How to Refill a Plug-In Air Freshener: A Simple, Eco-Friendly Guide
If you’re anything like me, you know that air fresheners can be a bit of a mixed bag. While they leave your home smelling fresh and inviting, they also create waste—especially those disposable plug-in air fresheners that end up in the trash after the scent runs out. But did you know there’s a simple way to keep your plug-in air freshener going without adding to the landfill? Refilling your plug-in air freshener is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also an eco-friendly option that can help reduce waste. Here’s how you can do it yourself!
Why Refill Instead of Buying New?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why you should consider refilling your plug-in air fresheners. Many plug-in air fresheners come with small plastic bottles that contain fragrance oils. Once the scent runs out, the plastic bottle is often discarded, contributing to more plastic waste. By refilling the bottle, you not only save money but also contribute to reducing waste. Plus, refilling your air freshener allows you to choose your own scents—perfect for creating custom, natural fragrances that are free from harsh chemicals.
What You’ll Need:
Start by gathering a few simple supplies. You’ll need an empty plug-in air freshener bottle, which you can reuse after the fragrance is used up. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any leftover residue. Next, you’ll need some essential oils to create your custom scent. Lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and tea tree oils are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with your own blends. You’ll also need a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, to dilute the essential oils and help them diffuse more effectively. A funnel is helpful to avoid spills when refilling, and a small mixing container will be necessary to blend the oils together.
How to Refill a Plug-In Air Freshener:
Start by thoroughly washing out the empty plug-in air freshener bottle. This is important because any leftover fragrance oil might mix with your new scent and cause an unpleasant smell. Rinse it well with hot water and let it dry completely before refilling.
In your mixing container, combine the essential oils with the carrier oil. A good ratio to follow is about 20-25 drops of essential oil per 1/4 cup of carrier oil. You can adjust the number of drops depending on how strong you want the scent to be. If you’re unsure where to start, lavender and chamomile create a relaxing blend, while citrus oils like lemon and orange can provide an energizing fragrance. Once your fragrance blend is ready, use the funnel to carefully pour it into the empty air freshener bottle, taking care not to overfill it. Leave enough space for the wick to absorb the oil and release the fragrance into the air.
Reattach the wick to the bottle. If the original wick is still in good condition, simply reuse it. However, if you’re unsure about its condition, consider replacing it with a new one, or use a cotton ball as a substitute. Once the wick is reattached, plug the air freshener back into your outlet and let it do its job. Over time, the wick will slowly absorb the oils and release the fragrance into the air, freshening up your home with a custom scent of your choice.
Tips for Refilling Your Plug-In Air Freshener:
Try creating custom scent combinations to suit different moods or seasons. A fall-inspired blend might include cinnamon and clove, while a summer scent could feature citrus oils like grapefruit and lemon. When choosing essential oils, make sure they are pure and free from harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for organic options, therapeutic-grade oils are often a great choice. After refilling, give the air freshener some time to settle. The oils may take a few hours to diffuse fully, so don’t judge the strength of the scent right away.
Keep your air freshener clean by washing out the bottle every few refills. This ensures that the oils won’t mix and spoil the fragrance. It also helps to refresh the scent, keeping it strong and pleasant.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of Refilling Your Air Freshener
Refilling your plug-in air freshener is a simple but effective way to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. By reusing the bottle and creating your own custom scents, you’re reducing the waste generated by disposable air fresheners and cutting back on harmful chemicals found in commercial products. Plus, you get to enjoy a more natural fragrance in your home, free from artificial additives and fragrances.
A More Natural, Chemical-Free Home
One of the biggest reasons people are switching to homemade air fresheners is to avoid the chemicals often found in store-bought versions. Many air fresheners contain phthalates, formaldehyde, and other harmful substances that can negatively affect your health and the environment. By using essential oils in your plug-in air freshener, you’re opting for a safer, more natural alternative that not only smells better but is also better for you and your family.
So today’s tip is how to refill a plug-in air freshener.
This is also a fun idea if you are into making your own combinations of fragrances now that’s the crafty part of this project! Pop on over to the blog The Creek Line House for the step by step tutorial on how to re-fill a plug-in air freshener.
