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DIY HOLIDAY ROOM SPRAY RECIPES WITH FREE PRINTABLE LABELS

Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift? Try these holiday room sprays made with essential oils! Plus, download free printable bottle labels to add a festive touch to your gift.

How Do You Make Christmas Room Spray

The holiday season is just around the corner—can you believe it? To help us all get into the festive spirit, I’ve created some amazing holiday room spray recipes using essential oils.

If you’re like me and aren’t a fan of candles or store-bought air fresheners, these sprays are a game-changer. Not only do traditional air fresheners often cause headaches, but they’re also loaded with harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens, which can impact the health of your family and pets.

Synthetic fragrances from air fresheners can trigger allergies and asthma, and some even contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Long before I learned about these dangers, I had already ditched air fresheners because they always gave me pounding headaches.

Instead, I freshen my home naturally with essential oils. Whether it’s through my diffuser or these easy-to-make room sprays, essential oils are a safer, healthier way to enjoy a fresh and festive-smelling home.

These homemade holiday room sprays are free of toxic chemicals, smell amazing, and can even be used to freshen up linens. They also make fantastic Christmas gifts—especially when paired with the adorable printable labels I’ve made just for you!

DIY Holiday Room Spray Ingredients

Making these holiday room sprays is incredibly simple! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a festive and natural way to freshen up your space. Here’s everything you’ll need:

SPRAY BOTTLES

The size and number of spray bottles you’ll need depend entirely on your preference! I like using 4-ounce bottles (like these), but you can choose any size you like. Just keep in mind that the recipes below are designed for 4-ounce bottles, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities if using larger or smaller bottles.

There are nine different holiday scents to choose from. If you’re making just one, you’ll only need one bottle. But if you want to try them all, be sure to have at least nine bottles on hand.

A few important tips:

  • Use dark glass bottles: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can degrade or react with plastic, so it’s best to stick with glass.
  • Protect from light: Dark glass bottles help shield the oils from ultraviolet rays, which can cause them to spoil.

WATER

Water serves as the base for these homemade holiday room sprays, and it’s best to use distilled water whenever possible.

Using distilled water helps prevent mineral buildup that can clog your spray nozzle or leave unwanted residue on your home’s surfaces. It ensures a clean and smooth spray every time!

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are the key ingredient that gives these holiday room sprays their delightful scents. To create the various holiday blends listed below, you’ll need a selection of essential oils.

For the best results, I strongly recommend using only 100% pure essential oils. Some of my favorite trusted brands include Plant Therapy, Simply Earth, and Far & Wild.

Be cautious of fake essential oils—they can be just as harmful as synthetic air fresheners and candles. Always ensure the oils you use are pure and high-quality.

If you’re unsure how to spot fake essential oils, check out this helpful guide: Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

WITCH HAZEL

Witch hazel acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the essential oils with water. It also helps the scent linger longer, making your holiday room sprays even more effective and fragrant!

How Do You Make Holiday Room Spray With Essential Oils?

To make your own holiday room spray with essential oils, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4-ounce glass spray bottles (like these ones)
  • Witch hazel
  • Essential oils (recipes below)
  • Distilled water

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS:

  1. Add 20-40 drops of your chosen essential oils to the bottle (use the recipes below for inspiration).
  2. Pour in 2 ounces of witch hazel.
  3. Shake well to mix the oils and witch hazel.
  4. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
  5. Shake again to combine everything.

And that’s it! Your homemade holiday room spray is ready to use. Below, you’ll find a few of my favorite holiday room spray recipes to try out!

Essential Oil Room Spray Recipes for the Holidays

HOLIDAY CHEER

10 drops Peppermint, 10 Ylang Ylang, 15 drops Orange

CANDY CANE

15 drops Peppermint, 15 drops Spearmint

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Clove, 10 drops Orange, 5 drops Peppermint

DECK THE HALLS

10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Cedarwood, 15 Drops Peppermint

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Nutmeg, 10 drops Ginger, 5 drops Lemon

WINTER WONDERLAND

10 drops Wintergreen, 10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Cedarwood

JINGLE BELLS

10 drops Orange, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Cypress

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

10 drops Palmaraso, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Blue Tansy

Christmas Tree

10 drops Cedarwood, 10 drops Balsam fir, 10 drops Cypress, 5 drops Nutmeg

How Do You Use Holiday Room Spray?

To use your holiday room spray, simply shake well before each use. Then, spritz it around the room for an instant burst of holiday fragrance. You can also spray it directly onto pillows, curtains, blankets, or couches to freshen up your linens and furniture!

Why Do You Need Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

Witch hazel is a key ingredient in homemade room sprays. It helps to blend the essential oils with water, ensuring the oils mix well and the scent lasts longer. This makes it an essential component for a longer-lasting, fragrant experience!

What Can I Use Instead of Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

If you don’t have witch hazel on hand, you can substitute it with drinkable grain alcohol (ethanol) or vodka. However, I chose to use witch hazel in this recipe because it’s something many people already have on hand, and it’s easily found at most local drugstores.

