Let’s be real: life (and homes) don’t always smell like freshly cut flowers. Between kids, pets, sports shoes, and that “mystery smell” in the fridge you swear you dealt with last week… things can get a little stale. Most of us are tempted to grab a can of air freshener and pretend everything’s fine… but here’s the truth bomb: most commercial air fresheners are full of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Basically, that’s science-speak for toxic fumes that trick your nose but not your lungs. They mask odours with synthetic fragrances that can irritate your airways, trigger allergies, and harm indoor air quality. Yuck.
So, what’s the alternative? A natural DIY air freshener that’s quick, cheap, and smells like an actual dream. Bonus: no harmful chemicals, just pure freshness from Mother Nature herself. Plus, making your own gives you that “I’m a domestic wizard” moment (wand optional, but highly encouraged).
Here’s what you’ll need for a natural air freshener:
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1 cup water (filtered if possible)
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2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka (helps disperse the oils and makes you feel fancy)
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10–15 drops of your favourite essential oils
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A spray bottle (bonus points if you reuse an old one)
Mix it up:
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Add water and witch hazel/vodka to your spray bottle.
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Drop in your essential oils. Try lavender for relaxation, lemon for freshness, eucalyptus for that Aussie “just cleaned” vibe, or peppermint for an instant energy hit. Feeling adventurous? Mix grapefruit + rosemary for a zingy morning pick-me-up, or orange + clove for cosy evenings.
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Shake well before each use and spritz around the house whenever things start smelling less-than-fresh.
Extra tips
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Place a small bowl of baking soda with a few drops of essential oil in rooms for continuous freshness.
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Use dried herbs like rosemary or lavender for a decorative and fragrant touch.
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Rotate scents with the seasons… citrus in summer, warm spices in winter.
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Add indoor plants like spider plant, peace lily, or snake plant to naturally filter the air and keep it fresh.
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Open your windows as much as possible as fresh air is one of the easiest ways to naturally clear odours and improve indoor air quality.
Pro tip
Not all essential oils are created equal! Make sure you’re using Australian-grade, 100% pure essential oils instead of the cheap, synthetic blends that smell like “fake lavender in a bottle.” Australian-approved oils ensure you’re getting the real deal: natural, high-quality scents that are safe for your family and pets.
So next time you’re tempted by a can of “Ocean Breeze” (which, let’s face it, smells nothing like the ocean), grab your DIY mix instead. Your home will smell amazing, your lungs will thank you, and you’ll earn major eco-hero points.
Now take a deep breath… ahh, that’s the smell of clean, the natural way.
Visit our blog for more helpful tips and tricks.
More info of VOC’s can be found here.
