In the midst of the holiday season, it's only natural to yearn for our homes to exude the perpetual aroma of freshly baked treats or the comforting scent of a stroll through a pine forest. We all desire those cozy and inviting fragrances that encapsulate the warmth of the holidays. However, before reaching for traditional holiday-inspired candles or air fresheners, it's essential to know the potential risks they pose to our well-being.
Do not fret, because in this article I am going to share how to make your own non-toxic air fresheners and linen sprays at home. These room sprays not only make our homes smell great, but they can also be beneficial to our overall health. This is part of my DIY Holiday Gifts Using Essential Oils series, so these room and linen sprays can also double as gifts your loved ones will enjoy.
The Dangers of Traditional Air Fresheners
Many commercially available air fresheners contain a cocktail of synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your health. From respiratory issues to skin irritation, these products often come with a hidden cost.
The EPA has found that the air inside our homes is 5x more polluted than the air outside. This is often due to the products we are using in our homes, things like our cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, or synthetic fresheners, candles, and scented plugins.
Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can wreak havoc on our health. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. These sneaky chemicals can throw our hormonal balance out of whack, leading to many of health issues. Traditional air fresheners also release VOCs into the air. These compounds contribute to indoor air pollution, resulting in respiratory problems, allergies, and other health concerns. Our quest for a healthier home environment demands a shift away from these chemical-laden choices.
The Benefits of Essential Oils
Choosing essential oils over traditional air fresheners provides a natural and health-conscious alternative. Essential oils are derived from plants, offering not only beautiful aromas but also therapeutic properties.
Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils have the potential to support various aspects of well-being. For example, lavender promotes relaxation and sleep, eucalyptus helps with respiratory health, and citrus oils can uplift your mood. Essential oils are free from the harmful chemicals found in traditional air fresheners. By opting for natural alternatives, you minimize your exposure to potentially toxic substances.
With essential oils, you have the freedom to create personalized blends that suit your preferences and specific needs. Whether you're aiming for a calming bedroom spray or an invigorating linen mist, the possibilities are endless.
For a thoughtful gift tailored to individuals who adore scented candles, wax melts, or traditional air fresheners yet are dedicated to eliminating toxins from their living spaces, consider the
Aroma Essentials Kit from doTERRA.
This kit is an ideal choice for candle enthusiasts who appreciate the cozy ambiance created by scented candles but are cautious about the synthetic ingredients often present in such products. This kit comes with a gorgeous diffuser that can emanate the same glow as a candle. Find all the details of this enticing kit and explore its benefits here:
Aroma Essentials Kit | doTERRA's Newest Starter Kit.
DIY Basic Room Spray Recipe
I want to provide you with a basic room spray recipe that can work as the foundation for creating whatever aroma you dream up. I don’t want to limit you to only creating these room sprays during the holidays. By switching up the essential oils you choose, you can make room sprays all year and for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Add vodka (or witch hazel) to the bottle.
- Follow with 30-40 drops of your chosen doTERRA essential oils.
- Top off with distilled (or filtered) water.
- Shake well, and your room spray is ready to use!
Labeling Your Creations
Don't forget to add a personal touch to your creations with labels. Whether you choose a simple handwritten label or a printed one, consider making it water and oil-proof by covering it with
clear packing tape.
Crafting a Passive Reed Diffuser
If you prefer a more passive way of infusing fragrance into your space, consider creating a reed diffuser. This method is not only effective but also adds a touch of elegance to your décor.
Ingredients:
- Glass bottle or vintage-looking bottle
- 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
- 15 drops of your preferred essential oil or blend
- Bamboo reeds
Directions:
- Mix fractionated coconut oil with essential oils in the bottle.
- Place bamboo reeds in the bottle, allowing them to soak up the mixture.
- Flip the reeds every few days to refresh the scent.
Another passive diffuser idea that would be perfect to gift or to hang on your Christmas tree is to create these
clay diffuser ornaments and then add a couple drops of essential oils to them. Imagine making
these ornaments and adding any of the tree smelling oils to them to hang on your Christmas tree or use these to decorate your DIY gifts and give them an extra special festive touch. Find all the details on how to make these here:
DIY Clay Diffuser Ornaments.
