Store-bought air fresheners are basically tiny perfume bombs that try to “fix” smells by yelling over them.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is the quiet roommate who simply neutralizes the drama and moves on with its life.
If you want your home to smell clean without turning it into a candle aisle punchline, these DIY baking soda air fresheners are for you.
Below you’ll get three easy recipes (spray, jar, and sachets), plus a bunch of practical tipslike where to place them,
how to keep them working longer, and how to avoid the classic “why does my spray bottle look like it’s snowing?” moment.
Why Baking Soda Works (And Why That Matters)
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is popular for deodorizing because it can react with many odor-causing compounds and help neutralize them,
especially acids. In plain English: it doesn’t just “cover” odorsit can reduce them at the source. In enclosed spaces, it may take time
to noticeably improve stubborn smells, so think “patient and steady,” not “instant miracle.”
That’s also why baking soda is best paired with good habits: remove the odor source first (trash, wet towels, mystery fridge science),
then use baking soda to mop up what’s left. The bonus? You can customize the scent with essential oils (or keep it fragrance-free).
Quick Shopping List (You Probably Own Half of This Already)
- Baking soda (plain, unscented)
- Essential oils (optional, for scent)
- Water (distilled or filtered is nice for sprays)
- One spray bottle (glass is ideal for essential oils, but plastic works for many people)
- One small jar (mason jar or any lidded jar)
- Breathable cover (coffee filter, fabric, or paper) + rubber band or jar ring
- Small cloth bags for sachets (or old clean socksno judgment)
- Optional helpers: dried lavender, dried citrus peel, whole cloves, cinnamon stick, cornstarch
Recipe 1: Baking Soda Room Spray (Fast, Flexible, Great for “Oops” Moments)
This is the quickest way to get a baking soda air freshener into action. It’s especially handy for bathrooms,
kitchens after cooking, pet zones, or that one pair of sneakers that deserves its own zip code.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 5–10 drops essential oil (optional)
- 1 to 1.5 cups water (adjust to fit your bottle)
- Spray bottle
Directions
- Add baking soda to the spray bottle.
- If using essential oils, add them next.
- Add water, leaving a little space at the top.
- Cap and shake well before each use.
- Lightly mist into the air (not directly onto delicate surfaces).
How to Use It Like a Pro
- Shake every time. Baking soda may not fully dissolve, so shaking keeps it evenly mixed.
- Spray the air, not the evidence. Avoid spraying directly on wood furniture, electronics, or stone counters.
- For fabrics: Test a hidden spot first. Mist lightlydon’t soak.
- Refresh the mix: Make a new batch every 1–2 weeks (or sooner if it starts smelling “meh”).
Troubleshooting
- White specks in the air: That’s normal “baking soda confetti.” Use less baking soda or finer misting.
- Clogging: Rinse the sprayer weekly, or use warm water to help the baking soda mix better.
- Scent too strong: Cut the essential oil drops in half and add more water.
Recipe 2: Mason Jar Baking Soda Air Freshener (Set It and Forget It)
This is the classic baking soda freshener: simple, cheap, and surprisingly effective for small to medium spaces.
Think bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms, entryways, and even cars (as long as you secure it so it doesn’t tip).
Ingredients
- 1 small jar (4–16 oz)
- 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda (fill jar about halfway)
- 5–15 drops essential oil (optional)
- Breathable cover (coffee filter/fabric/paper) + jar ring or rubber band
- Fork or spoon
Directions
- Fill the jar about halfway with baking soda.
- Add essential oil drops (if using).
- Use a fork to fluff and distribute the oil through the baking soda (no wet clumps).
- Cover the jar opening with breathable material and secure it with the ring or a rubber band.
- Place it where odors hang out: near the trash can, by the litter box (out of reach), in a closet, or near shoes.
Maintenance
- Revive the scent: Gently shake the jar every few days.
- Refresh the baking soda: Replace every 3–4 weeks (more often in humid rooms).
- Boost it: Add 3–5 more drops of essential oil when the scent fades.
Optional Add-Ins That Make It Smell “Curated”
- Dried lavender buds for bedrooms
- Dried citrus peel for kitchens
- A cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a cozy vibe
- A teaspoon of cornstarch for a softer, more “powdery” scent throw
Recipe 3: Baking Soda Sachets (Closet, Drawer, Gym Bag, Car-Friendly)
Sachets are the “no spill” version of a jar freshener. They’re also perfect if you want odor control in tight places:
drawers, closets, hampers, gym bags, suitcases, and under sinks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 5–12 drops essential oil (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons dried herbs (optional: lavender, rosemary, chamomile)
- Small breathable cloth bag (muslin is great) or a clean sock tied off
Directions
- In a bowl, mix baking soda with essential oil until the scent is evenly distributed.
- Stir in dried herbs if you want a more natural, botanical smell.
- Spoon the mixture into a breathable bag and tie it closed.
- Place where needed (drawer, closet shelf, hamper area, gym bag side pocket).
How Long They Last
- Expect 2–4 weeks depending on airflow and how stinky the space is.
- To refresh: gently squeeze the sachet or add a few more drops of essential oil.
- If it clumps from humidity: replace the baking soda (clumps mean it’s doing work, but it’s time to swap).
