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How to Make a Card Air Freshener Using Fragrance Oil
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make a card air freshener using fragrance oil, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it safely, effectively, and in full compliance with UK regulations.
Whether you’re creating air fresheners for personal use, to gift, or to add to your product range, making them yourself is a simple and affordable way to produce something that smells incredible and looks professional.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know - from materials and mixing ratios to IFRA safety limits and CLP labelling - so you can confidently create and, if you wish, sell your own custom card air fresheners.
What Are Card Air Fresheners?
Card air fresheners are absorbent pieces of specially coated board infused with a fragrance oil blend. They slowly release scent into the air, making them ideal for cars, wardrobes, drawers, and small spaces.
When made correctly, they’re lightweight, long-lasting, and can carry a strong, consistent fragrance for several weeks.
What You’ll Need
Before you start making your own card air fresheners using fragrance oil, gather the following materials:
Absorbent card or air freshener board - Use purpose-made air freshener card, not standard cardboard. It’s more durable and absorbs scent evenly.
Fragrance oil (IFRA permitting) - Choose high-quality, undiluted fragrance oils that are approved for this use and fall within IFRA limits for air fresheners.
DPG (Dipropylene Glycol) or Augeo Clean Multi - Used to dilute fragrance oil and extend scent life.
Measuring jug or beaker
Gloves and safety goggles
String - For hanging your finished product.
Hole punch and scissors or craft knife
Mylar bags - To keep the fragrance fresh until use.
CLP label information - Required for any product containing fragrance oils if sold or gifted.
DPG | Dipropylene Glycol
£15.99
Our high-quality, low-odour grade Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) is a versatile, low-toxicity solvent widely used in perfumery and cosmetic formulations. Thanks to its excellent solvent properties and mild scent profile, it’s ideal for creating a wide range of fragranced products for… read more
Mylar Bags
£1.95
Store, protect, and showcase your products in style with these eye-catching Mylar bags, available in pink, white, and purple. Designed for both beauty and durability, they’re ideal for hoover discs, wax melts, samples, glitters, mica and other small items. Key Features:… read more
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Card Air Freshener Using Fragrance Oil
Step 1: Choose Your Shape and Design
Start by cutting your absorbent card into the desired shape. Classic options include rectangles, circles, and car silhouettes, but you can get creative with stars, hearts, or brand-themed shapes. Many companies out there offer unscented air fresheners wholesale, so all you have to do is the fragrance part - they'll do the size, shape, branding, etc and worry about the sublimation (cutting aspect) so you don't have to.
If you’re producing these for sale, use shapes and designs that reflect your brand identity. Card air fresheners can be printed with your logo or artwork, but avoid heavy ink coverage, as it may affect absorption.
Step 2: Mix Your Fragrance and Base (IFRA Permitting)
In a clean jug or beaker, mix your fragrance oil with your chosen base (Augeo or DPG). The standard ratio is 70% base to 30% fragrance oil, provided the oil’s IFRA certificate allows that percentage for Category 11 (air fresheners).
For example:
70g base (Augeo or DPG)
30g fragrance oil
This makes 100g of blend - enough for several air fresheners. Always check the IFRA limits first; some fragrances require lower usage levels for safety.
If you’re just experimenting, scale down to 35g base and 15g fragrance oil for a 50g test batch.
Safety note: Always handle fragrance oils responsibly. Wear gloves, use good ventilation, and avoid direct skin contact. Never apply neat fragrance oil to absorbent materials - it must always be diluted.
Step 3: Soak the Card
Place your pre-cut cards into a shallow tray or dish. Pour your fragrance mixture over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let them soak for a few minutes so the board fully absorbs the liquid.
Remove carefully and allow excess mixture to drip off.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
Lay the cards flat on a wire rack or hang them to air-dry in a ventilated area. Drying usually takes 12–24 hours, depending on temperature and humidity.
Make sure each air freshener is completely dry before packaging - any remaining moisture can affect scent longevity or damage packaging.
Step 5: Add String or Cord
Once dry, punch a small hole near the top and thread through your chosen string, ribbon, or elastic. This allows the air freshener to be hung easily in a car or small space. This step can be skipped if your card air fresheners are already pre-holed.
Step 6: Package and Label
Seal your finished products in mylar bags to preserve scent.
If you intend to sell or gift them, you must include CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) information. This includes:
Product name
Hazard pictograms (if applicable)
Signal words
Hazard and precautionary statements
Business name, house number/name, post code
Allergens and relevant safety wording
House of Scent fragrance oils include CLP documentation for both 10% and 25% concentrations, making compliance easy.
The Perfect Fragrance Oils for Card Air Fresheners
The success of your air fresheners depends largely on the quality of your fragrance oils. Using House of Scent oils means you’ll get premium, undiluted blends that are fully supported with IFRA and CLP documentation, ensuring you can make and sell your products legally and safely.
