acts as an emulsifier to mix the oils into the water, however it hasn’t mixed at all and the essential oils just swim on the top of the liquid!!! I am hugely surprised, do you know why this happened? Do you know how to get them to mix?
Hmm…I’m not sure. I still shake it up before spritzing. Maybe try just using the oil and alcohol.
When I mix essential oils, vodka and distilled water, I get a cloudy liquid. Why?
It’s the essential oil. When shalen, the oil is separated into so many tiny drops, it appears cloudy. Same thing happens when yoi add water to absinthe.
I know this is old but Vodka isn’t high enough proof to keep everything together. You’re going to want to use perfumers alcohol or something like everclear.
Your percentage of alcohol is too weak. If you want the oils to disperse they have to go into 190% proof alcohol or 95% ethanol before you blend them with anything else.
I’ve recently become obsessed with the smell of pink grapefruit essential oil, and I want my whole apartment to smell like it! Thanks for the recipe and tips, I decided to forgo alcohol and use witch hazel instead, and I quadrupled the recipe, and I love it! My whole apartment smells amazing now!
Researching rubbing alcohol brings this up:
Side Effects of Inhaling Isopropyl Alcohol. … However, if isopropyl alcohol is inhaled there can be serious side effects. Inhalation can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, irritation of the nose and mucous membranes, throat irritations, and even difficulty with breathing
Vodka alcohol, not rubbing alcohol.
I am looking to make 8 bottles, about 1.5-2 oz. of room freshener…more of a clean linen scent. Any suggestions for the full recipe?
Can I make these room sprays but have them in a bottle with the thin wooden screws instead of spraying
My family members every time say that I am killing my
time here at net, but I know I am getting knowledge daily by
reading such pleasant posts.
Great recipe! I refill my air freshener sprayer with this, and I’m excited that it’s both natural/non-toxic as well as inexpensive.
I read that the alcohol make the oil scent last longer. As for those mass chemical fragrances, Phthalates are the unlisted hormone disruptor that could be linked with many chronic illnesses and symptoms…”could be linked” but won’t be; because it wouldn’t be profitable. “Why phthalates are dangerous? Phthalates, a family of industrial chemicals used to soften PVC plastic and as solvents in cosmetics and other consumer products, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system — particularly the developing testes — according to animal studies.” -Google search It’s not just what we are inhaling, people are bathing in these chemicals with hundreds of body products and cosmetics. Imagine how much is consumed thru lip products?!
In my home made sprays I use a very cheap vodka it dries quicker when sprayed on furniture or anything with cloth.
Can you use rubbing alcohol?
Yes
I wouldn’t.
I wouldn’t either! For one, it smells horrible. Also, “real” Vodka (alcohol), the cheapest you can find, does the job and evaporates/dissipates into the air before it lands. Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) might stain fabrics.
The Vodka is really just a vehicle for the Essential Oils to get into the air. I got a cheapo bottle of vodka at the grocery store for about $10-12, could make about 16 4oz. sprayers, if we are talking about a 32oz. bottle (and if my math’s right)
Google: Why inhaling Rubbing Alcohol is bad for you.
Also, isnt Witch Hazel predominantly isopropyl alcohol?
There are options of witch hazel that are alcohol free.
no,bad for your lungs
Where did you find the bottles!
Try Dollar Tree..ours has small travel sized, aluminum, and larger spray bottles. You could have one in ea. Room…
eBay has Amber colored glass bottles for cheap! The dark bottles are good for keeping your oils fresher
When using essential oils it’s best to use Brown or a dark color bottle I buy all of mine thru Amazon they have all different sizes. The large ones I use for spraying around the house and also around the pool outside areas. The small one I use in the bathroom for air freshener. Hope this helps.
Thanks so much for the diy recipes. I’ve been looking for a bathroom mildew spray and this will certainly be used as I tackle my spring cleaning!
Thanks so much! I can’t wait to make these.i love the real smells over the strong fake ones.
I’m assuming vodka if using alcohol since it has the least amount of “scent”??
Thks!
How long do the sprays last? And could they work with out the alchol at all? I want to start making my own to spray around as i cant stand those plug in things either! I’ve also got a bit hesitant of using shop bought smellies as I dont like the long list of chemicals in them!
