DIY lavender rug and carpet freshener – 6 steps to make and use it

Creating a DIY lavender rug freshener is the ideal simple and cost-effective way to keep your carpets bacteria-free and deodorized. This natural method requires few ingredients and can be made with items you already have at home, making it the ideal, non-chemical way to clean an area rug and make your home smell nice.

'Lavender is not only known for its pleasant scent but also for its natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for freshening up your home,' explains Michael Gottron, cleaning expert and owner of Germicidal Maids.

Our experts have explained how to make and use a DIY lavender rug freshener using lavender buds or lavender essential oils with baking soda, and how to use it, all in six simple steps. 

DIY lavender rug and carpet freshener

This is one of the key tricks people with nice-smelling homes always use, since baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works well to neutralize odors in rugs and carpets, while lavender not only adds a pleasant scent but also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent choice for a freshener.

You will need:

• Dried Lavender Buds: You can dry your own or you can find these at health food stores, herb shops, or online, such as these dried lavender buds, from Amazon. If you are drying your own from your garden, you can check out our guide for how to dry lavender to keep it smelling nice.
• Baking Soda: This acts as the base for your freshener and helps absorb odors.
• Glass Jar with a Lid: For storing and shaking up your freshener. You can use this anchor hocking jar, from Walmart.
• Sieve: For sifting the freshener and catching any large lavender pieces.
• Lavender Essential Oil (optional): This enhances the fragrance and adds an antibacterial element. We recommend this HBNO lavender essential oil, from Amazon. However, this step is optional if you are concerned about using oils on your rug.

How to make your DIY lavender rug freshener

1. 'Measure your ingredients. For every cup of dried lavender buds, you'll need about two cups of baking soda. Adjust the quantities based on the size of the area you want to freshen,' advises Angela Rubin from Hellamaid. 'In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried lavender buds and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.'

Alternatively, you can combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil in a mixing bowl.

2. 'Sift the lavender and baking soda mixture, removing any large lavender pieces and ensuring the freshener is fine and easy to sprinkle,' continues Angela Rubin.

3. 'Carefully pour the sifted lavender and baking soda mixture into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the jar is airtight to preserve the fragrance.'

3. Michael Gottron recommends, 'Close the container and shake well to distribute the lavender and essential oil evenly.'

4. Let the freshener sit for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the lavender to release its aroma and to help the baking soda to absorb the fragrances. Some experts recommend leaving this to sit for a couple of days, but you can decide depending on the time constraints you are on or how potent you want the smell to be. 

6.  'When ready to use, simply shake the mixture onto your carpet or rug, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum it up,' explains Michael Gottron. 'Your home will be left with a refreshing lavender aroma.' You can check out our guide for the best vacuum cleaner of 2023.

Angela Rubin

Hellamaid is an award-winning cleaning company in Canada that's been featured on multiple global media brands.

Precautions and additional tips

'While this homemade freshener is great for most rugs and carpets, it's essential to avoid using it on delicate or antique rugs,' explains Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. 'The baking soda might be a bit abrasive for these. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first if you're unsure.'

Be sure to avoid using this DIY rug freshener on delicate silk rugs or antique carpets, as the baking soda may be too abrasive and cause damage.

Muffetta Kruger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants recommends, 'Store the DIY freshener in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness and fragrance.'

You can also customize the scent of your DIY freshener by adding other dried herbs such as rosemary or mint, or essential oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint or even a combination of several scents to create a unique aroma that suits your home's ambiance.

We recommend this Essential Oils by PURE AROMA kit, from Amazon, for a range of fragrances.

Karina Toner

Karina is the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, a trusted maid service based in Washington D.C. The team has over five years of experience providing top-quality cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients. Karina oversees every aspect of the business, ensuring that every client gets the same top-notch service and a spotless clean every time.

Muffetta Krueger

Muffetta Krueger is a cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants with over 16 years of operational management experience in the service industry. Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants provides housekeepers, house cleaners and maids, and is based in New York.

FAQs

Lavender not only adds a soothing fragrance to your rugs, but can also help to repel moths and insects. 

Regularly using this homemade freshener will not only keep your carpets smelling fresh, but can also extend their lifespan by reducing the build-up of odors and dirt, ensuring you have a nice smelling entryway, living room or bedroom.