If you want a simple way to freshen the air in your home, you might consider making your own essential oil room spray. Unlike store-bought air fresheners, homemade versions don’t contain potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, you can customize the scent with your favorite essential oils.
Many essential oil room spray recipes call for witch hazel, but this isn’t the only way to make them. Keep reading to learn more about how to create an essential oil room spray recipe without witch hazel.
Why skip the witch hazel?
Lots of essential oil room spray recipes call for witch hazel. But there are good reasons to leave it out.
Some people are sensitive to witch hazel. Also, witch hazel has a strong, almost medicinal smell, which can interfere with the scent of your essential oil blend. So, what are you going to use instead?
High-proof vodka or rubbing alcohol can act as both a preservative and an emulsifier, helping the oils and water mix. And good old distilled water will be the main ingredient.
Essential oil blends for every mood and season
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to shift your mood, and can be enhanced with tools like backflow incense burners. Some oils are known to relax you, while others are known to give you more energy, and some can even be used in an essential oil for pain recipe. For best results, use pure, high-quality essential oils.
Seasonal blend ideas
- Summer: Lemon and lavender for a refreshing lift
- Fall: Cinnamon and orange for a warm, cozy feel
- Winter: Peppermint and cedarwood to feel invigorated and grounded
- Spring: Geranium and eucalyptus for a floral refresh
Other combination ideas
- Wild orange and tea tree for a fresh, clean boost
- Lavender and rose for a calming, romantic vibe
Once you get started with essential oils, you may find yourself experimenting with all sorts of combinations, like creating a DIY eucalyptus spearmint massage oil.
Essential oil room spray recipe (without witch hazel)
Here’s how to make your own essential oil room spray without witch hazel:
Ingredients
- Distilled water
- High-proof vodka or rubbing alcohol (to take the place of witch hazel)
- Essential oils (20-30 drops, depending on how strong you want the scent)
Materials
- Dark glass spray bottle (4 oz or 8 oz)
- Small funnel (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the essential oils and vodka (or alcohol) in the spray bottle. The alcohol will help the oils dissolve in the water.
- Add distilled water to fill up the rest of the bottle.
- Seal the bottle tightly and shake it well to combine everything.
- If you want, you can add dried flowers or herbs to make it look prettier and add a little more fragrance.
Tips, tricks, and precautions
Here’s how to make sure your essential oil room spray is safe and effective:
- Shake well before each use to ensure the oils are properly mixed.
- Always test the spray on a small, hidden area of fabric before spraying it all over, because some oils can stain.
- Store the spray in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid spraying directly into your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add salt to essential oil room spray?
Adding salt, like Epsom or sea salt, to an essential oil room spray helps to disperse the oils more evenly in the water. Essential oils are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t naturally mix well with water. The salt acts as an emulsifier, breaking down the oils into smaller droplets and preventing them from clumping together. This ensures a more consistent and effective spray.
Do you have to use witch hazel for room spray?
No, you absolutely do not have to use witch hazel for room spray! While it’s a popular ingredient, it’s not essential. Witch hazel acts as a solubilizer, helping to blend the essential oils and water. However, there are other ways to achieve this, like using salt or a small amount of high-proof alcohol (like vodka) instead.
What is a substitute for witch hazel in essential oil spray?
If you’re looking for a substitute for witch hazel in an essential oil spray, there are a few good options! As mentioned earlier, salt (Epsom or sea salt) is a great choice. You can also use a small amount of high-proof alcohol (vodka or rubbing alcohol), or even a solubilizer like Polysorbate 20. Each alternative has its own benefits and drawbacks, so experiment to find what works best for you and your desired fragrance profile. Remember to always shake well before each use, no matter which method you choose!
Wrapping Up
Making your own essential oil room spray is a great way to control what’s in the air you breathe. You choose the ingredients, you design the scent, and you avoid potentially harmful chemicals.
There are so many essential oils to choose from, so don’t be afraid to try a few different combinations to create your own signature scent.
To make a room spray without witch hazel, all you need is distilled water, a solubilizer, your favorite essential oils, and a spray bottle. In just a few minutes, you can have a fresh-smelling room!