There’s a reason people say, “stop and smell the roses,” not “stop and smell the synthetic compounds that were formulated to smell like a rose.” Why settle for a synthetic substitute when you can have the real thing? It’s time to ditch commercial air fresheners and enjoy the fresh scents of nature!

There are a lot of reasons to avoid commercial air fresheners. Many contain phthalates, which is a group of chemicals that may affect human reproduction and development according the U.S. National Library of Medicine.* In an independent test, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found phthalates in many commercial air fresheners, including some that did not list phthalates on the ingredients, as well as some that were labeled as “all natural” or “unscented.”** Yikes!

So let’s ditch the mystery musk and create some DIY air fresheners using the real thing—essential oils, distilled straight from nature. 

 

Refresh your car

Essential oil Car Vent Diffuser | Young Living essential oil

No one wants their car to smell like gym shoes and yesterday’s lunch. But when it comes to freshening your chariot, just say no to tree-shaped air fresheners hanging from your rearview mirror. Instead, create a natural air freshener with a few drops of oil!

Snag one of Young Living’s new Car Vent Diffusers, which use the air flow from your vents to diffuse essential oils—no water, plug, or cord required! The easily adjustable design fits any car vent, and the cotton pads are reusable!

Here are some of our favorite air freshener recipes for the car:

DIY air freshener recipes for the car

Sunny morning

3 drops Citrus Fresh essential oil

2 drops Bergamot essential oil

2 drops Grapefruit essential oil

 

Busy beeRC essential oil | Young Living

2 drops R.C. essential oil blend

2 drops Valor essential oil blend

2 drops Orange essential oil

 

Tropical escape

4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

2 drops Copaiba essential oil

2 drops Jade Lemon essential oil

 

Refresh your home

If you haven’t discovered the joy of diffusing essential oils in your home, now’s the time! Diffuser blends are easily customizable, so you can pick the oils you and your family love and fill every room with an inviting aroma—minus the synthetic stuff. Plus, our diffusers make a gorgeous addition to your home decor!

Try these air-freshening diffuser blends, or create your own with your favorite oils:

DIY air freshener recipes for your home

Fresh air

6 drops Purification essential oil blend

3 drops Lemon essential oil

1 drop Tea Tree essential oil

 

Lush lavenderBottle of Lemongrass essential oil | Young Living

6 drops Lavender essential oil

3 drops Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil

2 drops Lemongrass essential oil

 

The great outdoors

4 drops Northern Lights Black Spruce essential oil

3 drops Lime essential oil

3 drops Vetiver essential oil

 

YL Tip: Add an extra boost of fragrance by freshening your carpets with essential oils! Mix five drops of your favorite blend with one cup of baking soda. Sprinkle it over your carpet, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then vacuum thoroughly.

Can’t decide what blend to use? Take our quiz to find out which diffuser blend you need right now! Plus, learn how to take your favorite blends wherever you go with our DIY perfume recipes!

What essential oil combo do you use to freshen the air in your home or car?

Let us know in the comments below!

 

* Phthalates: Your Environment, Your Health. U.S. National Library of Medicine. . Accessed October 4, 2018.

** Cohen, A; Janssen, S; Solomon, G. Clearing the Air: Hidden Hazards of Air Fresheners. Natural Resources Defense Council.