When choosing your fragrances, think about where your air fresheners will be used:
Cars: Fresh, clean scents like Fresh Linen, Lemon & Lavender, Black Cherry, or Spring Awakening work perfectly.
Wardrobes or drawers: Soothing, subtle options such as Lavender, Coconut & Waterfall Blooms, or Baby Powder.
Home or gifts: Popular home fragrances like Black Pomegranate, Aventos for Men, Rhubarb & Rose or Seychelles give that high-end touch.
Fresh Linen Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Get a breath of fresh air with this unique blend. Featuring a refreshing mix of citrus and melon, while clean ozone and orange flower add a subtle touch of sweetness resulting in a light and airy scent that smells just… read more
Coconut & Waterfall Blooms Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Cool marine notes and sea salt blend seamlessly with hints of tropical coconut, evoking the essence of a seaside retreat. At its heart, a cascading waterfall of lily, rose, freesia, and jasmine unfolds, flowing into a warm and comforting base… read more
Black Pomegranate Fragrance Oil
£1.99
Experience a bold and unique scent. Notes of spicy pink pepper and cardamom open up to a heart of clove and patchouli, while fruity hints of apple and plum add a playful twist. Base notes of amber and musk provide… read more
All House of Scent fragrance oils come with their IFRA certificates, so you can check each scent’s permitted level for use in air fresheners. This ensures that every product you make is safe, compliant, and long-lasting.
Testing and Perfecting Your Formula
Before you start producing in bulk, it’s always best to test your process and adjust as needed. When learning how to make a card air freshener using fragrance oil, small test batches help you determine the ideal scent strength, drying time, and fragrance performance.
Different fragrance oils absorb and diffuse at different rates, so you may find that some need a slightly lower ratio to prevent staining, while others benefit from a higher base content for slower evaporation.
Keeping detailed notes on your ratios, drying times, and results will help you perfect a reliable, repeatable formula - essential if you plan to sell your creations.
Selling Your Card Air Fresheners in the UK
If you plan to sell your products, keep these key points in mind:
CLP & IFRA Compliance:
Every air freshener sold must carry correct CLP labelling and comply with IFRA limits for the chosen fragrance oil.Packaging:
Seal products in Mylar bags to prevent leakage or scent transfer during storage or postage.Avoid Misleading Claims:
Stick to descriptive scent names, avoid unproven claims like “stress relief” or “anti-anxiety.”Insurance:
Obtain public and product liability insurance if you’re selling regularly.Testing:
Always test new fragrances and card types to ensure consistent performance, colour stability, and scent throw.
How Long Do Card Air Fresheners Last?
A well-made card air freshener using fragrance oil can last between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on oil strength, environment, and packaging. Storing them sealed until use helps preserve their longevity.
To revive a fading scent, place the air freshener back into its mylar bag for a few days - this allows the remaining fragrance to re-saturate the card.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make a card air freshener using fragrance oil, you can start creating safe, compliant, and beautifully scented products that customers will love. With high-quality House of Scent oils, proper IFRA guidance, and correct CLP labelling, you can confidently produce professional air fresheners that meet UK standards.
Whether you’re crafting for fun or starting a small business, this simple process is a brilliant way to combine creativity and fragrance expertise.
Discover our full range of IFRA-compliant fragrance oils and supporting CLP documentation via our website, where every scent is designed to help you make something extraordinary. View All Fragrance Oils
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on our knowledge, experience, and research at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we encourage readers to conduct their own research and verify information independently, especially when making business or purchasing decisions. It is the reader’s responsibility to carry out thorough product testing, particularly before commencing batch production. Customers are fully responsible for checking the latest IFRA documentation, using the correct CLP labels for their specific products, and ensuring they hold the relevant CPSR assessments where required. House of Scent is not liable for any actions taken based on the content of this blog.
FAQs
Can I use any fragrance oil to make card air fresheners?
Not all fragrance oils are suitable for every type of product. Always check the oil’s IFRA certificate to ensure it’s permitted for use in air fresheners (Category 11). You should also stay within the maximum allowed percentage listed on the certificate. At House of Scent, all our fragrance oils come with full IFRA documentation so you can make safe, compliant products.
How long does a handmade card air freshener last?
When made correctly, a card air freshener using fragrance oil can last between 2 and 6 weeks. Longevity depends on the fragrance, environment, and packaging. Storing your finished air fresheners in sealed foil pouches helps preserve the scent until they’re ready to use.
Do I need CLP labels if I’m only gifting my air fresheners?
Yes - even if you’re not selling your air fresheners, you must still follow CLP labelling requirements when giving them to others. This ensures recipients have the necessary safety and allergen information. All House of Scent fragrance oils include CLP data for easy, compliant labelling.
