diy natural car diffuser

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that certainly was the case for this simple project – a DIY natural car diffuser. Two years ago, I took up rock climbing. If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing sport to fill your leisure time, rock climbing is NOT it. Unless you like sore muscles, calloused hands, and stinky climbing shoes. I keep my gear in my car, so you can see where I’m going with this.

I like having my climbing gear handy at all times but realized what I really needed was a car deodorizer. However, I didn’t want a chemical laden gel pod or an ugly dangling pine tree. I wanted a natural solution, so I made this simple freshener using felted wool balls and essential oil.

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supplies needed:

• embroidery or upholstery needle
• felted wool balls
• small wooden beads
• string or twine
• essential oil

step 1 – make the ring

This process couldn’t be any easier! Grab an upholstery or embroidery needle (with a large eye) and some cotton twine or string.

Thread the twine through the needle eye, then run the needle through the center of a small wool ball. Then add another ball. Next, string a small wooden bead over the needle. Continue with this sequence (2 balls, 1 bead) until the ring is approximately 12 inches long.

When you reach your desired length, add a final wooden bead. Then run the other end of the ring (without the needle) through the bead in the opposite direction. Tie the ends of the string together, as shown below.

Pull the strings tightly, gently forming a ring shape with the wool balls. Make a knot at the very end of the strings.

step 2 – add the oil

Now that the diffuser is made, add several drops of essential oil to each wool ball. The scent will last quite long, but you can add more drops of oil when needed. Now find a spot in your car to hang it!

If this natural car diffuser can mask the smell of sweaty climbing shoes, it can work for just about anything. It’s funny, though. My husband found my sweaty car smell annoying. But my daughter-in-law (a hard-core climbing enthusiast) just remarked, “You’re a real climber now.” I have to admit, although I love the lavender fragrance filling my car, I rather miss the aroma of bad-ass athlete.

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