Making your own air fresheners at home is wonderful, but there are times when it’s really our clothes that need a bit of a freshening up. Homemade drawer fresheners are not a new concept (I’m pretty sure my grandma used them too), but they offer an easy and cost-effective way to keep your dresser drawers smelling fresh or to give your linen closet a lovely touch.
The great thing is you can make them using all-natural ingredients, and they’re reusable too! Often, the time-tested tricks are the most effective. I’ve previously discussed concerns about traditional fragrances, which includes many store-bought laundry products. Those laundry detergents, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners are linked to serious health issues, including brain damage and cancer.
I now prefer natural laundry options, but they often don’t leave that lasting scent on clothing. To avoid any harmful chemicals, I use sachets for drawers and closets as a simple and natural way to keep clothes smelling nice. These sachets work wonders for linen closets, sock drawers, and even gym bags. This recipe uses essential oils, many of which are known for their antimicrobial properties that help tackle odors by dealing with their root cause.
I particularly love lavender sachets, but there are endless scent options to explore. They also make fantastic gifts! Some recipes suggest using scented laundry beads for homemade fresheners, but these still rely on conventional fragrances. DIY sachets with rice are a much better alternative. Rice is great at absorbing the essential oils and is quite affordable. You can also fill sachets with herbs, or even drip essential oils onto terra-cotta ornaments.
This simple recipe combines herbs, rice, and essential oils. (White rice is best here because it absorbs scents more readily than brown rice.) Sure, essential oils might not last as long as synthetic fragrances, but some do linger longer than others. Essential oils like citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus evaporate quickly as they are “top notes.” In contrast, base notes—such as earthy and woodsy scents—tend to last longer.
When making your own sachets, there are numerous choices. Here are some starting ideas:
Make sure to choose high-quality essential oils from brands known for their transparency and safe usage tips. Pre-made organza or cotton bags work perfectly for this project, but you can also make your own with ease. Here’s a simple method that only takes minutes to put together.
Over time, the scent will fade, so store your sachets away from heat, light, and moisture for the best longevity. When it’s time for a refresh, just open the sachet, add a few more drops of essential oils to the rice, give it a little stir, or gently massage the bag to spread the oils.
Have you ever tried making your own drawer fresheners? What are your favorite scents to use?
