DIY Poo Pourri: How to Make Your Own Bathroom Spray

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Ever walked into a bathroom and immediately regretted it? We've all been there. But fear not, because you can whip up a homemade Poo Pourri that works just as well as the store-bought version, if not better! Making your own bathroom spray is simple, cost-effective, and uses natural ingredients that are better for you and the environment. Plus, you get to customize the scent to your preference. Ready to learn how to make your own version? Let’s dive in and get started on this easy, fun project that will leave your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Getting Ready to Make Bathroom Spray

1. Gather Materials: Essential oils, rubbing alcohol, distilled water, small spray bottle, measuring cups, and a funnel.

2. Choose a Workspace: Find a well-ventilated area, like a kitchen or garage, to mix ingredients safely.

3. Safety Gear: Wear gloves to protect your skin from essential oils and rubbing alcohol.

4. Clean the Bottle: Wash the spray bottle with warm, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

5. Measure Ingredients: Use measuring cups to ensure accurate amounts of essential oils, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water.

6. Mix Ingredients: Pour rubbing alcohol into the spray bottle using a funnel, then add essential oils. Shake well to combine.

7. Add Water: Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake again to mix.

8. Label the Bottle: Write the date and contents on a label to keep track of your homemade spray.

9. Test Spray: Spray a small amount in the bathroom to ensure the scent is pleasant and effective. Adjust essential oils if needed.

10. Store Properly: Keep the spray bottle in a cool, dark place to maintain the potency of the essential oils.

What You Need for DIY Poo Pourri

1. Spray Bottle: A small, reusable bottle to hold the mixture. Choose one with a fine mist setting for even distribution.

2. Essential Oils: These provide the fragrance. Common choices include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemon. Use about 20-30 drops.

3. Rubbing Alcohol: Helps the oils mix with water. Use 1-2 teaspoons.

4. Distilled Water: The base of the spray. Fill the bottle almost to the top, leaving room for other ingredients.

5. Vegetable Glycerin: Optional, but it helps the scent last longer. Use 1 teaspoon.

6. Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the rubbing alcohol and glycerin.

7. Funnel: Makes pouring liquids into the spray bottle easier without spilling.

8. Labels: To mark the bottle with the contents and date made.

Skill Level and Time Needed

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

How to Make Your Own Bathroom Spray

Materials Needed:

• Small spray bottle (2-4 oz)
• Distilled water
• Rubbing alcohol or vodka
• Essential oils (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, etc.)
• Vegetable glycerin (optional)

Steps:

1. Clean the spray bottle: Wash it with warm, soapy water. Rinse well and let it dry completely.

2. Fill the bottle: Pour 1/2 cup of distilled water into the bottle.

3. Add alcohol: Pour in 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol or vodka. This helps the oils mix with the water.

4. Essential oils: Add 20-30 drops of essential oils. You can mix different oils for a custom scent. Popular combinations include lavender and lemon or eucalyptus and mint.

5. Vegetable glycerin (optional): Add 1 teaspoon if you want a smoother spray. This helps the mixture stay blended.

6. Shake well: Secure the spray nozzle and shake the bottle to mix everything thoroughly.

7. Label the bottle: Write the name of your spray and the date you made it. This helps you remember what's inside and when you made it.

8. Store properly: Keep the spray in a cool, dark place to maintain its effectiveness.

Usage:

1. Before you go: Spray 3-5 times into the toilet bowl before using it. The oils create a barrier on the water's surface, trapping odors below.

2. Shake before each use: Essential oils can separate over time, so give the bottle a quick shake before spraying.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Essential oils are key. Use lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon for pleasant scents. Mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, and 20-30 drops of essential oil. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to help the scent linger.

Common mistakes include using too much water, which dilutes the scent, and not shaking the bottle before each use. Avoid using oils that can irritate skin, like cinnamon or clove.

For alternatives, try witch hazel instead of rubbing alcohol. It’s gentler on skin. If you don’t have vegetable glycerin, use aloe vera gel.

Estimating the Cost

Essential oils: $10 for a small bottle (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus)

Rubbing alcohol: $2 for a small bottle

Distilled water: $1 per gallon

Spray bottle: $3 each

Baking soda: $1 for a small box

Total cost: Around $17

Budget-friendly alternatives:

Essential oils: Use cheaper oils like tea tree or peppermint ($5)

Rubbing alcohol: Use vodka if already available at home

Distilled water: Use boiled tap water instead

Spray bottle: Reuse an old one

Baking soda: No cheaper alternative needed

Different Ways to Customize

Essential Oils: Experiment with different essential oils for unique scents. Try lavender for a calming effect, peppermint for a refreshing aroma, or citrus like lemon or orange for a zesty smell.

Carrier Liquids: Instead of just using water, mix in witch hazel or vodka. These help the oils mix better and can enhance the spray's effectiveness.

Containers: Use decorative glass spray bottles instead of plastic ones. They look nicer and are more eco-friendly.

Colors: Add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture. This can make the spray look more appealing, especially if displayed in a clear bottle.

Labels: Create custom labels for your bottles. Use fun fonts and designs to match your bathroom decor.

Herbs: Infuse the spray with dried herbs like rosemary or mint. This adds a natural touch and can boost the scent.

Glycerin: Add a small amount of glycerin to make the spray last longer in the air.

Scents for Seasons: Customize scents based on the season. Use pine or cinnamon for winter, floral scents for spring, coconut or tropical for summer, and pumpkin spice for fall.

Personalized Blends: Mix and match different oils to create a personalized blend. Try combining eucalyptus and tea tree for a spa-like experience or vanilla and lavender for a cozy scent.

Eco-friendly Options: Use organic or sustainably sourced essential oils and ingredients to make an eco-friendly version.

Decorative Additions: Add small decorative items inside the bottle like tiny seashells or dried flowers. These can make the spray look more attractive.

Strength Variations: Adjust the strength of the scent by adding more or fewer drops of essential oil. This can help cater to different preferences for fragrance intensity.

Eco-Friendly Tips

Essential oils are a great eco-friendly choice. Use recycled glass spray bottles instead of plastic. Combine water, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda for a natural base. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon for fragrance. Shake well before each use. Reuse old essential oil bottles for storage. This method reduces waste and avoids harmful chemicals.

Your Fresh Bathroom Awaits

Creating your own DIY Poo Pourri is easier than you might think. With just a few essential oils, rubbing alcohol, and water, you can whip up a spray that keeps your bathroom smelling fresh. Not only does this save money, but it also lets you customize the scent to your liking. Plus, you avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought sprays.

Remember, the key is to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the oils mix properly. A few spritzes into the toilet bowl before you go, and you’re all set. This simple project can make a big difference in your daily routine. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a fresher bathroom experience. Happy crafting!