How to Make a Baking Soda Air Freshener

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 25, 2022 Tested

Baking soda has plenty of uses around the house, but it's probably most effective as an odor absorber. That's why it's the ideal ingredient for healthy, eco-friendly, budget-friendly air fresheners. Whether you want a spray air freshener for the entire house, a tabletop air freshener for a specific room, or an air freshener for a smelly carpet, baking soda can get the job done. You just have to mix it with the right ingredients to maximize its benefits.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Baking Soda Air Freshener Spray

1
Combine the baking soda and essential oil. Add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda to a small bowl or dish. Mix 5 to 6 drops of an essential oil into the baking soda with a spoon until they are well combined.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You don't necessarily have to add an essential oil to the air freshener. The baking soda will absorb odors to help freshen the air on its own. However, adding the essential oil will allow the freshener to give off a pleasant scent too.
- Use your favorite essential oil to scent the air freshener. If you want to get creative, you can even mix two or more oils to create a custom scent. Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils are all good options.
2
Pour the baking soda mixture into an empty spray bottle. When the baking soda and oil are well mixed, transfer the mixture to an clean, empty spray bottle. Don't try to pour it directly from the bowl, though, or you may make a mess. Use a spoon to carefully add the powder to the bottle.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you have small funnel, you may want to use it to pour the baking soda mixture into the bottle. It will keep the mixture from flying everywhere as you pour.
Advertisement
3
Add enough water to the baking soda to fill the bottle and shake well. Once you've transferred the baking soda mixture to the spray bottle, add enough water to fill the bottle. Shake the bottle well to fully combine the water and baking soda mixture.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Be sure to use distilled water for the air freshener.
4
Spray the air freshener wherever you need it. After you've shaken the bottle to fully mix all of the ingredients, you're ready to use the air freshener. Spray it throughout an entire room to freshen the air, or target specific items, such as your sofa or a pair of sneakers.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing Tabletop Baking Soda Air Freshener

1
Mix the baking soda and essential oil in a jar. Add ½ cup (90 g) of baking soda and 15 to 25 drops of an essential oil to a small glass canning jar. Use a spoon to carefully stir the two together until they're fully combined.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you want a stronger scent for your air freshener, you can mix in more of the essential oil.
2
Secure the lid on the jar. Once the baking soda and essential oil are mixed, place the lid and a paper or cloth covering over the jar. Twist the lid well to ensure that the covering is securely in place.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- It's important to use a jar covering made of paper or cloth, such as cheesecloth, cotton, or linen. These materials will keep the baking soda from spilling out but still allow the scent out of the jar. Don't use a metal or plastic covering that will block the baking soda from absorbing odors and the essential oils from giving off their scent.
3
Place the air freshener out where you need it. When the lid and covering are secure on the jar, the air freshener is ready to go. Set it out on a table or countertop wherever you want to freshen the air. The kitchen and bathroom are ideal locations, but you also can place it in your bedroom, living room, or family room.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If the air freshener seems to have lost its scent, shake the jar. That will redistribute and freshen the scent.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Creating Baking Soda Carpet Freshener

1
Grind the herbs. While the essential oils in the air freshener will help give your carpet a pleasant scent, adding herbs that complement the oils can intensify the effect. Start by grinding 2 to 3 sprigs of the dried herbs in a coffee grinder or blender so they're fine enough to mix with the baking soda.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You can use whatever herbs you like, but it helps to choose those that correspond with the essential oil. For example, if you're using lavender essential oil, use dried lavender for the most intense lavender scent. You can also pair dried rosemary with rosemary essential oil or dried mint with peppermint essential oil.
- If you prefer, you can be creative with your essential oil and herb combinations. For example, try pairing lavender essential oil with dried rosemary for a unique scent. Dried sage also pairs well with lemon essential oil, while dried mint and wild orange essential oil are a good combination.
2
Combine all of the ingredients in a jar with a lid. After you've ground the herbs, add them along 1 cup (180 g) of baking soda, and 30 to 40 drops of an essential oil of your choice to a glass jar that has a lid. Place the lid on the jar, and shake well to thoroughly mix the ingredients.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- You can use any essential oils that you like, but you should avoid tea tree oil if you have pets. It can be toxic to animals.
- Citrus essentials oils lose their scents quickly, so you should avoid them if you want a long lasting scent for your carpet.
- You may want to use an antimicrobial or antibacterial essential oil in your carpet freshener. Oregano oil, cinnamon oil, and thyme oil are good options.
3
Allow the mixture to sit overnight. Even when the air freshener ingredients are mixed, it's best not to use it right away. Let the mixture sit in the jar overnight to ensure that baking soda fully absorbs the scent of the essential oils.^{[10]
X
Research source}
4
Sprinkle the freshener over your carpet and let it sit. After you've allowed the mixture to sit overnight, you can use the carpet freshener. Sprinkle it lightly over the carpet that you want to freshen, and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can use a spoon to spread the air freshener, or place a shaker lid on the jar so you can sprinkle directly from the container.
5
Vacuum the freshener up. Once the carpet freshener has sat on the carpet for several minutes, vacuum the carpet as you normally would. Make sure to vacuum up all of the baking soda mixture to truly freshen the carpet.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Before using the carpet freshener, check your vacuum cleaner's instruction manual to ensure that the baking soda won't damage the appliance or clog the filters.

Community Q&A

Question

Does this mean that I will not need to add fragrance to the baking soda?

Community Answer

No, baking soda is an odor absorbent. Although adding 5 to10 drops of your favorite essential oil to a bottle of 50% water and 50% of vinegar would make a lovely air freshener/deodorizer in the scent of your choice. But it's a choice, not needed.
Question

Will the spray air freshener work as a pet deodorizing spray?

Community Answer

The spray air freshener will help get rid of any smells, including those from pets. However, be sure not to use tea tree oil in your air freshener if you have pets. It can be toxic to animals.
Question

Can I use pop or a different drink instead of an essential oil to scent it?

Community Answer

Not really. Iems that are meant for human consumption contain too many different chemicals (yes, even Vitamin Water has chemicals in it) to be a good option. Also they are not the same consistency as oils, and full of syrups which attract bugs. There are hundreds of oils to try, have fun!