Simple Scent Blends (Because “Just Lavender” Isn’t the Only Option)
You can use a single essential oil, but blending is where the magic happens. Keep it simple: 2 oils max at first,
then adjust. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:
- Clean Kitchen: lemon + sweet orange
- Bathroom Fresh: eucalyptus + lemon (skip eucalyptus if you have pets that are sensitive)
- Calm Bedroom: lavender + chamomile
- Cozy Living Room: orange + cinnamon (warm and “company is coming over” friendly)
- Laundry Day Vibes: lavender + rosemary
Where to Place Your Baking Soda Air Freshener for Maximum Impact
- Bathroom: near the toilet (but not in splash range), on a shelf, or by the trash can
- Kitchen: under the sink, near the trash/recycling, or on top of the fridge
- Closets: jar on a shelf, or sachets hanging from a hanger
- Laundry room: near the hamper and washer area
- Entryway: near shoes (jar on a high shelf = smart)
- Car: sachets are safest; jars can tip and create “baking soda snowfall”
Safety Notes (Read This Once, Then You’re Set)
- Keep DIY fresheners out of reach of kids and pets. Baking soda and essential oils are not snacks.
- Be cautious with essential oils around pets, especially cats and birds. Some oils can be harmful even in small amounts.
- Don’t apply essential oils directly to pets or let pets lick freshener mixtures.
- Ventilation matters: if you’re spraying, use light mists and air out the room if needed.
- If anyone is sensitive to fragrances, skip oils entirelybaking soda alone still helps with odors.
Make It Work Better: Odor Control “Rules” That Actually Help
Rule 1: Remove the source first
Baking soda helps, but it’s not a wizard. Take out the trash, wash the towels, clean the drain, wipe the inside of the bin.
Then your freshener has a fair fight.
Rule 2: Give it time in closed spaces
In enclosed areas (like a closet), baking soda works best when left undisturbed and refreshed regularly.
If you’re trying to fix a stubborn odor, leave the jar/sachets in place for at least a day before judging.
Rule 3: Refresh on a schedule
If you only change it when it stops working, you’ll spend a week living in “Eau de Old Gym Bag.”
A simple monthly swap keeps it effortless.
FAQ
Can I add vinegar to these recipes?
Vinegar is great for cleaning, but baking soda + vinegar together mostly fizz and cancel each other out (that fizz is a quick chemical reaction).
Use vinegar to clean surfaces and baking soda to deodorize after.
Will these replace an essential oil diffuser?
Not exactly. Diffusers mainly add scent. Baking soda fresheners aim to reduce odors and can gently add scent.
Think “cleaner air” rather than “spa fog machine.”
How often should I replace the baking soda?
Typically every 3–4 weeks for jars and every 2–4 weeks for sachets. Humidity, pets, cooking, and room size can shorten that.
Do I need essential oils?
Nope. If you want fragrance-free odor control, skip the oils and let baking soda do its thing.
It’s the minimalist choiceand honestly, it’s kind of a flex.
Real-World Experiences: What People Notice After Using These (500+ Words)
In real homes, baking soda air fresheners tend to shine in a very specific way: they make a room feel “neutral” rather than “perfumed.”
That’s a win if you hate chemical scentsor if you’ve ever walked into a bathroom that smells like flowers and regret at the same time.
Most people report that the biggest difference isn’t a sudden blast of fragrance; it’s the quiet disappearance of background funk.
The spray recipe is often the crowd favorite for quick fixes. People use it right after cooking fish, frying onions, or doing anything involving garlic
that makes the air cling to your hair like it pays rent. The main learning curve is the shake-and-spray rhythm. If you forget to shake,
the first spray might feel like you’re misting plain waterthen the next spray can be a tiny baking soda “poof.” The solution is simple:
shake like you mean it, spray lightly, and you’ll get a more even result. Another common experience: spraying too close to dark surfaces can leave
faint residue dots. Back up, aim upward, and let the mist settle like a polite guest.
The mason jar version is what a lot of people keep near shoes, trash cans, and bathrooms. A frequent “aha” moment is realizing placement matters more than perfection.
Put the jar near the odor source, not across the room like a passive-aggressive hint. Near a trash can? Huge difference.
Inside a closet that stores gym clothes? Even better. People also notice that essential oils don’t last forever in baking soda;
the scent fades gradually, especially in a humid bathroom. A quick shake every few days helps, but most folks end up adding a few drops weekly
and swapping the baking soda entirely once a month. The jar freshener also tends to be the easiest “starter project” for households,
because there’s no measuring that needs to be perfecthalf a jar, a few drops, done.
Sachets earn their praise in places you forget exist until they smell weird: drawers, closets, luggage, and that corner under the sink
where cleaning sponges go to start a new civilization. People love sachets in gym bags because they’re portable and mess-free.
The most common tweak is adding a little dried lavender or rosemary for a more natural scent throw. In humid areas, sachets can clump faster,
which is usually interpreted as “this failed,” but it’s more like “this is full now.” Baking soda pulls moisture and odor compounds,
so clumping is often a sign it’s been working hard. The practical fix: replace the mixture sooner or move the sachet to a slightly drier spot.
Another real-life takeaway is that “stronger” isn’t always better with essential oils. Many people start with a heavy handbecause it smells great in the bottle
and then realize the room feels overpowering. A smaller amount tends to be more pleasant and helps the space smell simply clean.
Households with pets often choose either fragrance-free baking soda or very light scent, placed well out of reach. The goal becomes odor control,
not turning the home into a fragrance experiment.
Finally, the biggest “experience-based” tip is that baking soda fresheners work best as part of a routine. People who love them usually pair them with
quick housekeeping habits: empty the trash regularly, wipe down the inside of the can, wash towels before they sour, and clean drains occasionally.
Then the air fresheners don’t have to fight a losing battlethey just keep everything feeling fresh, calm, and under control.
Conclusion
Baking soda air fresheners are simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective when you use them the right way:
remove the odor source first, place the freshener near the problem area, and refresh it on a schedule.
Whether you prefer a quick spray, a low-maintenance jar, or spill-proof sachets, you can keep your home smelling clean
without drowning it in artificial fragrance.
