Learn how to make a DIY Gel Air Freshener and keep your home smelling great without harmful toxins. Perfect for gifts!
There is nothing like walking into a great smelling home!
We all want our homes to smell fantastic, but sometimes that can take a little work.
When I was younger, I reached for commercial air fresheners and candles to keep my home smelling fresh. In recent years I’ve learned that this wasn’t a good idea because most of them are loaded with toxins that I don’t want my family exposed to.
Today I’ve got a great DIY Gel Air Freshener for you, but first, let’s take a look at why you should consider getting rid of commercial air fresheners in your home.
Why Your Air Freshener May Be Toxic
- There are some 3,000 plus chemicals used in the manufacturing of commercial air fresheners, including volatile organic compounds. VOCs are known irritants linked to cancer, liver and kidney dysfunction, neurological impairment, asthma and other respiratory disease.
- 95% of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances (listed as “fragrance” on the label) are derived from petrochemicals.
- Many air fresheners contain formaldehyde and benzene which are known carcinogens. They often also contain phthalates, which are chemicals known to cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
- Even those market “natural” can contain harmful chemicals since there is no regulation governing the use of the term. Many of these can contain chemicals that are known to cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other sensitivities.
Hopefully, you are convinced to ditch commercial air fresheners!
I love using a diffuser in my home, but these DIY Gel Air Fresheners are great for bathrooms, entryways, closets and other spaces that you might not have a diffuser. I’ve used holiday oils since it is December, but you can use any oil you want!
The Quality of The Essential Oils You Use Matters!
After looking closely at the quality, purity, and ethics of so many companies, I’ve fallen in love with both the company and their oils. They have a large line of organic oils and are serious about safety. Every single batch is tested to ensure purity!
Read my full Plant Therapy Review for why they are my go-to company.
How to Make a DIY Gel Air Freshener
What You Need:
- Small Glass Jars (I used 7 ounce jars)
- 3 cups water, divided
- 1/4 cup unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons salt
- Essential Oils
- Food Coloring, optional (preferably a natural brand)
Directions:
- Place 1 cup of water in a small bowl. Add gelatin and let soften.
- Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of water to a simmer. Stir in salt and allow to dissolve.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in gelatin mixture. Remove from heat and whisk until combined.
- Place 60 drops of essential oils to each jar. Add 6 drops of gel food coloring.
- Stir into each jar to evenly disperse oils and food coloring.
- Lightly cover, and transfer to the refrigerator until solid. (You may also let them sit at room temperature to get solid, but I found they were much more firm when I used the refrigerator.)
How long will these air fresheners last? Weeks… months?? Also does it have to be stored in the fridge after the initial setting process? Seems like it would melt a bit like jello does.
Mine are about three weeks old and still going strong. They haven’t melted yet, but I would imagine that they could if your house was very warm.
Oh I am totally going to do this! I love air fresheners but for the reasons you mention here I have not done it! This is perfect!
I love these! I used to love using candles and air fresheners to keep my home smelling great, that is until I learned about VOCs and how dangerous it is to be exposed to these. I’d love to try making some of these with my favorite essential oils!
This is so perfect for our home. I would also like to make some of these as Christmas present to my friends? Do you have any idea how long it will last?
While my mother always said perfumed things such as deodorants had bad for us ingredients in them I never knew just how bad these toxins and stuff was til now. I love the idea of safe, homemade air fresheners. Maybe I can actually use them as my asthma and COPD doesn’t allow for commercial brands.
ooooo this sounds fantastic. I already have all the ingredients on hand and my 11 y.o will enjoy making it this weekend… Thank you for the recipe
This is a very nice gift for people in our lives. I think I will do something similar for my co-workers.
That is such an adorable air freshner!! I love the gel ones too because they seem to last longer.
We always have an air freshener going. I like the idea of not causing toxins to float around our home.
Great way to bring some cool fragrance to one’s home……
That DIY gel air freshener looks really awesome. It seems to be helpful in every house to have a pleasant air inside the house and delivers good vibes! Thumb up!
It is true that so many household products are toxic and are not good for our health. I will have to try this recipe!