HOMEMADE AIR FRESHENERS

Most commercial air fresheners contain horrible for you chemicals! They are hard on the environment and you, your children and your pets. Some of the chemicals you may find: Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, Phenol, skin and nervous system irritant, Petroleum distillates such as butane and propane and many other dangerous chemicals.
Plus they cost a ton. So why not make your own?

A super simple recipe is,
2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in two cups of water
10 to 20 drops of essential oil (More or less..it's up to you)
A fine mist spray bottle

Mix the essential oil in the water with dissolved baking soda put in the mister and spray away!
I change the essential oils with the seasons. I like cinnamon and orange in the fall. Pine in the winter. Rose in spring and lavender in summer. It's totally up to individual preference. It's nice to try new combinations of oils.

A cotton ball with essential oil is another way to cut the car air fresheners. you can hang the cotton ball But I don't. I just soak 2 or 3 cotton balls and put them in a snack size bag.Poke a few holes in it and toss it on the dashboard up near the window. As the sun warms the cotton balls the refreshing scent wafts throughout the car...NICE! I extend the life of these with a little mix of rubbing alcohol and a couple more drops of essential oils once a month. I usually get 3 months use before I pitch and start over. I change the scent with the seasons.

Essential oils are used in everything from homemade salves, cooking, hair treatment skin lotions etc...
I have found 2 things to be true. Use a HIGH quality oil I prefer olive oil. And refrigerate to keep the oil from going rancid. I should mention the olive oil will solidify in the fridge but will liquefy at room temperature after  a couple of hours (then pop it back in the fridge). Also if you are using for cooking just spoon out what you need, no need to wait for oil consistency to return.

You can use fresh flowers, spices or herbs. But you run the risk of mold. Using dried (either store bought or grown and dried yourself) reduces moisture and you'll end up with a oil without worry.
I have read about solar infusions or simply letting the herbs sit in the oil and shaking daily for two weeks. Nope to long to wait!
After searching around the web I found this post. I haven't tried it yet but I sure will.
Enjoy your herbs!

Slow Cooker Method for Herbal Infusions

1. Place a hand towel in the bottom of your slow cooker. This serves to keep the direct heat off jars and promote more even heat distribution, as well as cushioning jars from bumping the pot which could cause chips and breakage. Fill slow cooker about half way with water. Turn slow cooker on “warm” setting to preheat.

2. Prepare herbs by gently rubbing between your palms before adding to a glass mason jar. Fill jars 1/3 – 1/2 of the way with herbs, then cover with oil, leaving at least one inch of headspace in your jars. Stir the herb/oil mixture in each of your jars to cover herbs with oil and release any air bubbles.

3. Cap jars and place into slow cooker on top of the towel. Allow oils to infuse for 8-12 hours on your slow cooker’s lowest setting. Temperature should remain between 100° – 120°. You may want to check the temperature every few hours, turning off the slow cooker for a bit if needed. Stir or gently shake jars a few times during the infusion process. (Hint: If you have a dehydrator with temperature controls or a yogurt maker, you can also use these appliances to infuse your oil.)

4. Once herbs have been infused, turn off slow cooker and allow to cool to room temp. Strain herbs/flowers out using a tea towel or several layers of unbleached cheesecloth. Compost or discard the spent herbs.

5. Transfer your infused oils to clean glass jars or bottles and cap tightly. Label your jar with 1) the type of oil used, 2) herb it was infused with, and 3) date. Protect your herbal oils from heat and light by storing in a cool, dark place. Your oils may last a year or more if stored properly.