Fragrant homemade room spray with essential oils is quick and easy to make. Included are 3 different air freshener recipes that can easily be adapted for whatever scent you want. These simple essential oil recipes will teach you exactly what you need to make your non-toxic and natural room spray at home!
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Natural homemade room spray recipes
I’m so excited to show you my EASY method for how to make homemade room spray. Even though opening a window is the best way to shoo away unpleasant odours, a DIY air freshener spray is the perfect way to freshen any room and fragrance your home!
I’ve always loved homemade air fresheners. And, these room sprays are so refreshing. They are made with essential oils and natural ingredients that eliminate odours and offer wonderful aromatherapy benefits – completely without aerosols, heavy perfumes and synthetic chemicals!
Reasons to make DIY room spray
Toxic ingredients in commercial room sprays
While commercial air fresheners smell nice, I recently read a study from the Natural Resources Defense Council about potential health concerns from exposure to commercial air fresheners.
Some of the compounds (benzene, formaldehyde, butane) found in synthetic air fresheners can cause headaches, migraines, nausea, rashes, and may aggravate asthma and allergic reactions.
Even more troublesome is a group of dispersants called phthalates, which are linked to hormonal issues, reproductive harm and developmental disorders, which is a particular risk for babies and young children.
The NRDC study found that even products labelled “unscented” or “all-natural” did contain these potentially harmful chemicals. That’s because companies are allowed to hide all sort of ingredients under the umbrella term “fragrance.”
Benefits of homemade room sprays
What’s a girl to do when she loves natural air fresheners? Make natural room spray that’s what! Let me show you some of the benefits of DIY room spray:
- natural, non-toxic ingredients
- no harmful chemicals
- ecofriendly since no aerosols have to be used
- customise the scent according to your preferences
- enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils
DIY air freshener ingredients
Let me show you what materials you need to make the best natural room spray. Some ingredients are optional but helpful to make your homemade air freshener even more effective. Scroll to the DIY box for the exact measurements.
High proof alcohol
Alcohol serves 3 purposes in homemade room spray. For one, alcohol acts as a preservative hindering the growth of microorganisms and mould. Secondly, it also helps to dilute and blend the essential oils in the room spray. And lastly, alcohol helps the scent molecules to disperse in the air.
What kind of alcohol do you use for room spray with essential oils?
Ideally, you want to use an odourless, high-proof alcohol. Here are some ideas:
- perfumers alcohol: The best option for natural room spray is perfumers alcohol, which is a clear, unscented alcohol that produces the best smelling air fresheners. Buy it here: US, UK
- grain alcohol: Grain alcohol is a clear liquid without colour or smell. You can buy grain alcohol from brands such as Everclear, Century, or Graves.
- vodka: Vodka can also be used, the higher the proof, the better.
Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol are not suitable for this essential oil recipe. They impart a very unpleasant smell and can cause headaches and migraine. So stay clear of those.
Distilled water
Distilled water is best for homemade room spray. Otherwise, use boiled, cooled tap water.
Essential oils
Essential oils refresh the air, and provide natural fragrance and aromatherapy benefits. For the best smelling aromatherapy spray, be sure to use high-quality essential oils from reputable manufacturers and sellers.
Baking soda (optional)
Baking soda is an excellent odour absorber and can neutralise less than pleasant smells. To maximise the deodorising qualities, add 1/2 tsp to your room spray base. If adding baking soda, shake the air freshener spray well before each use.
Glycerin (optional)
Vegetable glycerin functions as a solubiliser, meaning the ingredient helps the essential oils and water mix better. It also prolongs the staying power of the essential oil sprays by helping scent particles “cling” to the objects in your home. Glycerin is optional, and you can leave it out.
3 room spray recipes
Now that we know the basic ingredients, let’s explore different home fragrance recipes. I’m sharing 3 recipes that I constantly use to deodorise my home naturally.
Citrus room spray
Homemade lemon air freshener will keep your home odour-free and smelling fresh. It’s the perfect combination of invigorating grapefruit, sweet orange, zesty lemon, and a dash of lavender. The scent is very engergising and will uplift your mood.
The essential oil blend in this DIY room spray looks like this:
- 15 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Sea breeze air freshener
The tranquil fragrance with hints of cedar, eucalyptus and sea salt evokes memories of summer days spent seaside. The fresh smell is centring and calming, perfect when you need to unwind and destress.
