Jump to recipe

Learn to make a gel air freshener out of stuff you probably already have at home! This easy DIY will leave your home smelling so good. And it’s made with all-natural ingredients!

Happy DIY day!

I took a minute from cleaning and organizing the bedroom to make a really easy gel air freshener from things I already had in my kitchen cabinets. This DIY only requires 2 ingredients and it’s super easy!

The main ingredient in a gel air freshener is gelatin, which you can find at any grocery store. (I purchased mine from Kroger.) Essential oils or fragrance oils are used for the scent. If you would like your air freshener to be a certain color, food coloring can be used.

The scent I chose for my gel air freshener is Lemon Cupcake. This bottle of Lemon Cupcake essential oil was a free birthday gift from Plant Therapy as part of their rewards program. It smells amazing! I put this oil in a diffuser necklace so I can smell it throughout the day. Sometimes I diffuse it in my diffuser to make my whole house smell like a lemon cupcake. (It’s probably my favorite oil!!)

If you’re interested, here’s a coupon to get $10 off your first purchase of $25 or more, plus free shipping!

Gel air fresheners are wonderful gift ideas for family, friends, teachers, or neighbors. They are make perfect house warming gifts. Or make some as thank you gifts for baby or wedding showers.

Tie some dried flowers to the side and wrap with clear cellophane for a beautiful gift.

Here are some more ideas using natural ingredients and essential oils:
No-Sew Lavender Scented Drawer Sachet
No-Sew Hanging Sachet
Carpet Freshener

What is a gel air freshener?

Gel air fresheners are made from gelatin, which holds in fragrances, therefore they can last a really long time. These air fresheners can be purchased in stores, but for a fraction of the cost you can make your own.

How to make a gel air freshener

*Post may contain affiliate links. It’s free for you to click the links, however, if you choose to make a purchase I will get compensated. To learn more click here. Thank you for supporting my blog!

What you need:

• (2) 4-ounce mason jars or (1) 8-ounce mason jar
• Fabric square for the topper
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin (found near baking supplies at any grocery store)
• Food coloring (optional)
• 2-3 teaspoons essential or fragrance oil – adjust to your preference (I used about 30 drops essential oil)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Measuring Cup

What you do:

First, combine 1/2 cup hot water and 2 packs of gelatin in a mixing bowl, stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.

Not all the gelatin dissolved for me. I’m not sure if it was because I used a store brand or maybe my water was not hot enough. However, there were tiny lumps that would not dissolve so I ended up taking them out.

Next, add food coloring until you get the shade you want. Food coloring is optional!

Then add 1/2 cup cold water and stir until mixed well.

Finally, add 2-3 teaspoons of oil. I used about 30 drops of essential oil. Adjust the amount of drops of oil to your preference.

Pour the liquid mixture into your jar(s) and sit in a cool place for about an hour or so, or until set. I placed mine in the refrigerator.

I used an 8-ounce jelly jar for this because I couldn’t get to my 4-ounce jars. However, next time I make this I will use the smaller jars. I just think they are cuter, plus you’re getting two air fresheners in from one mix.

While the gel air freshener is “setting”, you can add the fabric to the lid.

I used a very thin fabric (muslin). Another option for the lid is to use frog lids or a piece of scrapbook paper with holes punched in it, or you could just leave the lid off altogether.

Lay the lid on the fabric and trace around it with a pencil, then cut out the circle.

Attach the fabric to the inside of the ring with hot glue.

After adding the fabric to the ring, wrap the outside of it with jute string just to give it a more rustic look.

After the gel air freshener has set, just place the jar wherever you wish!

Remember that the fragrance can be changed throughout the year. Make a fall rain scented air freshener for fall or candy cane scented for Christmas.

Gel air fresheners made with lemongrass are perfect for sitting on outside tables to keep the bugs away!

There’s no limit to the fragrances you can use!