You can substitute witch hazel for the alcohol, using the same amount.
This recipe is incredibly small……6 tablespoons of water? that will last me one day!!! any updates on a larger quantity recipe? Thank you!
Just double, triple, etc the recipe. I have an 8oz spray bottle I’m going to multiply this recipe till its full.
am new on the plate form,pls how can i make a ten litters of air freshner using vanila/lemon? I have tried many ways to increase the effect of the fregrance but to no avail,pls can you help me?
If you have ceiling fans, you can use a blend with any carrier like grape-seed oil and rub some on top of the fan blades! It really smells wonderful .
I love that idea!
can evoo be used?
Could you use real vanilla extract instead of alcohol since alcohol is apparently used to make that? I don’t have drinking alcohol in my house either.
Yes, it works.
I use a food grade emulsifier
Hi Monica,
What good grade emulsifier do you use, please?
Many thanks in advance!
C xx
Where is a good place to buy vanilla EO? I would love to find a good source.
Thank you.
I used 1 Tbsp 70% isopropyl alcohol
20 drops Clementine
4 drops of Four Thieves blend.
About 2 cups of water.
Smells heavenly and an immune system boost.
Adjust to your own liking.
What are the pros/cons of using alcohol vs.vodka?
I think the scent/fumes from rubbing alcohol is the main con, otherwise, it’s about the same effect as the vodka. And it’s less expensive.
I suggest you do a lot of research before spraying rubbing alcohol into the air and breathing it. It’s known to have many detrimental effects on the body.
I know this is an odd question but is there any alternatives to vodka – I will not allow the stuff in my house. I’ve heard about using witch hazel but I’m not too keen on that either. Any ideas?
You could use rubbing alcohol or witch hazel without any trouble.
I buy my spray bottles at the Dollar General, skip the vodka, use distilled water and YLEO Purification, which eliminates odors in seconds!
Where to buy the essential oil of NOW?^^
Hello, where to get the same spray bottle which is in the picture?
Thank you!
I bought that online from rail19.com.
I just skip the alcohol. It doesn’t seem to matter. I love spraying my home made air fresheners!
I don’t like using alcohol – wouldn’t witch hazel work just as well?
I haven’t tried that, but I don’t see why not. Let me know if you try it!
LOVE this brand essential oils, I am so going to have to try this vs. buying it already made!
Well, the method to make natural air freshener, using essential oils is truly wonderful. Most of the times, it is seen that people prefer perfumed candles than buying a natural room freshener. Perfumed candles help to uplift the mood of the surrounding.
Is there a way to create a long-lasting air freshener using essential oils? Kinda like the plug-in versions or a jelly jar?
Hi Sara! Great question! I think the best way to do that is to buy reeds and make a diffuser with it. Something like 1/2 cup of a carrier oil (avocado, olive oil, almond, etc) plus anywhere from 25-50 drops of essential oil should do the trick.
I always seem to need energy when I’m in the office. Can’t wait to try the Focusing Office Blend!
Is there a substitute for the vodka if you can’t have alcohol in the house?
I have the same question. Could household rubbing alcohol be used? Why vodka? I don’t use alcohol and buying a bottle of vodka for one tablespoon wouldn’t be cost effective for me either.
You can buy oil dispersers from aromatherapy suppliers. I think Mountain Rose Herbs probably does one.
I was planning on getting one of those little airplane bottles so I’m not stuck with a bottle of vodka that will go to waste.
You can use a distillate or make your own. In the bottom of a 4 qt pot or larger- invert a small bowl set a bowl on top to catch the distilled water. Use some herbs and water on the bottom to infuse the distilled water with plant material. Invert the lid of the pot and turn the pot on low. Hopefully your pot lid will be angled slightly and you can put some ice cubes in it. The water that drips into the bowl will be distilled and will not go bad as fast but keep it in the fridge anyway. I use some lemon balm and lavender and spray it on myself after working in the garden. What a refreshment.
wish I had a picture…
buy the shot sized bottle of vodka
You could definitely use ethyl alcohol. The scent of the alcohol will dissipate leaving the smell of the essential oils behind. Great question!