The Fresh-Smelling Herb You Can Turn Into A DIY Air Freshener For Your Home

Growing your own rosemary plant isn't just beneficial in the kitchen — it can also serve as a homemade alternative to your standard home scents. Instead of spending money on chemical-based scents from the store, you can easily create your own all-natural air freshener with just a few sprigs of your favorite herb and a pot of boiling water. Pour the concoction into a spray bottle to use around your home, or let the herb boil gently on the stove, also known as a simmer pot.

With the ever-growing trend of consumers choosing natural ingredients over chemicals, DIY air fresheners have been gaining popularity, particularly in the form of simmer pot recipes that can give the house a refresh. These homemade recipes are simple to put together and can be customized to different seasons or holidays. For example, you could incorporate lemon into your rosemary simmer pot for a fresh, spring aroma. You could add orange slices and cinnamon for an autumnal version. No matter what additional ingredients you add, rosemary is an excellent base, not only because of its fresh scent but also because of its many benefits, like helping with brain function and pain relief.

For a quick way to fill your home with the fresh scent of rosemary, you'll need at least one large sprig of the herb, 1 to 2 cups of water, a pot, and any other additional ingredients you might like to incorporate, like lemon or cinnamon. Add the water and herbs to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium to high heat. Once it's reached a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. You can let this concoction sit and simmer on low for 2 to 3 hours while the scent fills your home.

Another option is to create a makeshift air freshener or room mist. Grab about 15 sprigs of rosemary, 8 ounces of isopropyl alcohol, and 8 ounces of distilled water. Pour the rosemary and alcohol into a jar and let it sit for 14 days. Strain out the rosemary sprigs and pour the concentrate and the distilled water into a bottle.

You can always add additional ingredients to your DIY air fresheners and simmer pots to create your own ideal home scent. One popular rosemary recipe includes adding slices of lemon, several sticks of cinnamon, a few drops of vanilla, and a sprig of rosemary for a fresh and sweet scent. For one with a bit more holiday spice, combine your rosemary sprig with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and pine. 

Keeping it simple with just rosemary is always an excellent option, but you can also customize your simmer pot or try out new DIY room sprays by adding new ingredients. No need to burn a candle or spray a chemical-based air freshener. These fragrant simmer pots are quick, easy, and cost-effective, especially if you're already growing a kitchen herb garden or want to ensure the extra fresh herbs you purchased from the grocery store won't go to waste.