Here’s the EO mix for this room spray:
- 15 drops cedarwood essential oils
- 10 drops lime essential oil
- 5 drops spearmint essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
In addition to this refreshing essential oil blend, dissolve 1 tbsp fine sea salt in the water.
Flower air freshener spray
Spray away odours with a lush floral air freshener and fill your home with the sweet aroma of a garden in full bloom. Geranium, lavender, and ylang ylang all melt into a rich flower scent which rests against a warm sandalwood base. I find this floral scent comforting and relaxing, and often use it at night.
The DIY air freshener spray is made with the following oils:
- 15 drops geranium essential oil
- 12 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops ylang ylang extra
- 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
Have a room spray formula you want to share? Please leave a comment, I’d love to know your favourite essential oil combinations for room spray!
How to make room spray
There are just 2 simple steps to make this recipe for essential oil room spray. Your natural deodorizer will be ready as fast as you can gather your materials. The amount of each ingredient is on the DIY card below. Here is what you do:
- The alcohol, essential oils and glycerin (if using) to a spray bottle and shake.
- The top off with distilled water and baking soda. Shake until the liquids are blended.
When making room sprays, dilute the essential oils in the alcohol first. Shake well, then add the water. To keep measurements easy, simply use the same amount of alcohol as you do water.
How can I make my room spray last longer?
First, test the room spray recipe with essential oil amounts as written above. If you still prefer a stronger scent, feel free to double the amount. Also, keep in mind that some essential oils (for example, citrus essential oils) evaporate faster than others.
Homemade Room Spray Recipes with Essential Oils
Fragrant homemade room spray with essential oils is quick and easy to make. These simple essential oil recipes will teach you exactly what you need to make your non-toxic and natural room spray at home!
Materials
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml / 2 fl oz odourless high-proof alcohol (perfumers alcohol, grain alcohol, or vodka)
- 1/4 cup / 60 ml / 2 fl oz distilled water (or boiled, cooled tap water)
- 30 to 45 drops essential oils (see ideas above)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda, optional)
- 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions
- The alcohol, essential oils and glycerin (if using) to a spray bottle and shake.
- The top off with distilled water and baking soda. Shake until the liquids are blended.
- If making the sea breeze spray, dissolve the sea salt in the water first before adding it to the alcohol mixture.
Notes
How to use room spray
Using homemade room spray is silly simple:
- Shake well before each use.
- Spritz 2 to 4 pumps into the air.
- Repeat if necessary.
Do not spray directly on furniture, wood, fabrics, curtains, carpets, or anything that can be damaged by water or alcohol. And never spritz near a candle or open flame.
Essential oil room spray and pet safety
Use the homemade essential oil air freshener with caution if pets area round. This also includes birds, reptiles and fish. Alcohol can be lethal to pets, so do not use the spray if pets are in the room. Many essential oils are toxic to cats and can cause nausea in your furry friend.
Packaging ideas for homemade room spray
A friend gifted me the frosted glass bottles you see in the pictures, and I couldn’t resist using them for this project. But to ensure the best shelf life, fill the essential oil room spray into tinted glass spritz bottles, such as these amber, cobalt blue, ultraviolet spritz bottles.
Cyna created printable room spray labels, which you can download at the end of the post.
How to store natural room spray
Heat, humidity, and light can breakdown essential oils. So, store your DIY room spray in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, for example, a closet or cupboard.
How long does room spray last?
Keep the free essential oil recipe for up to 6 months. Citrus air freshener degrades faster and will last 3 to 4 months.
Printable room spray labels
Tab or click the button to download your free printable essential oil spray labels!
Over to you!
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Irena xx
Hi there! I’ve just made some of this spray. You said not to spray it “on” anything like furniture, clothing etc.. When I spray it in the air it drops on the floor like rain would. It leaves wet drops all over my floor . Is this normal? Do I need a different spray nozzle?
Also, I’m confused about the amount. I used 16oz bottles but this recipe calls for equal parts of alcohol and water. It barely fills the bottle. I just wanted to make sure this is right.
Thank you TIA!
Hi Kylie! The recipe makes for 4 oz, so it wouldn’t fill a 16 oz bottle. If you want greater amounts, simply double or triple the recipe.
