In our home we have a cubby system in our front hall. We call this cubby system the shoe bookcase, because I have three boys who have lots of shoes.
And for those moms who have three teenage, pre-teen, or elementary school boys, you understand when I say that my front hall SMELLS LIKE STINKY-BOY FEET! Gross.
I wanted to make something that would help freshen up this area, but not take up a lot of room. I also wanted it to be cute, because I’m the lone girl in the house. The answer, a DIY Air Freshener Using Downy Unstopables.
I’ve fallen in love with using Downy Unstopables in my laundry and have seen different posts about using Unstopables as wax melts to fragrance your home. I thought to myself, what about just putting the little super fragrant beads in a jar with baking soda, which neutralizes odors, for an easy DIY air freshener! Genius!
Now when I walk into my home I’m not assaulted by foot stank, but my front hall smells like crisp, clean sheets swaying in a sunny breeze…or something like that. You get where I’m going, right?
DIY Air Freshener Using Downy Unstopables
What you will need:
- Small mason jar
- Craft paper, swatch of fabric or swatch of burlap
- Needle or toothpick
- Baking soda
- Downy Unstopables In Wash Fresh Scent Booster
Instructions:
1. Using the inside portion of your small mason jar lid, trace the lid onto your paper and cut out. If you are using fabric or burlap, just cut a square big enough to have sides drape over jar. Set your paper and/or fabrics aside.
2. Fill your small mason jar about 1/4 of the way full with baking soda.
3. Add about 1/4 of a capful of Downy Unstopables to to your jar.
4. If you are using the craft paper, insert the craft paper circle into the outer ring of your mason jar lid, pattern facing up. Once the lid is secured on tightly, use a sewing needle or toothpick to poke holes all over the paper. These are the air holes so the great scent can come out of the jar.
5. If you are using fabric or burlap (like I did on my second jar), place your fabric/burlap swatch over your jar and screw the outer lid ring onto the jar (your fabric will be under the lid ring. Trim any extra fabric if you would like.
6. Give your jar(s) a little shake to activate the sent.
Your super easyDIY Air Freshener Using Downy Unstopables is complete! Place these little guys anywhere stink lives in your home—closets, bathrooms, drawers, etc. Enjoy!
Becca Wilkinson has a creative “need” and will do anything to avoid laundry. She writes over at Cul-de-sac Cool about design, DIY/crafts, easy eats, family, funny experiences and of course, motherhood. Becca wants to spread happiness, helpful tips, pretty things and funny experiences throughout the land. She is the proud mother of three boys and married to her college sweetheart. In her past life she was a graphic designer. Becca has learned a lot these past years about juggling boys, blogging, family and suburban life.
laura says
If you use an essential oil, like Purification, instead of Unstoppables, it becomes non-toxic.
Erica says
Thanks for this! I’ve got try. NO matter how many candles or tart warmers or sprays I use, I can’t get rid of the weird odor in my house that I can only describe as, well, farts. Sorry for the TMI! But anyway, great tip !
Paula Shepard says
Have a front loading HE washer by chance? My house smelled like that too until I got rid of the HE washer….with the new washer (speed queen) every load I did reduced the smell as I washed everything the HE washer touched until the smell was gone. Should have smelled my small walk in closed closet…it was HORRIBLE.
Jackie says
This is a great idea and so easy to do. I’m wondering how often you’d need to change out the contents (baking soda and Unstopables) in the jar? Essential oil is a great idea too as one commenter suggested, just wondering how that would work with the baking soda.
Kelly says
Usually a lasts around a month.
Tracy says
I used baking soda and eucalyptus essential oil. mix well and I keep it covered and open it when I am in my car. helps with colds and I always liked the smell. Could used any scent. Last about 6 months. depending on how often you open it.
alan Ford says
I added about 20 pellets to my humidifier works awesome
Carol says
How long does it last please?