Okay. Here’s the thing. I went back and forth in my head on whether it was appropriate to post this on a food blog, but then I remembered, you guys are my PEOPLE. You’ve stuck with me through co-washing, homemade laundry detergent, DIY air fresheners, make-up remover wipes, and maybe you even go back to the time I adopted a lame chicken… I dunno. What I DO know is this. I run this food blog like my own personal recipe box. It is filled with stuff I ACTUALLY use in my house. Today I present to you DIY Poo-Pourri: Bathroom Scent Killer. Oh come on… someone out there is giving me the side-eye. Like someone in your house doesn’t blow it up and make you feel stabby?
I have FIVE sons. I know we’ve covered this before right now. In fact, I’m certain I’m like a broken record at this point. These are the sweetest, kindest, most hilarious kids ever, but um… What I’m trying to say is that sometimes things get a little sketchy on the aroma front around here. Sorry guys. It’s the truth. And since ONE of you -who shall remain unnamed- once told me, “What’s the problem? I don’t mind my own smell!” I’m here to save your future wives (one each, please) from a lifetime of olfactory misery. Again, DIY Poo-Pourri.
Wait. Have you all heard of Poo-Pourri? It’s marvelous stuff. Another food blogger -who shall also remain unnamed unless they wish to name themselves- recently told me that it came highly recommended to her. I mean, HELLO AWKWARD CONVERSATION, right? “So, have you heard of this stuff that keeps you from offending everyone else when you go to the loo? Might wanna try it.” *eep* All that aside, the idea is that this blend of essential oils, rubbing alcohol, surfactants, and distilled water is sprayed into the toilet before you use it, and creates a barrier that prevents any odours from escaping. And I am not joshing you in the least when I say it works like a miracle sent (scent?) from heaven above by angels who love me and want to safeguard my sanity. Not to put too fine a point on it…
DIY Poo-Pourri came about because A) I am cheap, and B) I am cheap, and C) I refuse to pay top dollar for something I can make as well by myself for far less. Y’all. This DIY version is every bit as good as the original scent. I promise.
What do you need to make DIY Poo-Pourri?
The list isn’t long, but the items are important:
- Grapefuit Essential Oil
- Bergamot Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Citrus Soap
- Rubbing Alcohol or Witch Hazel
- Distilled Water
- 1- 8 ounce glass jar with a tight fitting lid
- A spray bottle, preferably glass
- Oooooor, you could use tiny little purse or briefcase sized little glass spray bottles like I did at the end of the video. Whoops! Spoiler alert!
One quick note about the essential oils. It isn’t STRICTLY necessary to use pure essential oils, but I think the DIY Poo-Pourri packs more punch when you do. That being said, use what you have or what you like. I won’t report you to the Essential Oils Police. I made you a video to show just how stinkin’ (sorry, couldn’t resist) easy it really is.
Now the instructions are totally easy-peasy, too. I’ve made them into a nifty little printable for you (because I’m not allowed to use my recipe printable for non-food recipes), so print away and may your home always smell lovely!
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Reader's Thoughts...
Jaime says
Ok. I have made this twice and I had to come back to say that THIS STUFF IS AMAZING. And is SO CHEAP in comparison to the brand name!!! This recipe makes 8 oz and for that volume of the brand name stuff, it would cost me $25. I think I paid only slightly more than that for all of the ingredients for the DIY version. The priciest items being the oils but they will last FOREVER. I didn’t do the math but I would guess the 8 oz of the DIY version cost me less than $1 to make.
For those of you wondering about different scents, you can go to the brand name site (not sure if I am allowed to say it by name – don’t want anyone to get in trouble) and you can see all the different scent combos and it says exactly what the scents are (although, they don’t tell you how much, so you would have to experiment a little) Happy experimentation!!
Thank you again for this! 🙂
Rebecca says
Hooray, Jaime!!! I’m so glad you liked it! It really is so many light years better than after-the-fact air freshener, isn’t it?
Carrie says
I’m also curious about the oil combination. I think I only have grapefruit, lavender & eucalyptus on hand and that combo sounds as though it could be as volatile as the scent I’d be trying to mask.
Rebecca says
Ooooh, yeah. I don’t know about that combo 😀 You could always put a drop of each on a piece of paper and then smell the paper to see what you thought of it in combination, kind of like they do at perfume counters.
Kate says
Can you use other essential oils? To get different scents? Or is this combination important as is?
I love the Poopourri in the stores, and I am excited for a DIY version.
Jaime says
This is amazing!! Thank you!!! I love the idea of it but the brand-name stuff costs SO MUCH $$!! Its insane!! Now this, I can do!!! Question, how much of the rubbing alcohol or witch hazel? I can only see the printable and the volume is not mentioned (or I missed it??)….thanks again!!
🙂
Rebecca says
Ah! I knew I forgot something! Use 1/3 of a cup, please! I will fix the printable!
Sara Golden says
I’ve got 3 boys. Only two are potty trained so far, the other is still crawling, but I can see this coming in handy! Also think it would make a funny Christmas gift! Thanks for the idea!
Rebecca says
You’re very welcome! And I think it would make a hilarious gift, too!