Cars can often smell musty, dusty or just plain stinky, and sometimes store-bought car air fresheners make them smell even worse. Rather than living with the less-than-desirable scent, you can create a homemade car freshener using several methods that allow you to choose from a wide range of scents that best suit your tastes.
A breath of fresh air can be immediately added to your car with one simple item most of us already own: a fabric softener sheet. Place one in front of the air-conditioning and heating vent to blast a sweet scent throughout your vehicle. Hold the sheet in place with duct tape across the top so air can still flow through the vent and cool or heat the car. If that's annoying, just tuck a dryer sheet somewhere for a more subtle scent.
Other quick homemade car air fresheners can be created with items you can easily purchase or already have around the home. Coffee beans, potpourri, cotton balls saturated in essential oils and smelling beads are several ideal options. House the items in breathable containers: Use nails to poke holes in an empty mint tin and fill it with the aromatic ingredients. Cut off the foot part of a pair of clean pantyhose and stuff the stuff inside, tying the top shut with decorative ribbon. Cheese cloth and cloth or mesh bags also work as breathable containers.
Anyone with a little more time and ingredients can hook up a more elaborate car air freshener. Boil one cup of distilled water and stir in four packages of unflavored gelatin until the gelatin dissolves. Remove the mixture from the burner, stirring in another cup of distilled water and at least 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Pour the mixture into small jars, canisters or other decorative containers with an open top. The gelatin will set and the containers can be placed in your car and other strategic places around the home.
