Not only is it fun to create your bathroom freshener, but doing it yourself also means you can tailor the scents to your liking and avoid those harsh chemicals often found in store-bought versions. Today, I’ll show you just how to make poo pourri and why crafting your poo pourri is something you’ll wish you’d tried sooner.
What is Poo Pourri
First off, let’s clarify what poo pourri is. It’s not just a catchy name; it’s a real lifesaver in disguise. This before-you-go toilet spray traps unpleasant odors under the surface of the water, leaving the bathroom smelling fresh and inviting. Typically made from natural ingredients like essential oils, alcohol, and water, it’s both safe and effective.
Why opt for DIY?
Here are a couple of standout reasons:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Store-bought poo pourri can be pricey, especially if you’re using it daily. Making it at home cuts costs dramatically, allowing you to use it generously without pinching pennies.
- Customization: When you make your poo pourri, you control the scent profile. Love lavender? Go wild! Prefer peppermint? No problem! You can create blends that perfectly suit your nose and mood.
- Health and Safety: By choosing your ingredients, you avoid the synthetic fragrances and chemicals that often lurk in commercial air fresheners, which is a big plus for anyone concerned about indoor air quality.
How to Make Poo Pourri With Essential Oils
By preparing your poo pourri, you’re taking a simple but powerful step towards a fresher, more personalized bathroom experience.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools, most of which you might already have lying around your home. Here’s what to gather:
- Essential Oils: At the heart of any poo pourri recipe, essential oils not only mask odors but also provide aromatherapy benefits. Lavender, citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus are popular choices.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Witch Hazel: This helps disperse the oils evenly throughout the water and promotes quicker drying.
- Water: Distilled is best to prevent any potential contamination or mineral buildup.
- Spray Bottle: A small glass spray bottle works best, as essential oils can degrade plastic over time.
- Funnel and Measuring Tools: To mix your ingredients without spillage.
Here’s a tip for finding the best essential oils: don’t just grab the cheapest bottle. Quality matters, especially since these oils are the main ingredient. Look for pure, organic essential oils for the best scent and safety profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Poo Pourri
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. It’s easier than baking a cake, and I promise it’s just as rewarding!
- Measure Your Ingredients: Start by using a funnel to pour 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel into your spray bottle. This acts as a binder for the essential oils and helps them disperse more evenly.
- Add the Essential Oils: Drop in about 30-40 drops of your chosen essential oils. This might sound like a lot, but remember, the goal is to completely mask bathroom odors. For beginners, a combination of lavender and lemon is not only pleasant but also highly effective.
- Top It Off with Water: Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top to ensure it mixes properly. Secure the lid, give it a good shake, and voila! Your poo pourri is ready to use.
- Test It Out: Before declaring your mixture a success, do a quick test. Spritz it in the toilet before you go; the surface should smell pleasantly of the oils you’ve chosen. Adjust the amount of oil or alcohol if the scent is too weak or strong.
Also read: Black Seed Oil Recipe (For Hair Growth And Health)
How to Make Poo Pourri with Glycerin
Ever thought of using glycerin in your DIY poo pourri? Glycerin is a fantastic addition to the homemade toilet spray arsenal, thanks to its ability to help the oils and water blend more smoothly. Today, I’ll guide you through making your poo pourri using glycerin—a simple recipe that packs a powerful punch against bathroom odors.
Why Glycerin?
Glycerin, a non-toxic, odorless liquid, is typically used in skin care products for its moisturizing properties. In poo pourri, it acts as a binder that helps essential oils mix better with water, preventing them from separating quickly. This means your spray remains potent and ready to use without frequent shaking.
Ingredients
For this DIY project, you’ll need:
- Glycerin: Available at most pharmacies or online stores.
- Distilled Water: To avoid any contaminants found in tap water.
- Essential Oils: Choose oils that are known for their odor-neutralizing properties like lavender, citrus, or peppermint.
- Rubbing Alcohol or Witch Hazel: Helps disperse the essential oils and adds an antibacterial kick.
- Spray Bottle: A glass spray bottle is recommended to avoid interaction with essential oils.
Homemade Poo Pourri Recipe with Glycerin
Now, let’s put it all together. