Fall fragrances are irresistible — between the cinnamon brooms at the grocery store and scented pinecones at the craft shop, the warm, spicy aroma is everywhere. If you love cinnamon as much as I do, this Cinnamon Orange air freshener is an easy, seasonal project that captures that cozy autumn scent. It’s based on a simple DIY mason jar gel air freshener and makes a lovely gift or a small-space scent solution for your car, office, or closet.
Cinnamon Orange Air Freshener
Supplies
- Mason jars (half-pint suggested)
- Water-absorbing polymer (Watersorb or similar)
- Cinnamon bark essential oil
- Orange essential oil
- Tulle or thin lace
- Twine
- Cinnamon stick (for decoration)
The How-To
- In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of polymer absorbent crystals with about 1 cup of hot tap water. Add 10–20 drops of essential oils and stir until the crystals have fully absorbed the water and no dry powder remains.
- For this recipe, use 10 drops of orange essential oil and 10 drops of cinnamon bark essential oil for a balanced, autumnal scent.
- If desired, add a few drops of coloring, though the translucent white gel looks clean and subtle without dye.
- Divide the gel evenly between two half-pint mason jars.
- To use immediately, cover the jar opening with a layer of tulle or thin lace (do not use the solid lid) and screw on the ring to hold the fabric in place. The fabric lets fragrance escape while keeping the gel contained.
- For gifting, place the jar lid on first, then cover the lid with tulle and secure with the ring. Add a tag with instructions and the oil blend if you like.
- If the gel begins to dry or the scent fades, refresh it with a teaspoon or two of hot water and a few more drops of essential oil as needed.
Note: I purchased small polymer crystals from Watersorb. According to the manufacturer, their super absorbent polymers break down into nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water and are essentially neutral in pH. Use materials according to manufacturer guidance and personal comfort.
To give these air fresheners a seasonal finish, tie a small cinnamon stick around the jar with orange twine. A gift tag with care instructions makes them a thoughtful hostess, teacher, or coworker gift. They’re also perfect for keeping on a desk or in the car.
These gel air fresheners are designed for small spaces — a car, closet, bathroom, or workspace. Because the essential oils are held in the gel rather than actively diffused or sprayed, they won’t scent a large room. If the fragrance becomes faint, simply add a bit of warm water and a few drops of oil to revive it.
More ways to enjoy essential oils
- 50+ ideas for using essential oils around the home
- Peppermint cooling spray recipe
- Gentle lavender honey sugar scrub
- Relaxing lavender bath salts
Learn more about essential oils
- Explore manufacturer commitments and standards
- Join communities and groups that share tips and recipes
- Follow curated boards for essential oil inspiration
- Consider joining as a customer or distributor if you want to purchase regularly
Disclaimer: The information here is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult product labels and a healthcare professional for safety information and guidance.