There is something satisfying about making your own air fresheners from recycled items around the house, instead of buying cheap ones from the store.You can scent your air freshener with the scent you like.You can't say that about most commercial car air fresheners.The project is simple and fun, and you can make as many as you want.
Step 1: Use a piece of paper to draw a template.
You can sketch the shape you want the air freshener to be with a pencil.There are some designs that include trees, states, countries, and animals.If you are not sure where to start, you could trace the shape of an old air conditioner you bought.You can use a die-cutting machine to cut fabric.There are die-cutting patterns that can be used to design air fresheners.
Step 2: Take a pair of scissors and trim the template.
The template remains if excess material is removed.It will be used to shape the air conditioner, so make sure you are happy with the way it looks.To create a template that will look great in your car and not get in the way while you are driving, make adjustments as needed.
Step 3: Cut around the template on fabric.
Carefully cut around the template on top of it.If you have trouble cutting the shape out cleanly, you could use a marker to trace around the template.Cut a second identical shape for the opposite side of the air freshener.The craft felt works well for an air freshener.You can get it at craft supply stores.It's cheap felt is pretty absorbent.
Step 4: Cut around the template on a piece of cardboard.
Use a pencil to trace around the template.It will be visible when you put everything together if you don't make sure it is the same size as both pieces of fabric.The piece is made of cardboard.If you only use fabric, it will be flimsy.It is possible to cut out a piece of foam.Try cutting it with a die-cutting machine.
Step 5: Put fabric glue on the cardboard.
Place a bead of glue on one side of the cardboard.The piece of fabric should be pressed onto it.Glue the second piece on the flip over.The glue should dry after 2 to 4 hours.The glue should not be too close to the cardboard's edges.Try not to use too much.If you see glue being pressed out when you assemble the parts, wipe it off with a paper towel.You can press the fabric onto the backing of the craft foam.
Step 6: Each piece of fabric should be sprayed with 10 to 20 drops of essential oil.
Add the essential oil drops to one side at a time.lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus are some of the best choices to use.Spread the oil across the fabric.When using essential oils, use them slowly because of their strong smell.If the scent is too weak for you, you can always add more.A spray bottle can be used to mix about 20 drops of oil into 4 fluid ounces of water.The scent will be more evenly distributed if the fabric is misted.
Step 7: To dry the glue, put the air freshener on the shelf for at least 2 hours.
Place it in aventilated area.The scent of essential oil can be strong when it is fresh.The air freshener should be kept in a spot with good air circulation.It will be ready for your car once it is dry to the touch.You can keep more of the scent in the bag.You could hang the air freshener right away if you don't mind the strong scent.If you only apply a small amount of essential oil, it might not be too bad.
Step 8: To hang it, punch a hole through the top of the air freshener.
The hole should be kept about 2 in from the air freshener's edges.A mechanical hole punch can be used to pierce through the cardboard.The punch's jaws should be between the air freshener and the punch.The handle must be squeezed firmly to create the hole.A tool like an awl can be used to make the hole.Hold the awl over the fabric, then use a hammer to break the cardboard.
Step 9: The air freshener can be hung by looping ribbon through the hole.
Pull the ribbon halfway through the holeTake the air freshener out of the car and put it around the mirror.Before knotting the ribbon, make sure it doesn't interfere with your view of the road.You can find yarn, string, twine or another alternative if you don't have ribbon.Twine is stronger but yarn and ribbon can be used in a variety of colors.If the scent begins to wear out, refresh it with more essential oil.You can change it out with a new air freshener.
Step 10: There is a wood clothespin that can be used to clip onto your car's air vent.
You can use wood clothespins to make a makeshift air freshener.Bigger ones have more of a scent.For instance, try using round laundry clothespins.They slide onto an air vent.The smaller clothespins are fine.You can use the ones that you squeeze to open.If the clothespins are made of wood, they won't absorb any scent.
Step 11: The essential oil should be put on the clothespin.
