Does your RV smell a little funky? Whether you accidentally forgot to remove some food from the fridge, or that rainy camping trip left your RV with a damp smell you can’t get rid of, we have the perfect solutions for DIY deodorizers!
You can always purchase a brand-name air freshener and start spraying, but do you know exactly what you’re spraying into the air you are breathing? Try some of these DIY deodorizers you can make with natural ingredients, right at home!
Use Your RV Kitchen!
The most simple method to make your RV smell amazing is using your RV oven to bake a delicious batch of cookies or brownies.
Alternatively, you can fill a saucepan with water and add whatever scents you like, such as citrus fruits, herbs, extracts, or even a tea bag that has a great scent.
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low without a lid for as long as you like, adding liquid as it evaporates. Keep in mind that by using this method you are adding moisture into the air inside the RV, so consider running a dehumidifier while you do this to keep RV condensation down.
Try some of our scent recipes below, or get creative and make your own!
Fall Wonderland
- 1 sliced orange
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
Mint Paradise
- 2 sliced limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Gingerbread House
- 5 slices of ginger
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Orange Creamsicle
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Forest
- Cedar twigs
- Pine needles
Tropical Coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut extract
- 1 sliced lime
Mason Jar Deodorizer
Fill a mason jar halfway with baking soda.
Add 12 drops of your favorite essential oil.
Cover the top of your jar with a cheesecloth or mesh, and use a ribbon or bow to secure the cover and dress it up.
Oil Diffuser
Choose a glass container with a small opening. Add 1/4 cup of water, a splash of vodka, and 12 drops of your essential oil of choice.
Place natural bamboo sticks or BBQ skewers into the glass container and after one hour, flip the sticks to release the scent. Flip the ends once a week to refresh and prolong the fragrance.
The smaller the opening at the neck of the bottle the better. It reduces evaporation and forces the oils to travel up the stick to diffuse the scent.
Spray Bottle Deodorizer
All you need to make yourself your own natural sprayable deodorizer is a spray bottle, essential oils, and a little bit of vodka or rubbing alcohol to help the water and oil mix. The essential oils like to float on top of the water, so shake the bottle well before you spray! Try some of our scent recipes below or make your own!
Minty Orange
- 3/4 cup water
- 10 drops of orange essential oil
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or vanilla extract.
Spring Lavender
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons real vanilla extract
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of chamomile essential oil
Naturally Fresh
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or vanilla extract.
- 4 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops of lemon essential oil
- 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Holiday Cheer
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or vanilla extract.
- 6 drops of orange essential oil
- 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 5 drops of clove essential oil
Gel Deodorizers
Make your own gel air freshener with food coloring, gelatin, and essential oils. You can even get creative and add artificial decorations or flowers.
Heat 3/4 cup water and salt in a small saucepan. Add gelatin, stir until it dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of water. Add your desired amount of essential oils, food coloring, and decorations, and refrigerate until it is set.
Some Essential Oils May Be Harmful To Pets
If you have pets in your RV it is important to research the essential oil you plan to use in your deodorizer to make sure it is safe to use with your pet.
Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, and other oils can be toxic to animals. Pets may have a stronger sense of smell, so keep in mind what smells fine to you may be overpowering and harmful to your pet.
Prevent Bad Smells Before They Start
The best way to keep your RV smelling fresh is to take good care of it, keep it clean, and remove foul scents before they stink up your RV!
Empty the trash inside your RV frequently, and never smoke inside your unit. Open your windows when the weather allows and use the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to suck out moisture and odors. Regular vacuuming and cleaning of carpets and upholstery will Make Your RV Squeaky Clean, and help prevent musty odors.