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There’s this thing that I have happen when I get really, really stressed out. I smell things. Not like I push my face into all manner of things and suck in a big whiff, I mean I smell things that aren’t really there. This is a fairly new thing. And it’s a fairly awful thing. The smells are never lovely aromas, they’re awful odors that smell just like something terrible I’ve smelled in the past.
When I lived in South Texas something died in a vent or something. It was a terrible stench of decay and the source of the odor was never found. It lasted for MONTHS and the only way I no longer had to smell it was because I moved out. That was one way to fix it :)
Every once in a while, when I get crazy stressed I catch a whiff of that terrible rotten smell, or something just as bad. I’ve figured out since it’s obviously in my head the best way to deal with it is to A. try not to think about it. and B. actively “cover” the odor with a pretty scent.
I guess, since you can see that I made a freaking ton of DIY air fresheners today, I’m a weensy bit stressed out today :) Want to see how easy it is to fill your home with a beautiful aroma?
Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Water Bead Air Freshener:
Selecting Your Water Beads
There are lots of options when it comes to water beads. I wouldn’t necessarily go name brand (Orbeez) because you’re totally paying for the name. For my air fresheners I used these water beads from Amazon that cost around $10 for the set. From Walmart I purchased SQUOOSH-O’s Assorted Rainbow Water Beads that ran a little over $2.00. In all honesty, I’d say go the less expensive route unless you’re super concerned with having a large selection of colors. If you aren’t concerned about colors at all, at Walmart you can even purchase a package of rainbow water beads for around $3.50. Plus you’ll have an absolute TON for the kiddos to play with after you’ve put a dozen air fresheners all over your house :)
Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils?
I used one floral fragrance oil in each water bead air freshener, either Jasmine or Magnolia. Fragrance oils are just that… they smell pretty but have no therapeutic properties. You can instead use Essential Oils and tailor the scent to any issues you might want to combat. For example, using lavender essential oil in an air freshener you keep by the bed might help you sleep better. If you have pets, be careful. In fact, you can read more about pets and essential oils at the ASPCA website.
Mason Jars
Typical mason jars hold 16 ounces. Smaller “jelly jar” style mason jars typically hold 8 ounces. I am using 8 ounce jars for this tutorial.
Any mason jar that holds essential or fragrance oils should not be considered food safe after.
How to Make a Water Bead Air Freshener in 5 Minutes or Less!
Measure out 1 teaspoon of water beads for every 8 ounces your mason jar holds.
Place your water beads in side of the jar and then add 1/2 cup of water. You don’t need anything special… tap water will work just fine.
Add essential or fragrance oils to the water. I’d suggest 20-40 drops depending on the strength of your oil. *Note – Don’t worry about not adding enough as you can always add more at any time.
Add a special mason jar lid that has cut outs, like my floral lids, to allow the fragrance to fill the room!
Within 4-8 hours the water beads will have soaked up as much water as possible.
You can allow the water to remain in the bottom of the jar where it will continue to hydrate your beads. Or you can drain the excess water. If you’re concerned about spills, I’d suggest removing the excess water.
Enjoying Your Water Bead Air Freshener for Many Months to Come
Keep your water beads moist, adding water and oils as needed to keep the beads full and the air freshener fragrant.