Pick out your favorite essential oil by putting the clothespin on the table.You can enjoy lavender rose, lemon, and cinnamon in your car.Spread the oil evenly across the wood by pouring it directly onto the clothespin.The scent won't be concentrated in one spot if you spread out the essential oil drops.It's possible to apply more essential oil, but keep in mind that it will become stronger.
Step 12: If you want to strengthen the scent of the clothespin, bag it with herbs.
There is plenty of room for the clothespin and the herbs in the bag.The herbs should be placed in the bottom of the bag.You could put about 8 large mint leaves there.The clothespin will absorb the scent if the bag is left on a shelf for a day.You can mix scent with essential oil or herbs.mint works well with orange oil.You can put the clothespin in your car if you don't want to use herbs or have any.The scent may not last as long, but you can always refresh it later.Plastic bags can be used to prepare air fresheners.You can add essential oil, mix them with herbs, and use the bags to keep them smelling fresh for at least a few months.
Step 13: Go to the vent in your car and run the fan.
It should be put on the frame covering the vent.Most cars have at least one vent in the front, usually above the radio and on the far side of the dashboard.The scent can be activated by running the heat or airconditioning.A fan inside the vent will help blow the scent through the car.The scent is more subtle than hanging fabric air fresheners.If regular air fresheners are too strong for your liking, clothespins is a great choice.You can refresh the scent by placing the clothespin in a bag.If you want to add more herbs, sprinkle it with more essential oil.
Step 14: The jar has a lid on it.
A twist-off ring surrounds a metal lid on a Mason jar.The ring must be turned counterclockwise until it comes off to remove the lid.You can remove the lid with your fingernails or a butter knife.Mason jars are made of glass and hold scent very well.It makes them great because you can keep them away from people.They are very easy to reuse.Make sure the jar is large enough to hold the essential oil and baking powder.
Step 15: To make a replacement, trace the lid on cardboard.
Put a piece of cardboard on a flat surface and put a metal lid on top of it.While you trace around it, hold it still.The air freshener's scent escapes the jar if the lid is replaced with cardboard.Cut it out with a pair of scissors.You could simply drill a few holes through the metal lid and make a new lid.You won't be able to reuse the lid if you plan on using the Mason jar normally, but it will still work well as an air freshener.You could use a utility knife to cut the cardboard, but be careful not to hurt your fingers.
Step 16: Use a thumbtack to poke holes in the cardboard.
The plan is to make about 15 holes.They should be spread out evenly throughout the circle.If you keep them in the center, they won't get covered when you seal the jar back up.To make the holes, put the cardboard on top of the jar.If you don't want to scratch the surface, put it on a piece of scrap wood.You can use a sharp tool to make the holes.If you punch through the cardboard cleanly, it won't tear or fall apart.
Step 17: To keep the scent, fill the jar with baking soda.
Scoop fresh baking soda in after removing the cardboard cover.If you have enough baking soda, the exact amount doesn't matter.You can make a good air freshener if you fill the jar as much as 23 full.Baking soda has the ability to absorb odors.It doesn't cover odors, so you will still be able to smell whatever scent you add to the jar.Baking soda can be used instead of fresh scent in the jar.The baking soda makes the scent last longer.
Step 18: Put 15 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil in the jar.
You can use any essential oil you have.If you prefer, you can mix different scents.Put equal amounts of lemon, lavender, and peppermint into the jar.Start with a small amount of oil.The air freshener should be strengthened with more oil.
Step 19: Put the jar in a container and shake it.
The original lid should be put on instead of the cutout.There are no holes that could leave you in a cloud of baking dust.The metal ring needs to be turned clockwise to lock the lid in place.Thoroughly shake it.If you try to shake the jar, be careful.It's better to swirl it in a circle.
Step 20: There is a cup holder in your car.
Put the cutout in the place of the original lid.Keep the new lid locked in place by rotating the metal ring clockwise.It's a good idea to find a stable spot to store your new scent.The scent will last for about a month.If you want to hide it, place it under your seat.It could tip over and let some of the baking soda out.The jar should be emptied after the scent starts to diminish.Baking soda and essential oil will keep your car smelling great.