How To Reuse Plug-In Air Fresheners Using Essential Oils

Many of you probably have at least one or two plug-in air fresheners that you’ve purchased at the grocery store. And while they’re a great way to freshen your home, there is a less toxic way to get the same results. That’s why today I thought I’d pop in to show you this simple home hack on how to reuse your old plug-in air fresheners using essential oils.

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Essential Oils & Your Health

You may not know it, but I am a bit of a health nut. I love buying organic, I prefer free-range and grass-fed animal products, and I am always looking for healthier options in my home.

While I am not 100% healthy in my practices (self-admitted coffee and sugar addict here), I do often go down a rabbit hole of internet searches and YouTube binge-watching on nutrition, health and wellness.

So when I recently came across a few old plug-ins – all empty – I decided against replacing them with toxic fragrances and turned to the idea of refilling them using essential oils (especially organic essential oils).

Essential oils are naturally occurring compounds found in a variety of plants. They’re renowned for their health properties and their association with ancient healing practices.

Essential oils can be used in 3 main ways:

1.  Topically on your skin, hair and nails

2.  Ingested

3.  Inhaled

In each case, essential oils must be diffused or diluted to make them safe to use. The level of dilution will vary between adult and child and for pet owners, you may need to check with your vet first. (It is not safe to use essential oils in their concentrated form around cats, for example).

One of my favourite health experts is Dr Josh Axe who has several articles on the safe use of essential oils. You can check out all his articles on this page: Natural Remedies:  Essential Oils. One of my favourites is his 101 Essential Oil Uses & Benefits – it’s a great primer for those looking for a summary of the powerful healing & cleaning properties of these oils.

I’ve been a regular user of essential oils for a while now, mainly using them topically and as an air freshener. But while I have several air freshening sprays, I really wanted to have a ‘plug and play’ option available. And, so, the idea of using an old diffuser was born.

Here’s how you can reuse your old plug-in air fresheners using essential oils. 

Just 2 Supplies Needed:

1.  Old Plug-In With Bulb:  I reused an old Wallflower brand plugin with the empty bulb. It’s small, unobtrusive and because it’s white, it blends in with our space.

2.  Essential Oils:  You can use any essential oil or essential oil blend for this project. One of the things I love about essential oils is that you can get one or multiple oils to mix as you see fit, or if you’re not sure what to blend, you can find plenty of pre-mixed varieties.

How To Reuse Plug-In Air Fresheners Using Essential Oils (in 3 Easy Steps)

Many a wiser home hack guru has already done this at home, but in case this is your first time (as it was mine), here is how to do it, in 3 easy steps.

Step 1:  Clean Plug-In

There will be residue left in your old plug-in so clean that up before doing anything else. I simply wiped it off using a cleaning wipe, but you can use a toothbrush or anything else that’s handy.

Step 2:  Remove Wick and Soak

Remove the wick (while I simply got my nails in and dug it out, you may feel more comfortable using a butter knife).

Since you’ll be reusing it, it might be a good idea to soak the wick in warm water for 10-20 minutes. Then, taking a tissue or old rag, squeeze the wick between the tissue and your fingers to allow some of the residue from the previous fragrance to drain off.

Some residue will remain, but you’ll get a significant amount off before moving onto the next step.

Step 3:  Refill Bulb

Fill the empty bulb 1/3 of the way with the essential oil or essential oil blend.

Fill the rest with water. (Notice how the oil floats along the top).

Now, simply add the wick back onto the bulb and re-attach to your plug-in.

Although oil and water don’t mix, as the saying goes, just shake up the bulb before plugging it in.

The oil and water will continue to separate, but as long as the wick is soaking up both elements, the diffuser will work just the same.

Now you can breath a little easier & enjoy the refreshing, natural aroma of your new essential oils plug-in.

Happy home hacking 🙂