When you’re traveling with six kids, being well-prepared for the journey is essential. We usually pack some games, activities, healthy snacks, and a few tricks to keep the car smelling fresh since we’re sharing the space with so many people. I use essential oils to help with this, but I’m careful because they’re much stronger than most people realize. We bring a special diffuser to freshen up the air and hopefully create a calming atmosphere while on the road. It might not always work perfectly, but at least the car smells nice!
The well-known “new car smell” actually comes from the off-gassing of hundreds of chemicals. Cars are often filled with chemicals like flame retardants and lead, which can cause headaches, cancer, and memory loss. Older cars aren’t much better because their seat fabrics release toxic dust over time. Keeping the car’s air and surfaces clean is crucial for a healthier environment inside the car. Considering we spend over 290 hours a year in our cars on average, that’s a significant time in a potentially toxic environment.
Luckily, there are ways to reduce exposure to these toxins. Essential oils can help clean the car’s interior, purify the air, and fight bacteria and viruses on surfaces. They are more than just pleasant scents; they’re powerful substances that interact with our brain’s limbic system. Inhaling essential oils can reduce stress and boost alertness, which is great when driving. Certain oils even have antimicrobial properties to help eliminate germs.
However, using essential oils requires caution. Some are not safe for young children or during pregnancy. Avoid diffusing oils like rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus around very young children and infants. However, pre-cleaning surfaces with these oils is okay, just not right before a trip. Also, remember that the small space of a car means scents can become quite concentrated. You’d use much less in a car than in a larger room.
Conventional air fresheners can be harmful, linked to problems like brain damage, cancer, and asthma. Essential oils are a safer alternative. Here’s a selection of oils safe for use around children, though it’s best to avoid diffusing them in a car with a small baby. Choose oils carefully, ensuring the brand is transparent about their sourcing. I prefer Plant Therapy essential oils, especially their Kid-Safe blends, which make safe usage clear.
Be cautious with oils like vetiver, lavender, and chamomile that may cause drowsiness—they’re not ideal for car use. Here are some blends suitable for car diffusing, adjustable to your liking, but I recommend sticking to 4-5 drops.
Blends can boost memory and brain function, or help relieve stress and anxiety without causing drowsiness. Also, while covering car manufacturing toxins, consider that many car cleaners are also harmful. I like to use natural cleaners for both my home and car. Here’s a recipe for a glass cleaner that works well for car windows. I also have a simple DIY carpet cleaner to freshen upholstery and floors, and a fabric freshener recipe with the additional benefit of germ-fighting essential oils.
A handy tip: Spray Homebiotic in the car to introduce beneficial bacteria, helping to neutralize unpleasant odors. It works well at home and in vehicles. For hard surfaces, this all-purpose solution is great. A microfiber cloth usually does the trick, but for textured areas, an old toothbrush is useful. The oil provides a shine and repels dust.
For use, mix the ingredients in a glass spray bottle and shake well. Before using, give the bottle a shake, then spray onto a damp cloth to wipe down car surfaces—a little goes a long way.
Add a few drops of purifying essential oils to the car filter to freshen the ventilation system. Lemongrass prevents mildew, and a germ-fighting blend reduces pathogens. The scent is most noticeable when the air or heat is on, briefly enough to help clean the ventilation system, which handles a lot of pollution.
Do you use essential oils in the car? Which ones do you prefer?
