Homemade Gel Air Freshener | Simple Gift Idea

Learn how to make your own homemade gel air freshener using 3 simple ingredients. Full video tutorial, printable recipe, and my favorite essential oil blends.

What is a gel air freshener? It’s essentially a hands-free room spray in which the fragrance is slowly released into the air over a period of time.

Depending on how they are made, they can last anywhere from several days to several months.

This particular solid air freshener is inexpensive and lasts for several weeks. Plus, you can customize the scent with different essential oils.

A DIY gel air freshener is an easy way to keep your house smelling fresh without spending a lot of money.

These fresheners are the perfect all-natural deodorizer to place around the house, in bathrooms, or even in the car. They make a great addition to any gift and are very practical.

I am excited to share this simple gel air freshener recipe with you!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.

How to make gel air fresheners

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin 
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 15-20 drops of essential oils (see blends below)
• Dried flowers if you are giving them as a gift (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat water in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the salt and stir until dissolved.
3. Stir in gelatin.
4. Remove from heat and add essential oils.
5. Once it has cooled enough but not yet gelled up, pour it into your shallow glass mason jar.
6. Add food coloring and flowers; if using.
7. Let it cool completely before covering it with a vented lid.

Watch the whole video tutorial here.

How to use a gel air freshener?

Use a vented lid on the mason jar to allow the fragrance to seep slowly into the air. You can find vented lids online or make your own by punching small holes through an old lid.

Alternatively, you can remove the lid, use breathable fabric, and hold it on with the ring.

How to make air freshener with essential oils

Do you have a favorite scent but don’t know where to buy it? Come up with your own blend using essential oils, or choose from one of these below!

CITRUS DELIGHT

With a blend of citrus essential oils, this air freshener is very refreshing and cleansing. It is the perfect blend to uplift the mood and promote positivity.

• 8 drops of wild orange essential oil
• 6 drops of lemon essential oil
• 4 drops of tangerine essential oil
• 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil

FLORAL SENSATION

The lovely floral scent of this air freshener will promote a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

• 8 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops of jasmine essential oil
• 2 drops of geranium essential oil

SUGAR AND SPICE

Blending a couple of citrus oils with a few spice oils gives off a sweet yet spicy aroma. I use this air freshener for the kitchen.

• 8 drops of wild orange essential oil
• 6 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops of lime essential oil
• 2 drops of clove essential oil

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

This blend contains oils that are calming for the body and mind. Make this air freshener for the bedroom nightstand to give off a relaxing aroma to promote healthy sleep.

• 8 drops of lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
• 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil

CHRISTMAS DAY BLEND

This blend is perfect for a holiday gift or to set out during the Christmas season.

• 8 drops of douglas fir essential oil
• 6 drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of clove essential oil

Gift Ideas

With the holiday season right around the corner, these DIY gel air fresheners would make the perfect handmade gift.

Either leave them as they are or add a personal touch for the special person in your life.

So get those creative juices flowing and enjoy! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

FLOWERS – Add rose petals, silk flowers, or artificial leaves to the mixture after removing it from the heat.

COLOR – Add a few drops of natural food coloring to the mixture after removing it from the heat. Start with one drop and stir it in with a toothpick. Add more as needed.

TOPS– Use a pretty fabric to cover your air fresheners. Tie hemp or ribbon around the top for the finishing touches.

Air Freshener benefits

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts being released into the air for aromatic benefits.

Placing gel air fresheners around the house that are made with essential oils is a great way to benefit from aromatherapy.  

TOXIC-FREE

Traditional air fresheners contain toxins and chemicals that can compromise your immune system and overall wellness.

And while you can find natural air fresheners, making your own is much cheaper.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN WAY

When you make your own, you can customize it any way you want. Choose the scent, the color, the container, and the decorations.

These little gel air fresheners make a great birthday gift or a perfect stocking stuffer.

How long do gel air fresheners last?

These air fresheners last approximately 2 weeks, whereafter the scent will drastically reduce.

To prolong the life, simply add more oils to the top of the gel.

I hope this post was helpful and that you enjoyed this recipe! Let me know which blend you chose in the comment section below.

Check out these posts below for more great recipes!

• DIY Wax Air Fresheners
• Holiday Room Sprays
• Homemade Febreze
• DIY Linen Spray