The simplest things are often the most impactful. I love when things are easy!
If you notice a smell coming from a room, area or enclosed space, consider creating a small room deodorizer that will neutralize the smell.
All you need to create this powerful little treat is the following:
- Baking soda
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional – and pick your favorites – peppermint, rosemary, lemon, etc.)
- Cheese shaker
- Cheese cloth
Now, I know what you’re thinking, where’s the cheese in all of this. However, we won’t need any of that, because quite simply, baking soda will eliminate the bad smells all on their own.
Here’s how to make it:
- Fill your clean cheese shaker half way with baking soda
- Add 10 drops of essential oil (or 5 drops of 2 types of essential oils) – optional
- Place a small square of cheesecloth over the opening of the shaker
- Screw the lid onto the jar opening
- Decorate if you are so inclined (I’d love to see what you create, feel free to post on our Facebook page!)
That’s really it! Cheap, easy, effective. Wow, do I ever deliver!
Now, all you need to do is shake it up every few days to ‘re-generate’ the gentle scent from the essential oils, and replace every 1-3 months.
Enjoy this little room deodorizer!
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What does the cheesecloth do? I had tried it in a glass & though it kept bad smells away, it didn’t deodorise as such…
Great idea always looking for classroom air deodorizers!! Anyone ever thought of using the baking powder that is designed for refrig and putting essential drops on mesh cover?…Maybe to costly …just wondered? Thank you
Melissa, 5 years ago my husband and I purchased a home on Cape Cod. After awhile we noticed a musty odor in the house. We have painted every square inch of the house, cleaned the hardwood floors and carpets professionally but still when we leave to return to our NY home the odor comes with us. When you walk into our Cape house the smell hits you in the face instantly. What, if anything, can we do. Is this too big for baking soda??
I love your videos.
Is it possible that you have some water damage? Those can be very smelly. A leak going on causing mold growth can be dangerous to your health as well as the structure of your home. Do you ever feel sick while you’re there and a few days after you leave?
I hope that’s not it. But if it is, at least you have an answer. Have you had anyone inspect your home? A home inspector (they inspect for damage before the sale) can do this for you.
Good luck!
I’ve done this and it does not last more than a couple of days. I suspect the baking soda which absorbs odors does it job as absorbing the essential oils too.
Can I use a salt shaker?
How long do they last for? Do you have remake them every so often?
The post says 1-3 months you shd change it out. So I’m guessing 1-3 months. However, other commenters say it lasts much less. < a month.
I have heard that essential oils are not good for cats – something to do with their liver not breaking them down etc, and shouldn’t be used around them where they can touch them, or even breathe them in. I’m wondering if you’ve heard this as well and your recommendations
Great tip! I’ve already shared it with fellow essential oil users 🙂
Whats the cheese cloth for?
To prevent the baking soda from spilling out.
I was wondering where would I find essential oils?
Christina, i found my essential oils at my local health food store. Hope that helps 🙂
chemical free with so many many wonderful uses for them, beyond just smell for health and wellness.
I love your secrets about cleaning and deodorize rooms, especially within budget 😉 I’m going to make one for each room, in my bussines and in my home… Thank you pretty
I was really surprised at how nicely this worked. I put this on a side table in my living room and I can smell of lavender when I’m sitting there. The smell doesn’t travel far, I’d give it about a 3-food radius, but it’s very nice.
I used baby food jar! This is awesome!
Interesting idea… not sure what the cheese cloth is for though. Would it still work without the cheesecloth?
I think the cheesecloth is to keep the contents from shaking out of the cheese shaker when you shake it.
This is really interesting. It kind of reminds me the sticky baking soda things you can get for your trash can (but cheaper). Do you have to shake it to keep it fresh?
yep.. says above that you ‘shake it up every few days to ‘re-generate’ the gentle scent from the essential oils, and replace every 1-3 months’
How big of a room do you think one shaker would cover? I love this idea!