Personally, I prefer witch hazel because I’m not entirely comfortable using room sprays made with high-proof alcohol around my family. Alcohol can be an irritant to the upper respiratory system, and the strong alcohol scent can be difficult to mask. Witch hazel provides a gentler, more natural option for your room spray!

Is Witch Hazel or Vodka Better for Room Spray?

Some people claim that using vodka instead of witch hazel will make the scent last longer, but in my experience, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two.

In my opinion, both witch hazel and vodka serve the same purpose in DIY room sprays. They both work well for creating a fragrant room spray. The only real difference is that not everyone feels comfortable using a room spray made with vodka around their family, due to its high alcohol content. If that’s a concern, witch hazel is a great alternative that still does the job beautifully!

Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol Instead of Witch Hazel for Room Spray?

While rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can be used as an alternative to witch hazel in room sprays, I personally prefer not to use it. While it’s not currently classified as a carcinogen, I have concerns about its potential hazards.

Isopropyl alcohol can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, headaches, and even confusion. Because of these risks, I feel more comfortable sticking with witch hazel or vodka, as they are gentler and generally safer options for creating DIY room sprays.

Tips For Using DIY Christmas Room Sprays

Always be sure to shake well before using your room spray to ensure the oils are properly mixed. If you find that the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add more drops of your chosen essential oil until it reaches your desired fragrance level.

Need Essential Oils?

There are many companies that offer high-quality essential oils at affordable prices. I used to use Young Living oils exclusively, but they became too expensive for my budget. I was thrilled to discover other brands that offer excellent oils at much more affordable prices.

A few of my favorite essential oil brands include Plant Therapy, Florihana, and Simply Earth.

If you decide to purchase from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to get a big bonus box and a $45 Simply Earth gift card when you buy an essential oil recipe box!

Final Thoughts About Holiday Room Spray

I hope you enjoy making these holiday room spray recipes as much as I do! They make wonderful gifts for friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone who loves making their home smell amazing.

I personally like to gift these sprays in sets of 3 or 5, but you can package them however you like—or keep them all for yourself!

If you’re looking for more homemade holiday gift ideas, be sure to check out the following posts for even more inspiration!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these homemade holiday room sprays are a simple, natural, and thoughtful way to fill your home with festive scents—without the harmful chemicals found in store-bought air fresheners. With just a few basic ingredients like essential oils, witch hazel, and distilled water, you can create beautiful, personalized gifts that will brighten anyone’s holiday season. Whether you choose to gift them in sets or keep them for yourself, these sprays are a fun and easy way to spread holiday cheer. Happy crafting, and enjoy the festive aromas!

HOW TO KEEP FLIES AWAY FROM YOUR PATIO

As the weather warms up, your patio becomes the perfect spot for outdoor gatherings and grilling with family and friends. However, there’s one pesky problem that can ruin the fun—flies. They buzz around your face and land on your food, constantly interrupting your enjoyment. Don’t let these unwelcome guests spoil your outdoor experience! Here’s how to get rid of flies on the patio and keep your space pest-free.

Why Are There So Many Flies Outside My House?

Flies are most active from spring through fall, with their peak season during the summer months. Female flies can lay over 100 eggs after mating, and if the weather is warm enough, those eggs hatch into larvae in less than 8 hours. Adult flies can live for up to 3 months, so if you’re dealing with a fly problem, it’s important to address the source of the issue.

To effectively get rid of flies, start by identifying and removing the breeding grounds that are attracting them. Flies are particularly drawn to garbage and organic waste, where they lay their eggs. When they land on these areas, they can spread contamination to other surfaces. By eliminating the sources of attraction both indoors and outdoors, you’ll be taking the first step toward a fly-free home and patio.

Why Is It Important To Get Rid Of Flies?

Flies are not only annoying, but they’re also carriers of harmful bacteria and diseases. These restless insects move from one place to another, landing on surfaces like walls, your skin, pet waste, and trash, increasing the risk of spreading infection. Flies are known to transmit serious illnesses such as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and conjunctivitis. They can also carry dangerous pathogens like salmonella, anthrax, and tuberculosis, and even the eggs of parasitic worms.

If you’re ready to tackle your fly problem, it’s time to explore how to effectively get rid of flies and keep your home safe and clean.

How To Get Rid Of Flies

Flies are not only annoying, but they’re also carriers of harmful bacteria and diseases. These restless insects move from one place to another, landing on surfaces like walls, your skin, pet waste, and trash, increasing the risk of spreading infection. Flies are known to transmit serious illnesses such as typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and conjunctivitis. They can also carry dangerous pathogens like salmonella, anthrax, and tuberculosis, and even the eggs of parasitic worms.

If you’re ready to tackle your fly problem, it’s time to explore how to effectively get rid of flies and keep your home safe and clean.

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FLIES OUTSIDE?