I recommend a fine misting spray nozzle that produces extremely fine droplets and makes the spray like fog. There’s nothing wrong if you notice drops, but your spray nozzle is probably on the larger side.
I hope this helps you out and please let me know in case you have more questions!
Hello,
Thank you for sharing this information. I love it. What are the measurements for bulk amounts such as a gallon of room spray with alcohol and without alcohol?
Hi, so glad you’re enjoying this post! To make a gallon of product without alcohol, you need 1 gallon distilled water. For a version with alcohol, you’d need 1/2 gallon distilled water and 1/2 gallon high-proof alcohol. And here are the essential oil amounts to scent 1 gallon:
Floral: 1 oz geranium + 0.8 oz lavender + 0.67 oz ylang ylang + 0.33 oz sandalwood
Sea Breeze: 1 oz cedarwood + 0.8 oz lime + 0.33 oz spearmint + 0.2 oz eucalyptus + 0.2 oz frankincense
Citrus: 1 oz grapefruit + 0.8 oz lemon + 0.8 oz sweet orange + 0.33 oz lavender
Before making these bulk amounts, I d start with small samples to see how you like the scent. Maybe you prefer different ratios or want to include/exclude a scent.
I hope this helps you out and happy making!
Amazing recipes. Thank you
So glad you’re enjoying them, Sati!
Such a nice blend. I used this and add a bit color ( natural pigment epoxi for dye soap) the result was so perfect. Btw i used vodka in this 80 proooof.. Thank you for sharing such a big help…
You are most welcome!
Hello, Love the content, thanks so much for sharing. I have a query if I would like to sell the sprays, please.
If I added the Perfumer Alcohol as suggested as well as vegetable glycerin, distilled water and e.o. Can I say that is 100% natural? Or the Ethanol (Perfumer Alcohol) used is synthetic?
Also, you mention in one of your answers, that in order to sell you suggest adding a solubilizer or emulsifying agent. What can I use to maintain the product is still free from chemicals?
Wouldn’t the vegetable glycerin work as a solubilizer?
I’m in the UK if helps…thanks a billion 🙂
Hi Silvia! Ethanol is a natural byproduct of plant fermentation (often corn or sugar), so it should be fine to label it natural. I would ask the supplier to be certain.
The combination of alcohol and vegetable glycerin works fine to solubilize essential oils. If your spray performs well then there’s no need to include another solubilizer.
However, you can also try making the spray with Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and see if it works better. Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a natural, ECOCERT-approved solubilizing agent for essential oils that is a great option for room spray.
Bay House Aromatics offers a product called Solubiliser Clear+, which contains Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside. Naissance sells the same product under the name Symbiosolv Clear Plus. Both of these companies are located in the UK.
I hope this helps and please let me know in case you have another question. Happy making!
Hello if I’m selling these and I wanted to add colors could I use meca coloring or some type of coloring agent?!
Hi Jasmine! You can tint the mixture with water-soluble food color or soap dye. I don’t recommend mica because the particles will sink to the bottom of the bottle and may clog the sprayer nozzle. I hope this helps and happy making!
I made this using vodka, but when I spray it all I can smell is the alcohol. I used sweet orange and lemon essential oils. Do I need to use another vodka or stronger essential oils?
Hi Megan! I’m sorry you had an issue. Vodka shouldn’t have a smell and the alcohol should evaporate quickly after spritzing. If you can still smell the alcohol, try to use another brand of vodka if possible. And what brand of essential oils are you using?
Thanks for this great article! I would like to make room sprays for sale. Would the recipe have a longer shelf life if I add a preservative such as optiphen? How Long would it last? I was hoping I could sell my customers something that could last at least 1.5 years. Thanks in advance <3
Hi Jade! You can go down 2 routes: Add a preservative or use only alcohol.
Preservative: The shelf life of the preservative will determine the shelf life the finished product. Optiphen has a shelf life of 12 months so the room spray would last 1 year.
Alcohol: Another idea would be to skip the distilled water and prepare the room spray with 100%. Pure alcohol has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years, so that might align better with your goals.
You also need to consider the shelf life of the essential oils your using. Lavender EO for example lasts for 2-3 years whereas lemon oil expires within 9 months to 1 year.
