Project - Make Carpet Freshener

"Those herbs which perfume the air most delightfully, not passed by as the rest, but, being trodden upon and crushed, are three; that is, burnet, wild thyme and watermints.” -  Frances Bacon   



Lemon Balm



Commercially produced carpet fresheners are often quite effective, but they may be costly or contain synthetic fragrances and other ingredients you, your children, or pets find irritating.   Making your own carpet freshener/deodorizer is simple and inexpensive.  A word of warning:  when using any cleaning product on your carpet, it’s a good idea to first test it in a small inconspicuous area. However, I’ve never experienced any problems such as staining or discoloration when using homemade carpet freshener.  Below are two methods for making “green” carpet freshener.

1. Carpet Freshener with Dried Herbs – thoroughly mix 1 cup baking soda with ¼ to ½ cup dried herbs, varying the amount of herbs according to your personal preference.  Be sure that the herbs are completely dry, and slightly crush or grind them up before adding to the baking soda.  You can use just one herb, such as lavender or peppermint, or try herb combinations like lavender and rosemary, or mint and thyme. 
2. Carpet Freshener with Essential Oils – thoroughly mix 1 cup baking soda with 15 to 30 drops essential oil, stirring thoroughly to avoid clumping.  Once again, use the amount that produces the strength of fragrance you desire, and use either one or multiple scents. 



Potential Source of Carpet Odors



After mixing either formula, place in a cheese shaker or similar container.  If possible, let it sit for at least a day before using to let the fragrance permeate the blend. Sprinkle sparingly on carpet and let sit for 15 minutes or longer; then vacuum thoroughly. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different scents and scent combinations.  The ingredients are inexpensive, and you can make small batches until you find a combination you like, or keep changing the formula to fit the season or your mood.