Okay, here’s the thing: I debated whether this belonged on a food blog, but then I remembered you’re my people. You’ve stuck with me through co-washing, homemade laundry soap, DIY air fresheners, makeup-remover wipes, and even the time I adopted a lame chicken. This blog is my personal recipe box—full of things I actually use at home. Today I’m sharing DIY Poo-Pourri: a simple bathroom scent eliminator. Admit it—someone in your house produces bathroom odors that make you wince, right?
I have five sons, so I know a thing or two about questionable aromas. They’re sweet, funny, and kind, but occasionally the bathroom situation is…challenging. One of them once shrugged, “What’s the problem? I don’t mind my own smell!” If you’ve heard that line in your house, this post is for the future spouses who deserve better. Enter DIY Poo-Pourri.
If you haven’t heard of the commercial product, here’s the idea: a blend of essential oils, rubbing alcohol, a mild surfactant, and distilled water is sprayed into the toilet bowl before use. The mixture creates a light barrier on the water’s surface that traps odors, keeping the bathroom smelling fresh. I promise—it really works.
I made my own because A) I don’t like paying retail when I can recreate something, and B) I love saving money. This DIY version performs just as well as the original and costs a fraction of the price.
What you need to make DIY Poo-Pourri
The ingredient list is short but important:
- Grapefruit essential oil
- Bergamot essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- A mild liquid soap or castile soap (such as a citrus-scented liquid castile)
- Rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
- Distilled water
- One 8-ounce glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for mixing
- A glass spray bottle (recommended) to dispense the finished product
- Or small purse-sized glass spray bottles if you want travel-friendly portions
Using pure essential oils gives the best scent and performance, but use what you have and prefer. The combination of citrusy and fresh oils makes a bright, pleasant fragrance that masks unpleasant smells effectively.
For demonstration, I made a short video showing how easy this is to make:
The instructions are straightforward and perfect for printing as a quick reference. I created a printable you can save and use whenever you need a refill.
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Not Your Mama’s Canning Book: Modern Canned Goods and What to Make with Them is available to order from major retailers.
