Natural Carpet Deodorizers
Easy DIY Carpet Deodorizers
For Your Home & Car
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I put together a variable of different DIY car deodorizers for you to choose from down below. The most popular and widely known carpet deodorizer or natural odor remover, in general, is our good ole friend, baking soda.
Below are some DIY options, recipes, and How-To's. I will also add quick links to some products and ingredients for you that I personally use. As an amazon affiliate, I may receive a commission from purchased items at no extra cost to you, however, I only recommend products and ingredients I personally use or recommend.
Ok, let's get into it now...
1. Baking Soda + Essential Oils (The Classic Blend)
Let’s start with the old faithful. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors, while essential oils bring in the scent you want.
How to Use:
Mix 1 cup baking soda with 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil (think lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint).
Sprinkle over carpet or car mats. Let sit for 15–30 minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.
Seasonal tip: Try orange + clove oil in the fall, or pine + peppermint for winter.
2. Cozy Cinnamon Spice Carpet Sprinkle
Think pumpkin patch, cider, and warm vibes. This one’s perfect for fall and holiday seasons—like a DIY “holiday tree” for your floors!
How to Use:
Mix ½ cup baking soda
Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 1 tsp ground clove or nutmeg
Sprinkle lightly, let sit 20–30 mins, vacuum
Note: Always test a small area first—spices can be strong!
3. Cornstarch + Baking Soda Combo (For Tough Odors)
Cornstarch helps absorb oil-based odors (perfect for high-traffic or pet areas).
How to Use:
Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda
Sprinkle over carpets
Let sit 30–60 minutes
Vacuum well
Optional Add-ins: A few drops of essential oil or dried lemon peel.
4. Herb & Citrus Carpet Freshener
A fresh and floral twist using dried ingredients.
How to Use:
Blend together dried lavender, rosemary, and lemon/orange peel
Mix into ½ cup baking soda
Add to a shaker jar and apply to carpets
Let sit, vacuum as usual
Bonus: You can place this blend in sachets under car seats for a natural air freshener!
5. Natural Carpet Spray (No Vinegar, No Harsh Smells)
Perfect if you don’t want to vacuum afterward!
How to Use:
Mix 1 cup distilled water
Add 1 tbsp alcohol or vodka
10–15 drops of essential oil (citrus, cedar, or minty blends work great)
Shake and lightly mist over carpets or car upholstery
Let air dry completely
*Patch test first. Use minimal oil near pets.
Quick Links:
6. Activated Charcoal (Super Odor Absorber)
No scent—just pure odor removal.
How to Use:
Place charcoal in small breathable pouches (cheesecloth or cotton)
Set under furniture, in closets, or beneath car seats
Replace every few weeks
7. Car-Specific Natural Deodorizers
These are small, simple, and long-lasting:
Coffee Grounds – Absorb odors and leave a subtle earthy smell. Place in a breathable container under your seat. (Use your favorite coffee blend to make your car smell like your favorite coffee)
Cedar Chips – Naturally insect-repelling and woodsy.
Dried Citrus Peels – Adds brightness to your car’s interior (great in the glove box).
DIY Sachets – Combine herbs, spices, and dried flowers in a small pouch. Store in a door pocket or cup holder!
Final Thoughts
Freshening up your space doesn’t have to come from a can. Whether you’re prepping for holiday hosting, detoxing your space, or just want your car to feel a little more “you,” these natural deodorizer options are simple, effective, and completely customizable.
Which one will you try first? Let me know or tag me in your seasonal DIYs—I love seeing your creative blends!
Pet Safety Reminder: Ingredients to Use with Caution
Not all natural ingredients are safe for pets—especially cats, who are extra sensitive to essential oils. Always use essential oils in well-ventilated areas, avoid direct contact, and when in doubt, skip oils completely or use dried herbs instead.
Potentially Unsafe Essential Oils for Pets (Especially Cats):
Lavender (controversial—some tolerate it well, others react; avoid topical use)
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
Citrus Oils (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit)
Clove
Cinnamon Oil (especially strong—better to use the dry spice in moderation)
Safe Alternatives (Still Use Caution & Ventilation):
Dried lavender, rosemary, and lemon peel (in small amounts)
Cedarwood oil (generally safer for dogs—avoid for cats)
Activated charcoal (non-toxic and scent-free)
Baking soda & cornstarch (safe and neutral when vacuumed properly)
Never apply oils directly to pets or their bedding.
When using essential oils in sprays or powders, make sure pets are out of the room during application and re-entry.
Loving These DIYs?
Check out some of my other blogs on DIYs and other natural herbal hacks
here:
DIY Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, healthcare professional or veterinarian- just sharing what works for me! Always do a patch test and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or medical conditions before using homemade remedies. Always do your own research and ask your animals vet before using certain oils or herbs around your pets especially if you are unsure.
For more simple, non-toxic living tips, you can find me on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube under holisticandwitchy.
Thanks for reading! I love sharing these tips with you, and I appreciate you being here.
Check out my other blogs on natural DIYs for the body and home below!
Quick links to my personal faves and must haves for natural DIYs:
Baking soda: used in natural laundry detergent, toothpastes and more
Washing Soda: used in making laundry detergent and cleaning pastes and more
Distilled White Vinegar: used in cleaning, deodorizing and lifting stains and more
Castile soap: Versatile cleanser, can be used from hair shampoo to degreaser
Essential Oils: used in mostly all my natural DIY products for its scent and high-quality antimicrobial properties.
Amber bottles: protects natural ingredients from light, air, and heat which can break down their potency over time.
Roller and Spray Amber Bottles: easy and convenient application
Amber Roller Bottles Multi-Pack: To make oil blends and other DIYs
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