I used to buy those aerosol air fresheners almost every month.
The problem was the scent disappeared after a few hours, and before long I was buying another can.
Then I came across a simple DIY that a lot of Nigerians have been recommending in cleaning and homekeeping communities. I tried it, tweaked it a little, and I’ve been using it ever since.
Here’s how I make it.
What you’ll need
* Water
* 2 tablespoons of baking soda
* A few drops of your favourite fragrance oil or essential oil (lavender, lemon, vanilla, or any scent you like)
* A small spray bottle
If you already have the spray bottle at home, everything else usually costs under ₦1,000, depending on the fragrance oil you choose.
How to make it
1. Fill the bottle about three-quarters with water.
2. Add the baking soda.
3. Add 10 to 20 drops of fragrance oil.
4. Shake well before every use.
That’s it.
I spray it on curtains, sofas, rugs, and around the room. The scent isn’t as overpowering as commercial air fresheners, but I actually prefer that because it smells cleaner and less artificial.
What I learned after using it
✔️ It works best if your house is already clean. Air fresheners don’t remove bad smells, they simply cover them.
✔️ If you’re dealing with stubborn odours, clean the source first before spraying.
✔️ Shake the bottle every time you use it because the baking soda settles at the bottom.
Another trick I discovered
If you don’t have baking soda, some people simply mix water with fragrance oil in a spray bottle.
It still smells nice, but I found that baking soda helps neutralise odours better, especially in rooms that stay closed for long periods.
Since I started making mine at home, I’ve spent far less on store-bought air fresheners, and I can switch scents whenever I want.
Do you have a DIY home hack that’s saved you money? Share it below. Someone else might need it.
