Carpets are one of the cosiest parts of any home, but they’re also magnets for dust, dirt, and stubborn odours. No matter how often you vacuum, trapped smells from food, pets, and daily life can linger in the fibres. While candles, wax melts, diffusers and room sprays all help create a beautiful-smelling home, carpets can quietly hold onto scents you don’t want.
Thankfully, refreshing them doesn’t need to be complicated.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to make carpet freshener with just two simple ingredients, you can make your own natural, effective carpet freshener that not only neutralises odours but also leaves your home smelling absolutely divine. This DIY recipe uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and your favourite fragrance oil—two staples you may already have at home.
Whether you’re dealing with pet odours, a stuffy atmosphere, or simply want a burst of freshness, this guide will show you how to whip up a custom carpet freshener in minutes.
Why Use Carpet Freshener?
Carpet fibres naturally trap particles from the air and from foot traffic—dust, oils, food smells, pet accidents, and more. Over time, this can cause an unpleasant odour that seems to stick to your entire house.
If you’re wondering how to make carpet freshener at home, it’s actually simple and effective. A homemade carpet freshener helps by:
Absorbing odours instead of masking them
Neutralising lingering smells
Adding scent to refresh your home
Loosening dirt as the powder is vacuumed away
Best of all, a DIY blend means no harsh chemicals, no aerosol sprays, and complete control over the fragrance.
The Only Two Ingredients You Need
If you’re curious about how to make carpet freshener, the great news is that it only requires two simple ingredients:
1. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Baking soda is a powerful, natural deodoriser. Instead of covering odours, it absorbs them at a molecular level. When sprinkled onto carpet, it sinks into the fibres, lifting out stale smells from pets, spills, and daily use.
It’s also safe, affordable, and gentle enough for most carpet types—making it the perfect base for this DIY freshener.
2. Fragrance Oil
This is where the magic happens! Fragrance oils give your carpet freshener its personality. You can choose anything from:
Fresh scents (lemon, linen, aloe)
Sweet scents (vanilla, coconut, berries)
Floral scents (rose, jasmine, lavender)
Cosy scents (amber, sandalwood, cinnamon)
With these two ingredients, you’re ready to learn how to make carpet freshener that’s completely customisable to your favourite scents.
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Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make one standard batch, prepare:
Optional supplies:
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Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Carpet Freshener
1. Measure the Baking Soda
Add 490g of baking soda into a large mixing bowl. If you want to make a bigger batch, simply scale the ratio.
2. Add Your Fragrance Oil
Add 10g of your chosen fragrance oil.
For a lighter scent, start with 5g and gradually increase.
Tip: Use seasonal fragrances for extra vibes—lavender in spring, citrus in summer, pumpkin spice in autumn, or pine in winter.
3. Mix Thoroughly
Use a spoon to stir until the oil is evenly distributed. Make sure there are no clumps.
4. Store the Mixture
Transfer the blend into a shaker jar or container.
A repurposed spice jar works beautifully.
Label it with the fragrance name—especially if you plan to create several batches.
5. Sprinkle on Carpets
Lightly dust the mixture across your carpets, focusing on high-traffic areas or spots where odours are strongest (like near pet beds or doorways).
6. Let It Sit
Allow it to sit for 15–30 minutes.
For heavy odours, leave it for up to 2 hours.
Keep pets and small children off the carpet during this time.
7. Vacuum It Up
Vacuum thoroughly. Your carpet will smell fresher, cleaner, and softer.
Safety Notes
Although this DIY freshener is safe when used correctly, keep these points in mind:
Avoid using too much fragrance oil, as overly saturated powder may clump.
Keep out of reach of pets before vacuuming—cats and dogs may try to roll in it.
Always check your fragrance oil's IFRA allowance for safe usage.
Patch-test a small area if your carpet is very delicate or light-coloured.
How to Store Your Carpet Freshener
Your carpet freshener will stay fresh for months if stored correctly:
Keep it in an airtight container
Store in a cool, dry place
Shake before each use
Avoid moisture exposure to prevent clumping
The Benefits of DIY Carpet Freshener
Why should you make your own carpet freshener instead of buying one from the store? Here are a few reasons why this DIY approach is a game-changer:
It’s cost-effective - With just two simple ingredients, you can make a large batch of carpet freshener for a fraction of the cost of store-bought alternatives.
It’s all-natural - You’ll know exactly what’s in your carpet freshener—no harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
It’s customisable - You get to choose the exact scent you want in your home, and you can adjust the strength of the fragrance to your liking.
It’s eco-friendly - By reusing containers and using simple ingredients, you’re reducing plastic waste and your overall environmental footprint.
Another great benefit is that it’s flexible—you can make small batches for different rooms or create blends that match your home décor and seasonal moods. Unlike commercial products, DIY carpet freshener doesn’t release harsh chemicals into the air, making it ideal for households with children, pets, or allergy sufferers. Plus, it’s a fun little project that can be a mindful, satisfying way to care for your home.
Conclusion
Learning how to make carpet freshener is one of the easiest and most satisfying DIY home projects. With just baking soda and fragrance oil, you can transform tired, stale-smelling carpets into fresh, inviting surfaces that enhance every room.
It’s cheap, customisable, and chemical-free—perfect for anyone who wants their home to smell beautiful without relying on store-bought products.
So grab your favourite fragrance oil, follow our guide on how to make carpet freshener, and enjoy wonderfully fresh carpets all year round!
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