I developed this room spray for home use and wanted to provide a simple formula. However, if I were to create room spray for commercial use, I’d consider adding a solublizer or emulsifying agent. Essential oils mix well with alcohol but adding a solubilizer will enhance their performance further. Let me know if that’s of interest to you and I’m happy to share more info.
Happy making and much success to your business venture!
Hello. I made my first room sprays today following this recipe. They smell lovely but s couple of things…. I added bicarbonate soda and it occasionally blocks the spray. I am shaking before use..I just wanted to check do I definitely not need to add the bicarbonate soda to boiled water and then cool before adding to help it dissolve? Also the liquid was a milky colour as expected before adding the bicarbonate soda…. However now it has turned a pinkish colour.
Hi Laura! You can certainly add the bicarbonate soda to hot water to help it dissolve better. Bicarbonate soda doesn’t turn pinkish on its own. My guess is that one of the essential oils is responsible. Some essential oils contain chlorophyll, which reacts with bicarbonate soda and creates a pink color. You can still use the room spray, just avoid spraying it on white fabrics. I hope this helps!
These are such wonderful blends. I used the ratio of 1:1 distilled: alcohol and noticed the color became cloudy. Is that normal?
Hi Liz! Yes, that is perfectly normal. Some essential oil will give the room spray a cloudy appearance, which just means they are properly dissolved. Happy crafting!
Hi, what is the ratio alcohol ÷ water you use?, I would love to try this recipes.
Hi Evelyn! I used 1:1 water – alcohol. You can find the measurements + instructions here. Happy making!
Hi, love this recipe, going to make some this weekend! Just wondering can you use witch hazel instead of alcohol?
Thank you so much, Sharon! The alcohol dissolves the essential oils. Since witch hazel contains only a little alcohol, I’m not sure how well it’ll work. That being said, you can still give it a try and see how you like the room spray. Just be sure to give the bottle a good shake before each use. I hope this helps and happy making!
If making this recipe to sell can you substitute essential oil for fragrance oil?
Hi Keisha! Yes, that should work fine. Before making a large batch, I’d just make a small sample to see how the fragrance oil performs. Happy making!
If I am making room spray’s to sell, is there another option besides alcohol to use? I was hoping to avoid getting a permit.
Hi Lynn! Yes, it’s possible to make room spray without alcohol but you must add an emulsifier (so the water and essential oils mix) and you also must use a broad-spectrum preservative (otherwise the water can spoil and be contaminated with mold or bacteria).
Depending on how natural you want your room spray to be you can either opt for all natural ingredients or or include a non-naturally sourced emulsifier and preservative.
Here is a room spray formula without alcohol:
1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 fl oz distilled water or hydrosol (e.g. rose, lavender orange blossom etc.)
30 drops liquid emulsifier (e.g. Poly Suga Mulse D9 OR Polysorbate 20)
30 to 45 drops essential oils
24 drops Geogard ECT (OR 24 drops Optiphen Plus OR 15 drops Liquid Germall Plus) = preservative
First, mix the emulsifier and essential oils until the oils are dissolved in the emulsifier.
Mix the water and preservative in a sperate container.
Add the water and oil mixtures into your spray bottle.
Shake the bottle to combine both phases. That’s it!
I hope this helps and let me know any other questions you have. Happy making!
Thank you so much for responding.
Hello & thanks for sharing your formula! I have just tried the formula but it became milky and white colored ;(.
Can you please let me know where did i went wrong? I used 96% Ethanol & Distilled Water. I didn’t use neither baking soda nor Glycerin.
Thanks Again!
Hi Noor! I’m so glad you like the recipe. You didn’t do anything wrong. The cloudiness is expected and is not an issue for a room spray. Essential oils, alcohol, and water only mix to some extent. Glycerin acts as a solubiliser and helps these ingredients to mix better. Simply give your spray a good shake before each use and you’re good to go. I hope this helps and please reach out if you have another question.
Hi what size are the spray bottles you used here?
Hi Michaela! I used 4 oz / 120 ml spray bottles.
I love your ideas. Can I get a catalog with your products?
Thank you so much, Sheila! That is so kind of you to say. Unfortunately, we don’t have a catalog as we do not sell these products. We only share instructions so that readers can make them for themselves.
Wonderful blends! Sea Breeze is a great name and sounds so refreshing. In fact, all these air freshener blends sound perfect for summer!
Thank you so much! We did indeed create them with summer in mind.