5 DIY Car Fragrance Tips

No longer impressed by your usual rear-view-mirror-hanging scented tree (or other relevant shape here)? Not quite got that unique, signature smell you’re after? Or is it just too quick to dissolve into nothingness? There’s always more expensive versions, like plug-ins. However, if you like looking for alternative options  – including those which provide less harmful chemicals – I've listed 5 simple ways to mix it up and create your own DIY Car Fragrance.

5 DIY Car Fragrance Tips:

1. Scented Paper/card: for a cheap, but fancy trick – head to a fragrance store or perfumery and get the colognes of your choice sprayed/rubbed (if oil based) onto one of the tester cards.  If using a spray, try an EDP for stronger performance. Keep this in the side door holders, or underneath the seats of your car.  

Alternatively, make your own! You can do this by using essential oils. Whether you stick to one essential oil or create your own concoction, make sure it’s to your liking when adding drops. Too much of anything can be a bad thing!

You can also be creative with making your shapes out of cuts of card/paper. Or, if you like being resourceful, you can reuse old car scent trees and keep them hanging up by your rear-view mirror. Just note that the trees may still carry their scent, so this may tweak how your oil creation smells.

2. Homemade car spray: create your preferred scent using a few drops of essential oil (how much depends on how much water you use, as well as how potent you like it. We recommend no more than 10 drops, even for bigger batches), some distilled water (you can make this yourself – or if you really can’t be bothered, purchase online) and vodka. 

With the latter, you don’t have to buy expensive. This isn’t for drinking, this is to emulsify the essential oils, as well as adding its own antibacterial function. You can opt to leave this out if you wish, or if products containing alcohol are forbidden. Place your solution in a small bottle and keep it in your car. Spray as and when. You can purchase travel atomiser bottles online for fairly cheap. These are great to have in the car and use as a quick spray.

3. Scented Cotton wool / Cotton pads: another great way of letting your favourite fragrance be absorbed. To infuse the wool/pad with fragrance, use a few drops of essential oils, or spray with a cologne you don’t mind your car smelling like. Alternatively, if you use oils over sprays as part of your daily routine, then you can add a drop or two to the wool/pad. 

To maintain discretion, you can pop these in your car door bottle holders. Or hidden away in any compartment space for phones, random bits etc. If you don’t mind them on display, try popping in a small clay pot which you again, may fit nicely in a cup holder.

4. Scented Wood Chips: wood chips can be sourced at a variety of craft-style or hardware shops. Alternatively, you can buy them online. Start off by soaking some wood chips in your own mix of essential oils and water. Let the moisture absorb and dry. Check to see how they smell (if not to your liking, repeat the process but adjust the oil/water mix) before placing them in a small drawstring bag (i.e., the type of bag jewellery, little gifts or perfumes might come in). Place the bag in your car.

5.  Bicarbonate of Soda + Essential Oil: Bicarbonate of soda is one of the greats when it comes to absorbing odours. So if you want to keep your car smelling fresh, it’s a must. Mix bicarbonate of soda with the essential oil/s of your choice and place either in a container with holes (to avoid any spillages on any sharp turns or ‘brisk’ drives), or, if you prefer an open one under your seat. Alternatively, you can use a clay pot and keep it in a cup holder (if you have one). Ensure this is replaced every few weeks or so. 

Conclusion:

There’s more to a great smelling car, then the stale, old car scented tree dangling by the mirror. Equally, all the tips above don’t hide the random clothes, tissues or Maccy-D cups you might have lying around. I hope you enjoy mixing it up and keeping your ride looking and smelling freshhhh. Got any interesting concoctions you want to share? I’d enjoy hearing about your endeavours on social media. Tag me in your creations and share the love with others!