Room Spray Recipes
Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore some of my favorite essential oils to add to room spray recipes. Feel free to experiment with these blends or create your own signature scent.
The following recipe is one that I love to spray on my artificial Christmas tree to make it smell like a real one would.
Freshly Fallen Snow
- 20 drops Siberian fir (or Douglas fir)
- 10 drops peppermint
Winter Wonderland
- 10 drops Wintergreen
- 10 drops Cinnamon
- 10 drops Cedarwood
Christmas Candy
- 10 drops Lemon
- 10 drops Cinnamon
- 8 drops Orange
- 8 drops Clove
Jingle Bells
- 10 drops Orange
- 10 drops Peppermint
- 10 drops Cypress
Candy Cane
- 16 drops Peppermint
- 14 drops Wintergreen
Holiday Room Spray
- 10 drops Frankincense
- 10 drops Grapefruit
- 20 drops Douglas Fir
doTERRA Essential Oil Blends
Below is a list of my favorite essential oils and essential oil blends that would make create room sprays. I have categorized these into seasons or times when I think they would work best for, but as always you can use any essential oils whenever you want, so don't feel limited by these suggestions.
Essential Oil Blends for the Fall and Winter
Using these essential oil blends during the fall and winter seasons brings a distinctive and inviting ambiance to your living space. Take a look at the oils included in these blends and how they can give your home that warm cozy holiday feel.
Harvest Spice Blend
- Cinnamon Bark and Clove: These warm and spicy notes evoke memories of fall festivities and holiday baking, creating a comforting atmosphere.
- Eucalyptus: Adds a refreshing touch, balancing the warmth with a hint of coolness.
- Cedarwood: Contributes a woody and grounding element, reminiscent of autumn landscapes.
- Nutmeg and Vanilla Absolute: Provide a sweet and indulgent undertone, perfect for the holiday season.
Holiday Joy Blend
- Siberian Fir and Douglas Fir: Evoke the scent of fresh pine trees, bringing the essence of a winter forest indoors.
- Wild Orange: Adds a burst of citrusy brightness, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere.
- Clove Bud and Cinnamon Bark: Infuse a hint of spice, reminiscent of holiday traditions and festive treats.
- Cassia and Nutmeg: Contribute additional warm and inviting notes.
- Vanilla Absolute: Enhances the blend with a sweet and comforting undertone.
I recommend trying the diffuser blends below and then if you love them in your diffuser, try turning them into a room spray - just add enough essential oils to equal about 30-40 drops. For example, if you wanted to make Holiday Cheer into a room spray I would do about 20-25 drops of Holiday Joy and 10-15 drops of Cheer.
Holiday Peace Blend
- Siberian Fir, Douglas Fir, and Himalayan Fir: Combine to recreate the crisp, refreshing scent of a winter forest.
- Grapefruit: Introduces a citrusy element, brightening the blend and promoting a sense of peace.
- Frankincense: Adds a resinous and grounding quality, perfect for contemplative moments.
- Vetiver: Provides an earthy and calming note, contributing to the overall sense of tranquility.
Spring and Summer Oils and Blends
Utilizing these essential oil blends during the spring and summer seasons brings a burst of freshness, vibrancy, and revitalization to your surroundings. Explore why these oils will bring out the uplifting aromas of spring and summer in your home.
Citrus Bliss
- Vibrant Citrus Oils: The blend features a medley of citrus oils, such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, tangerine, and clementine. These lively and invigorating scents collectively uplift the mood, promoting a sense of energy and positivity.
- Uplifting and Refreshing: Citrus oils are known for their uplifting properties, making Citrus Bliss an ideal choice for infusing a space with an atmosphere of joy and vitality.
- Ideal for Spring and Summer: The zesty and lively nature of this blend aligns perfectly with the rejuvenation and renewed energy associated with the spring and summer seasons.
Citrus Bloom
- Floral and Citrus Fusion: This blend marries the sweetness of floral notes, including lavender and ylang-ylang, with the citrusy essence of bergamot, grapefruit, and wild orange. The result is a delightful fragrance that embodies the essence of blooming flowers and sunny days.
