DIY Natural Odor Eliminator Spray: A Simple Recipe for Freshening Your Home

Say goodbye to air fresheners loaded with harsh chemicals! You can effortlessly create your own odor eliminator spray using a few natural ingredients and essential oils. This homemade deodorizing spray not only masks odors like many store-bought air fresheners, but it also neutralizes odors effectively, tackling even the most stubborn smells. Whether you need to freshen up your bathroom, eliminate pet odors, or simply remove musty scents from your home, this spray is your go-to solution.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Odor Eliminator Spray

Note: If you don’t have these specific essential oils on hand, don’t worry! I’ve provided alternative deodorizing essential oil combinations in the recipe below. You can also explore more essential oil substitutes here.

• Lemon Essential Oil

  Lemon essential oil is not just refreshing; it’s a powerful natural deodorizer. The high concentration of limonene in lemon oil helps to draw odors from the air and neutralize them, leaving your space smelling clean and invigorating.

• Lime Essential Oil

  Lime essential oil is revered for its purifying properties. It effectively eliminates a variety of strong household odors, such as those from stinky shoes, lingering cigarette smoke, and trash cans left too long. Similar to lemon, lime oil neutralizes stale, musty odors and helps combat that “old house” scent, making it a common ingredient in many commercial odor eliminators.

• Fir Essential Oil

  Like lemon and lime, fir essential oil also contains limonene, but it boasts additional powerful components for deodorizing. Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are recognized for their ability to freshen and cleanse. Fir oil acts as a strong natural germicide, effectively erasing odors in no time.

• Tea Tree Essential Oil

  Tea tree oil is a staple in many commercial odor removers, often dubbed as “nature’s solution to odor.” Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it exceptionally effective at eliminating musty, stale scents, and it’s particularly adept at tackling very unpleasant odors like those from dirty trash cans or stinky shoes.

• White Vinegar

  Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing and neutralizing a wide range of odors—from cigarette smoke to pet smells to mildew. Don’t fret if you dislike the scent of vinegar; it dissipates quickly, taking other odors with it.

• Rubbing Alcohol

  This ingredient helps eliminate the fungi and bacteria that are often the root cause of unpleasant household odors.

• Distilled Water

  Used to dilute your deodorizing spray, distilled water ensures that your mix remains effective. If you don’t have distilled water, boiled and cooled filtered water will work as a suitable substitute.

How to Create Your Own Odor Eliminator Spray (a Homemade “Febreeze” Air Freshener)

Step 1: Combine 1 Cup of Distilled Water in a 16 oz Spray Bottle

Tip: Opt for a 16 oz or larger spray bottle made from glass, stainless steel, or essential-oil-safe plastics, such as PET (#1) or HDPE (#2). A mason jar can also work well!

Step 2: Add 1/2 Cup of White Vinegar

Tip: If vinegar’s scent isn’t to your liking, feel free to reduce the amount, but retain some for its effective deodorizing properties. The vinegar smell fades within minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate 2 Tablespoons of Rubbing Alcohol

Step 4: Add the Following Essential Oils (Total of 35 Drops)

• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of lime essential oil
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops of fir essential oil

Tip: If you don’t have these specific essential oils, try these alternative combinations in your odor-eliminating spray:

• Lemon, orange, and grapefruit
• Lavender, orange, and rosemary
• Lime, grapefruit, and geranium
• Grapefruit, tangerine, and spearmint
• Rosemary, orange, and lavender
• Lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree
• Lemon and pine
• Lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender

Step 5: Secure the Spray Top and Shake Well to Combine

Don’t forget to add a Free Printable Label (available here)

Tip: You can print the label on full-sheet label paper, or alternatively, print it on regular paper and attach it to the spray bottle using packing tape. This method is cost-effective and ensures that the label remains intact and protected for an extended period.

How to Use Your Homemade Odor Eliminator Spray

1. Start by removing the source of the odor (like trash, old food, or stinky shoes).
2. If possible, wash any items that contributed to the odor (e.g., clean the trash can or treat any stains on carpets).
3. Spray the affected area—just a couple of sprays should suffice in compact spaces like bathrooms or closets; you may need more for larger rooms.

Tip: This homemade deodorizing spray is also safe for use on furniture, draperies, bedding, pillows, and other fabric surfaces. However, always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t stain or discolor your fabrics.

Click here for a Free Printable Recipe and Jar Label

Explore More Natural Ways to Eliminate Odors with Essential Oils:

• Homemade Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray (spray the toilet bowl before use to trap odors below the surface)

• Stinky Shoe Spray and Deodorizing Shoe Powder

• Garbage Can Spray

• Trash Can Deodorizer Tabs

• Essential Oil Deodorizing Pads (place these felt pads anywhere to prevent odors)

• Fabric Refresher Linen Spray (a homemade “Febreeze”)

• Laundry Scent Booster

• Seasonal Room Sprays—Spring, Summer, Fall, Christmas, Winter

Learn about the best essential oils for deodorizing here.

Please join us… We’re on Facebook here and on Pinterest here. Click here to sign up for our email newsletter. Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and the information provided on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your health care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and proceed to purchase a product, I may receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.