DIY Gel Air Freshener - With only a few ingredients you can make your own gel air fresheners! Decorate with some silk flowers or leaves and they are pretty enough to even give as gifts!
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So, I'm starting to accept the fact that fall is approaching. The days here are getting shorter already, the weather has been getting cooler, I have received more fall/harvest catalogs in the mail than I care to talk about and my oldest starts kindergarten next Tuesday! I suppose it's time to trade in the grill for the crock pot, the sandals for the boots, and the fresh air for air fresheners. Do you do this, too?
My house needs to smell good year-round. I'm a candle addict and have tried every air freshener imaginable from plug-ins and reed diffusers to oil/wax tart warmers and traditional candles. If you're averse to air fresheners we probably wouldn't get along that well, but even so, the DIY Gel Air Fresheners I'm sharing today are made with only four ingredients (for the gel) - one of them being distilled water.
And to welcome in fall, I thought it would be fun to throw some silk autumn leaves and berries into the jars to dress them up a little!
For those of you who love a nice smelling home like I do, I hope you enjoy this quick tutorial! Here's what you'll need to get started:
DIY Gel Air Fresheners
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 oz. unflavored gelatin (equal to 4 envelopes)
- 1-2 tablespoons fragrance oil
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2-3 smaller glass jars
- Silk flowers, leaves or other additions you think would be fun!
Wash your glass jars out, dry them and position your silk flowers or other "decorative items" in the jars the way you would like them. Remember that this step is totally optional! If you just want the gel only, don't put anything else in the jars. You could always just add some food coloring to the gel if you'd like it to match a certain room, etc. Don't be afraid to be creative!
Then, it's time to get things started on the stove top! In a saucepan heat 1 ½ cups of the distilled water with the salt and stir until salt is dissolved.
Next you'll add the gelatin in, stir until that is dissolved and then remove the pan from the heat. Once the pan is removed from the burner, add the remaining ½ cup of distilled water and stir. Lastly, gently pour the fragrance oil in, stir again until well mixed, and then start adding the liquid to the jars. I used some fragrance oil I had with my candle-making supplies. I made sure to pick something with a wonderful autumnish (I don't think that's a word) scent!
It's okay if your silk flowers stick out above the liquid. I kind of like the 3D effect. In fact, I put my berries right on top.
Here's where you'll need to be patient. Put the jars in a safe place and allow them to cool overnight for the gel to form properly. The next day your air fresheners will be ready to use! These are so much fun to decorate for different rooms in the house or to give as gifts to friends and family. How do you plan to decorate yours? I'd love for you to share your ideas in the comments!
Gel Air Freshener
Materials
Instructions
- Wash your glass jars out, dry them and position your silk flowers or other "decorative items" in the jars the way you would like them. Remember that this step is totally optional!
- Then, it's time to get things started on the stove top! In a saucepan heat 1 ½ cups of the distilled water with the salt and stir until salt is dissolved.
- Next you'll add the gelatin in, stir until that is dissolved and then remove the pan from the heat. Once the pan is removed from the burner, add the remaining ½ cup of distilled water and stir.
- Lastly, gently pour the fragrance oil in, stir again until well mixed, and then start adding the liquid to the jars.
- It's okay if your silk flowers stick out above the liquid. I kind of like the 3D effect. In fact, I put my berries right on top.
- Here's where you'll need to be patient. Put the jars in a safe place and allow them to cool overnight for the gel to form properly. The next day your air fresheners will be ready to use!
Notes
- Personalization and Decoration: Take advantage of the opportunity to personalize your gel air fresheners by adding silk flowers, leaves, or other decorative items to the jars. This step allows you to customize the appearance of the air fresheners to match your decor or personal preferences. Experiment with different arrangements and combinations to create unique and visually appealing designs.
- Proper Dissolving of Ingredients: Ensure that the salt and gelatin are fully dissolved in the distilled water while heating on the stove. Stir the mixture continuously to facilitate the dissolution process and prevent any clumps or uneven distribution of ingredients. Properly dissolved ingredients contribute to the smooth texture and effectiveness of the gel air fresheners.
- Patience During Cooling: Exercise patience during the cooling process to allow the gel air fresheners to set properly. Place the jars in a safe location and allow them to cool overnight to ensure that the gel forms correctly. Rushing this step may result in incomplete setting of the gel, affecting the longevity and performance of the air fresheners. Once cooled and set, your homemade gel air fresheners will be ready to use, filling your space with delightful fragrance.
Carole
You did not say if you put the lids on the jars to cool overnight.
Sara
Hi Carole, I leave the lids off while they're cooling!
Anonymous
And......Christmas gifts!
amanda
I'm so interested to try this. I planned on making pinecone gel candles for Christmas presents this year but i think I will try this instead. Do you know how long they last with lids on? I plan to use mason jars but i like to make presents in advance.
Sara
They should last 3-4 weeks for sure!
Lisa
Do you cover and let set or leave them uncovered?
Sara
Hi Lisa! I leave them uncovered. Good luck!
Izy Joi Papa
How long it can last? The DIY air freshener?
Sara
Probably about 3-4 weeks.
JW
I made one last week and used 1 tablespoon of essential oil. Unless I'm 6 inches or less away from the jar, I can't really smell it. Perhaps use more?
Sara
These gel air fresheners do best in smaller rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms. Try moving it to a smaller room to see if it makes a difference. If not, then yes, add a bit more oil.
Missy
How much fragrance oil did you use???
Sara
The amount was in the recipe in the post. I use anywhere from 1-2 tablespoons.
Jacqueline Rosser
Ok i have read all these comments and i think i know why many of you are having problems with clouding.. if you have made jello before you will notice that if your water isnt boiling HOT your jello will have scum on it! My advice is to make sure your water is boiling hot and move as quick as possible when dissolving the salt and gelatin! Although Ihavent made yet made these awesome air fresheners i plan to soon! If your having problems with cloudiness try this iďea. Im pretty sure that this is the problem. Love this idea! Stunning and beautiful!
Sonya
Miss Jacqueline, I do think that you just may be right. I think the cloudiness is due to not everything being totally dissolved. Good call!
Mae
what does salt for???
Sara
Salt has the ability to soak up foul odors.
Bonny
Meant to say unflavoured gelatin not gelatinous.