Make your home smell fresh with this super easy natural household deodorizer recipe. If you’re not a DIY-er, your local zero waste store may also have some for sale. I know Carbon Environmental in Edmonton does. This deodorizer makes an excellent substitute for Febreeze and other chemical sprays, chemical deodorizers, and vehicle air fresheners. Making these items at home helps not only reduce the toxic chemicals in your environment but also their plastic packaging. PLUS you probably already have everything you’ll need at home!

Deodorizer Uses

Deodorize the fridge
Sprinkle in your trash bin
Use in the bathroom, by the kitty litter, or anywhere in your house that needs a little freshening.
Works great for carpet deodorizing for those with kids or pets. Sprinkle on the carpet, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then vacuum it up.

Alright, let’s get started!

What you will need

A jar – I used a tiny mason jar and an empty glass spice jar
A funnel (optional)
A fork or spoon for mixing
Cheese cloth, fabric, or paper towel (optional)
Rubber band or mason jar lid (optional)

Baking Soda Deodorizer Ingredients

½ cup baking soda
1-2 teaspoons dried herbs/flowers (or 2-3 sprigs)
5-10 drops of essential oils

Step 1

In a mixing bowl or a mason jar, add baking soda then dried herbs/flowers and mix.

Step 2

Add a few drops at a time of essential oils. After each few drops, mix and assess if it’s fragrant enough for you. Add more oils to your satisfaction. Careful not to overpower your dried herbs or flowers.

Step 3

If you didn’t mix directly in your container – transfer your deodorizer using a funnel. If you don’t have a funnel, just transfer carefully to avoid waste. Using a spoon to transfer may also be helpful.

Step 4

You can leave the container open to deodorize. If you’re concerned about someone knocking it over, secure a cheese cloth/piece of breathable fabric, or paper towel to your container using a rubber band. For a more secure hold, use a mason jar and secure the fabric with the metal ring.

For my deodorizer I used 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 1 tsp of rosemary. The lemon was a bit overpowering so I added a drop of rosemary essential oil as well.

Pro Tip #1: If using two essential oils instead of dried herbs or flowers – use 5 drops of each or some combination if you want one scent more prominent than the other.

Pro Tip #2: If the opening of your container is small, mix your ingredient in a bowl first then transfer into your container. It will be easier to stir that way

Pro Tip #3: Use colourful dried flowers and herbs to enhance the look of the deodorizer.

Scent Recommendations and Benefits

Lemon + Mint: The picture of freshness
Lavender + Clove: Antibacterial properties
Lemon + Rosemary: May help increase concentration
Tea Tree + Eucalyptus: May help relieve mental exhaustion
Grapefruit: Antibacterial & antimicrobial properties
Tangerine + Lime: Mood boosting
Sandalwood + Lemongrass: For relaxation
Cypress + Bergamot: Stress relief and antiseptic properties

Prefer a freshening spray?

Reduce baking soda to 1 tablespoon
use only essential oils (5-10 drops)
1 cup water
OR check out the fabric spray by Pretty Clean

A Coffee-Based Option

If you’re a coffee lover looking to freshen up a room, fresh coffee grounds are also great at absorbing odor. If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, add a little pumpkin spice seasoning to the mix for an enhanced morning brew scent.

½ cup fresh coffee grounds
1-2 tablespoons pumpkin spice seasoning

Of course, if you require a scent-free environment, you can use baking soda by itself to absorb odors.

Let me know what scent combination you whipped up with the items in your home!

How to make a household deodorizer