You can easily get rid of flies outside with these six simple steps:

  • Use an Oscillating Fan: Set up a fan on an extension cord on your patio. Flies struggle to fly in strong wind, so the breeze will keep them away from your space.
  • Make Natural Fly Traps: Dissolve 1/4 cup of sugar in 1 cup of water in a jar for each trap. Roll a piece of paper into a cone and tape it inside the jar, ensuring the narrow end is just above the liquid. The funnel will attract flies into the jar, where they’ll get trapped.
  • Light Citronella Candles: Citronella, an oil extracted from lemongrass, is a natural fly and mosquito repellent. Light several citronella candles around your patio to keep flies at bay with the strong, aromatic scent.
  • Swat the Flies: If you want an immediate solution, grab a fly swatter. For extra efficiency, use an electric fly swatter that zaps the flies with a loud zap, taking care of your pesky problem fast.
  • Hang Vodka Bags: Flies are repelled by the smell of vodka. Fill small plastic bags halfway with cheap vodka, zip them almost closed, and hang them around your yard with twine and clothespins. The odor will drive the flies away.
  • DIY Fly Strips: Create your own fly strips by cutting cloth into 12-inch long strips and moistening them with a few drops of essential oils like clove, lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus. Hang the strips around your patio to naturally repel flies with their strong scents.

By using these methods, you can keep flies away and enjoy your outdoor space in peace!

What Smells Do Flies Hate?

For some reason, flies hate the smell of certain products, which makes them ideal for use in homemade fly repellents.

Here are several natural remedies to get rid of flies, along with their pros and cons:

  1. Vodka and Essential Oils
  • How to use: Mix 1 cup of vodka, 2 teaspoons of aloe vera juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon eucalyptus oil, and ½ teaspoon of an essential oil blend in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on infested areas.
  • Pros: No chemicals, easy to use, effective.
  • Cons: May cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.

2. Lemongrass Oil

  • How to use: Combine 20-25 drops of lemongrass oil with ½ cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Spray on doorways, windows, and other areas to repel flies.
  • Pros: Natural, fresh-smelling, non-toxic.
  • Cons: Essential oils can be expensive.

3. Cloves and Citrus

  • How to use: Insert 6-12 cloves into halved lemons or apples and use as a centerpiece during meals. Alternatively, use clove oil.
  • Pros: Chemical-free, doubles as an attractive decoration.
  • Cons: Effective mainly against houseflies.

4. Vinegar and Witch Hazel

  • How to use: Mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup witch hazel, and 30-60 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on fly-prone areas.
  • Pros: Natural, works well as a repellent, can be used as body lotion.
  • Cons: Only effective against houseflies, may irritate eyes.

5. Fly-Repelling Herbs

  • How to use: Grow basil, elder, lavender, tansy, wormwood, rue, and mint in pots near doorways to repel flies.
  • Pros: Effective, purifies the air, adds a pleasant aroma.
  • Cons: Some herbs may not thrive depending on environmental conditions.

6. Citronella

  • How to use: Light citronella candles or use camphor to repel flies with their smoke.
  • Pros: No chemicals, works on all types of flies.
  • Cons: Smoke can aggravate respiratory conditions.

7. Malt Vinegar

  • How to use: Heat malt vinegar in a pot until it starts to boil, then place it in fly-infested areas. The scent will repel flies.
  • Pros: Natural, effective.
  • Cons: May be difficult to control the scent in large areas.

Each of these methods provides a natural and chemical-free way to get rid of flies, though some may be more suited for specific environments or types of flies.

HOW TO KEEP FLIES AWAY

To not only get rid of flies but also prevent them from re-entering your home, try these smart strategies:

  1. Keep Things Clean: Flies are attracted to open trash cans, uncovered compost bins, and dog waste. Clean up food scraps immediately after outdoor gatherings, secure trash cans with tight lids, and dispose of dog droppings promptly.
  2. Embrace Spiders: Unless a spider’s web is in your way, leave them be. Spiders are natural predators of flies and will gladly help keep their numbers in check by snaring any flies they can catch.
  3. Plant Fly-Repelling Herbs: Use plants like basil, lavender, and mint both inside and around your home to naturally repel flies. These herbs can also add a lovely aroma to your patio and barbecue areas.
  4. Watch for Water: Flies need water to survive and are attracted to stagnant puddles, birdbaths, and areas with moisture from dripping sprinklers. Eliminate these water sources to reduce fly attraction.
  5. Clean Fruit Bird Feeders: Fruit bird feeders are often a magnet for flies. Once your feathered friends are done eating, remove any leftover rinds or scraps to prevent flies from gathering around the feeders.
  6. Mow Your Lawn Regularly: Flies like to lay eggs in long grass, which provides moisture and shelter. Mowing your lawn regularly, especially in the summer, will help eliminate potential breeding grounds for flies.

By maintaining a clean environment and using natural deterrents, you can keep flies from making a return and ensure your outdoor spaces remain fly-free.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, getting rid of flies on your patio and preventing their return involves a combination of cleanliness, natural repellents, and smart strategies. By keeping your outdoor spaces tidy, eliminating food and water sources, and using natural fly-repelling herbs and remedies, you can discourage these pests from invading your home and yard. Whether through the power of citronella, the help of spiders, or regular lawn care, you can create an environment that flies will want to avoid. With these simple and effective techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space without the nuisance of flies.