- Cheerful and Inviting: The combination of floral and citrus elements creates a joyful and inviting atmosphere, making Citrus Bloom an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings.
- Capturing the Essence of the Seasons: Just as flowers bloom and citrus fruits ripen during these seasons, Citrus Bloom encapsulates the spirit of growth, renewal, and sunny days.
Lemon
- Simple Freshness: Lemon essential oil offers a straightforward yet invigorating citrus aroma, reminiscent of freshly sliced lemons. It brings a clean and crisp quality to your space, creating a refreshing ambiance.
- Light and Airy: The simplicity of lemon makes it an excellent choice for brightening and lightening the atmosphere, making it particularly suitable for the warmer months.
Anytime Blends
These anytime blends, Purify and Adaptive, offer versatile and beneficial aromas that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Purify Blend
- Clean and Fresh: Purify features a combination of cleansing oils like lemon, lime, pine, citronella, melaleuca, and cilantro. This blend is crafted to neutralize and eliminate unwanted odors, leaving your space smelling clean and fresh.
- Versatile Use: The clean-smelling nature of Purify makes it an excellent choice for any time of the day or year. Use it to refresh a room, eliminate cooking odors, or create a welcoming environment.
- Cleansing Properties: Beyond its pleasant scent, Purify contributes to a purified atmosphere, promoting a sense of cleanliness and clarity.
Adaptive Blend
- Stress Management: Adaptive is a unique blend formulated to assist in stress management and enhance adaptability. It combines citrus and woodsy oils like wild orange, lavender, copaiba, spearmint, magnolia, rosemary, and neroli.
- Versatility in Emotional Support: The adaptogenic properties of Adaptive make it suitable for various situations where emotional support is beneficial. Whether dealing with daily stressors or seeking balance, this blend promotes resilience and adaptability.
- Balancing Scent: With a harmonious blend of citrus and grounding notes, Adaptive offers a balanced and comforting scent that can be enjoyed whenever you need a moment of calm and balance.
These anytime blends cater to a range of needs, from purifying your space to providing emotional support. Whether you're seeking a clean and fresh atmosphere with Purify or aiming to manage stress and foster adaptability with Adaptive, these blends are adaptable to any time or season, making them valuable additions to your essential oil collection.
Sleepytime Blends
These sleepy blends, perfect for linen sprays or pre-bedtime ambiance, bring a tranquil and calming atmosphere to your bedroom.
Lavender + Eucalyptus Blend
- Relaxing and Invigorating: By combining equal parts lavender and eucalyptus, this blend achieves a harmonious synergy of relaxation and invigoration. Lavender, known for its calming properties, blends seamlessly with the refreshing and invigorating notes of eucalyptus.
- Balanced Aroma: The equal proportions of lavender and eucalyptus create a well-balanced aroma that promotes a serene environment, perfect for winding down before bedtime.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: Lavender is renowned for its sleep-inducing qualities, while eucalyptus contributes a clear and refreshing note, creating an atmosphere conducive to restful sleep.
Serenity Blend
- Soothing Relaxation: Serenity is a carefully crafted blend designed to induce a sense of calm and tranquility. It combines lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and vanilla bean extract.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: This blend is specifically formulated to create a soothing environment, making it an excellent choice for spritzing in bedrooms before bedtime. The combination of calming floral and grounding woodsy notes promotes relaxation and serenity.
- Mindful Sleep: Serenity contributes to a mindful and peaceful sleep experience, helping to quiet the mind and ease the transition into a restful night.
Incorporating these sleepy blends into your nighttime routine, whether through linen sprays or room spritzing, enhances the ambiance of your bedroom, promoting relaxation and setting the stage for a serene and restful sleep.
By choosing essential oils over traditional options, you not only create a fragrant home but also contribute to a healthier living environment. Experiment with different blends, share your creations with friends and family, and enjoy the benefits of a naturally scented space. For more winter holiday DIY ideas using essential oils check out this article:
32 DIY Holiday Gifts Using Essential Oils. If you enjoy gifting edible creations check out my article on edible DIY gifts:
15 Edible Holiday Gifts Infused with Essential Oils.
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