DIY Aromatherapy Room Sprays

Transform Your Space with DIY Essential Oil Room Sprays

Homemade room sprays

I make room sprays constantly. They're cheaper than candles, work better than plug-ins, and don't have those synthetic fragrances that trigger headaches. Plus, they take just a couple of minutes to make and actually do something beyond just smell good - essential oils can shift your mood, help you focus, or help you relax.

Commercial air fresheners are full of chemicals that can irritate your lungs and give you headaches. Skip them. Natural essential oils work better and support your well-being instead of undermining it.

What You'll Need

Spray bottles:

• Glass (amber or cobalt blue) is best for shelf life

• PET plastic works if you are on a budget

• 2-oz or 4-oz sizes are most practical

Alcohol:

• 150-proof grain alcohol works best

• 190-proof is even better if available

• Vodka (80-proof) will work in a pinch, but does not preserve as well

Distilled water:

• Do not use tap water - minerals cause cloudiness and bacterial growth

Essential oils:

• Use pure essential oils from reputable suppliers, not fragrance oils

  
  

Basic DIY Room Spray Recipe:

Here’s a simple, effective formula for a 2-oz spray bottle:

• 25% ethanol (150 proof [75%] alcohol or higher)

• 73% distilled water

• 2% essential oil

Actual Measurements for a 2-oz spray bottle:

• 15ml ethanol

• 43ml distilled water

• 24 drops of essential oil(s)

Easy Method

Fill the bottle about ⅓ full with alcohol, add your essential oils, then fill with distilled water to the shoulder (leave room to shake). Shake well before each use.

Why these ingredients?

• Alcohol disperses the oils through the water and prevents bacteria/mold growth

• Distilled water (not tap water) prevents mineral buildup and contamination; optionally, you can substitute hydrosols for the water portion

• Essential oils provide scent and therapeutic benefits

Room Sprays for Different Needs

Beyond making your house smell good, room sprays can actually affect your mood and mental state. I use them to help me focus when I'm working, to wind down at night, or to shake off the winter blues when motivation is low.

Not sure which oils to use? Tell me what you are trying to accomplish (calm down, wake up, focus, etc.) and I can help you build a custom blend.

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Conifer Oils

These are my winter favorites. Conifer oils actually purify the air and help you think and breathe more clearly; perfect when you are stressed or congested. Rich in monoterpenes, conifer oils purify the air and clear the mind.

• Black Spruce (Picea mariana): Encourages clarity & resilience

• Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica): Uplifts & refreshes

• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): Eases mental tension

• Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica or Juniperus virginiana): Stabilizing & refreshing

simmer pot

Citrus Oils

Citrus oils fight stress and boost mood. They are energizing without being overwhelming. Great for kitchens, offices, or anywhere you need a mental pick-me-up. (Note: Avoid topical use of cold-pressed citrus oils like bergamot or grapefruit, as they can be phototoxic.)

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis): Uplifting & cheerful

• Lime (Citrus latifolia): Energizing & refreshing

• Lemon (Citrus limon): Uplifting & energizing

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): Balancing & stress-relieving

• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): Bright & invigorating

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata): Calming & relaxing

Herbal Oils

These bring energy and mental clarity. I reach for herbal oils when I have a lot to do and need to stay sharp.

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Refreshes & stimulates the mind

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Enhances memory & concentration

• Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Calms nerves & reduces overthinking

• Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata): Warming & fortifying

• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Encourages motivation & determination

• Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis): Detoxifying & mentally clarifying

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Calming, reduces stress & anxiety

  
  

Resin Oils

Resin oils are deeply calming. Good for settling down and relaxing.

• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.): Enhances focus & reduces stress

• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): Supports emotional balance & reduces tension

• Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis): Soothes the mind & supports relaxation

• Opopanax (Commiphora guidottii): Relaxing & reduces stress

Ready-to-Use Recipes

Here are a few of my favorite blends to get you started. Each recipe is designed for a 2 oz spray bottle using the basic formula (15 ml ethanol, 43 ml distilled water, 24 drops essential oil). Shake well before each use to disperse the oils evenly.

You can also make these as stock blends (just the essential oils mixed together) and use them in a diffuser or diluted in carrier oil as a roller.

Brain Blend

When you need to power through brain fog

• 9 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

• 8 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 5 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

• 2 drops Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Peaceful Thinking

For stressful days when your mind will not quite

• 8 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

• 6 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

• 5 drops Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica)

• 5 drops Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)

Sweet Dreams

Evening blend for winding down

• 8 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 8 drops Black Spruce (Picea mariana)

• 8 drops Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Fresh & Clean

My go-to for linens and bathrooms

• 10 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)

• 8 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 6 drops Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Winter Motivation

When the short days are getting to you

• 9 drops Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica)

• 8 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 5 drops Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• 2 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Tips

• Always use high-quality, pure essential oils for the best results

• Experiment with ratios and scents to find what resonates with you

• Remember to label your creations

• Use dark colored glass or PET plastic spray bottles

• Store your sprays in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency

  
  

Start Blending!

Making your own room sprays is not only rewarding but also allows you to customize scents to fit your needs. Whether you crave a calming sanctuary, a focused workspace, or an uplifting atmosphere, the right essential oils can make all the difference.

Have questions or need help customizing a blend? Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!