Baking soda has many uses for the home, but is probably most effective as an odor absorber. Therefore, baking soda is an ideal ingredient for making healthy, environmentally friendly and affordable air fresheners. This material can absorb odors effectively, whether as an air freshener spray for the entire home, a box air freshener to be placed in a specific room, or a carpet odor neutralizer. You just need to mix it with the right ingredients to maximize its function.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making an Air Freshener Spray from Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix baking soda with essential oil
Place 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda in a small bowl or plate. Add 5-6 drops of essential oil to the baking soda and mix with a spoon until smooth.
- You don't need to add essential oils to the baking soda. Baking soda itself can absorb odors to freshen the air. However, the addition of essential oils can give a fresh and sweet aroma to an air freshener spray.
- Use your favorite essential oil to scent the air freshener. If you want to be creative, you can mix two or more oils and create a certain aroma. Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils can all be good choices.
Step 2. Pour the baking soda mixture into a small spray bottle
Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the baking soda and essential oil into a small, clean spray bottle. However, do not try to transfer the mixture directly into the bottle to prevent the powder from spilling out. Use a spoon to carefully put the powder into the bottle.
You can also use a small funnel to pour the baking soda mixture into a bottle if you have one. This mixture will not fly or spill when moved
Step 3. Add enough water to the bottle and shake it
Once the baking soda mixture is in the spray bottle, add enough water to fill the bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the water and baking soda mixture.
Make sure you use distilled water to make an air freshener
Step 4. Spray air freshener anywhere
Once the bottle is shaken to mix all the ingredients, you are ready to use the air freshener. Spray the mixture all over the room to freshen the air, or on specific items, such as sofas or sneakers.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing a Table Air Freshener from Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix baking soda and essential oil in a jar
Put 90 grams of baking soda and 15-25 drops of essential oil in a jar or small glass bottle. Use a spoon to mix the two ingredients together until smooth.
For a stronger scent, you can add more essential oils
Step 2. Put the lid on the jar or bottle
After the two ingredients are mixed, attach the lid and protective paper or cloth to the mouth of the jar/bottle. Twist the lid of the jar to secure it.
It is important that you use cloth or paper jar/bottle covers such as cheesecloth, cotton, or linen. With this material, the baking soda won't spill over, but the aroma will still be able to spread out of the jar. Don't use metal or plastic covers that prevent the baking soda from absorbing the air and the aroma of essential oils from permeating
Step 3. Place the air freshener wherever you need it
When the cover is attached to the jar, the air freshener is ready to use. Place the refresher on the counter or kitchen counter, or wherever you want. Kitchens and bathrooms can be ideal places, but you can also keep these air fresheners in your bedroom, living room, or family room.
If the scent starts to fade from the freshener, shake the bottle. The essential oil will mix with the baking soda particles and regenerate a fresh aroma
Method 3 of 3: Making Carpet Odor Neutralizer from Baking Soda
Step 1. Grind the required herbs
While the essential oils in air fresheners can give carpets a fresh scent, the addition of herbs that complement the oils can enhance their effects. Grind 2-3 sprigs of dried herbs using a coffee grinder or blender so that the particles are fine to mix with the baking soda.
- You can use any herb you like, but it's a good idea to choose an herb that goes well with your essential oil. For example, if you use lavender essential oil, use dry lavender for a stronger lavender scent. You can also combine dried rosemary with rosemary essential oil, or dried mint leaves with peppermint essential oil.
- If you want, you can get creative with a combination of essential oils and herbs. For example, try mixing lavender essential oil with dried rosemary for a unique scent. You can mix dried sage leaves with lemon essential oil, while dried mint leaves and wild orange essential oil can be the right combination.
Step 2. Combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid
After grinding, put the herbs along with 180 grams of baking soda and 30-40 drops of essential oil in a glass jar with a lid. Put the lid on and shake the jar to mix all the ingredients until smooth.
- You can use any essential oil you like, but avoid tea tree essential oil if you have pets. This oil is harmful to animals.
- Citronella essential oil has a scent that dissipates quickly, so it's best not to use it if you want to enjoy a long lasting scent on your carpet.
- You can also use an antimicrobial or antibacterial essential oil on a new carpet neutralizer. Oregano oil, cinnamon oil, and thyme oil can be good choices.
Step 3. Let the mixture sit overnight
After the ingredients are mixed, it's a good idea not to use it right away. Leave the mixture in the jar overnight to ensure the baking soda absorbs the aroma from the essential oil thoroughly.
Step 4. Sprinkle toner powder on the carpet and let it sit
After leaving it overnight, you can apply the air freshener mixture to the carpet. Sprinkle a small amount on the surface of the carpet you want to clean, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
You can use a spoon to sprinkle the powder or you can attach a slotted lid to the jar so that the powder can be removed directly from the container
Step 5. Remove the air freshener powder with a vacuum cleaner
After the powder has left for a few minutes, clean the carpet using a vacuum cleaner as usual. Make sure you remove all the baking soda mixture so that the carpet smells fresh again.
Before using an air freshener, check the vacuum cleaner's manual to make sure the baking soda won't damage the appliance or clog the filter
Tips
- If you're in a hurry, open a box of baking soda to freshen the air by absorbing odors. However, baking soda alone will not produce a fresh aroma.
- Sprinkle baking soda on smelly items to improve air quality. For example, you can sprinkle baking soda on the garbage disposal unit, trash can, or dirty rags and sponges.
