If you’re not sure where to start, you could trace the shape of an old air conditioner you bought. You could also use a die-cutting machine to quickly cut out fabric. Use die-cutting patterns to design air fresheners in all sorts of custom shapes!
For a simple air freshener, craft felt works great. You can get it online or at most craft supply stores. Even inexpensive felt is pretty absorbent.
The cardboard piece is meant to reinforce the air freshener. If you use fabric only, it will be a little flimsy. Another option is to cut out a piece of craft foam. Try using a die-cutting machine for it.
Make sure the glue isn’t too close to the cardboard’s edges. Also, try not to use too much. If you see any glue get pressed out when you assemble the parts, wipe it off right away with a paper towel. If you’re using an adhesive-backed material like craft foam, you can just press the fabric onto the sticky backing.
Essential oils can have a very strong smell, so use them sparingly at first. You can always add more if the scent is too weak for your liking. Another option is to mix about 20 drops of oil into 4 fluid ounces (120 mL) of water in a spray bottle. Mist the fabric for a gentler, more evenly distributed scent.
To hold more of the scent in, store your air freshener inside a resealable plastic bag. If you don’t mind the strong scent, you could hang the air freshener right away. It might not be too bad if you only applied a few drops or a diluted spray of essential oil.
You could also use a tool like an awl to make the hole. Hold the awl over the fabric, then tap it down with a hammer until it breaks through the cardboard.
If you don’t have ribbon, find some yarn, string, twine, or another alternative. Twine is stronger, but yarn and ribbon come in a variety of colors you can use to customize your air freshener. When the scent starts wearing out, refresh it with more essential oil. You could also switch it out with a new air freshener.
Smaller clothespins are fine too. You can use the ones you squeeze to open, for instance. The clothespins have to be made of wood, or else they won’t absorb any scent.
If you’re able to spread out the essential oil drops, then the scent won’t just be concentrated in one spot. You can apply more essential oil, but keep in mind that its aroma will become much stronger.
You can match the herbs to the essential oil you’re using or mix scents. For example, mint goes well with orange oil. If you don’t want to use herbs or don’t have any, you could just put the clothespin in your car after coating it with essential oil. The scent won’t be as strong and may not last as long, but you can always refresh it later. Use plastic bags to prepare air fresheners in advance. You could add essential oil, mix them with herbs if you want, and then use the bags to keep them smelling fresh for at least a few months.
The scent is much more subtle than what you get when hanging fabric air fresheners. The aroma strengthens when the air vent is active, so clothespins are a great choice if regular air fresheners are too strong for your liking. As the scent wears out, refresh it by placing the clothespin in a bag. Sprinkle it with more essential oil and add more herbs if you wish.
Since they are made of glass, Mason jars hold in scents very well. It makes them really great as strong air fresheners you can stow away where no one will see them. They are also very easy to reuse and reseal. Make sure your jar is big enough to hold the baking powder and essential oil required to make the air freshener.
Instead of making a new cardboard lid, you could keep the metal lid and simply drill a few holes through it. You won’t be able to reuse the lid if you plan on using the Mason jar normally, but it will still work well as an air freshener. You could also use a utility knife to cut the cardboard, but be careful not to hurt your fingers.
To easily make the holes, keep the cardboard on top of the jar. Otherwise, put it on a piece of scrap wood so you don’t scratch the surface underneath it. You could also use a nail or another sharp tool to make the holes. Punch through the cardboard cleanly so it doesn’t tear or otherwise fall apart.
Baking soda is well-known for its ability to absorb odors. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t cover those odors, so you will still be able to smell whatever scent you add to the jar. Always use baking soda instead of putting fresh scents directly into the jar. The baking soda causes scents to last much longer.
To prevent the smell from becoming too strong, start with an ordinary amount of oil. Strengthen the air freshener with more oil as needed.
If you try to shake the jar while the cardboard cutout is on it, be gentle. Try swirling it in a circle instead.
If you wish to hide the air freshener, place it under your seat. Keep in mind that it could tip over and let out some of the baking soda. After the scent starts to diminish, empty the jar. Refresh it with more baking soda and essential oil to keep your car smelling great.
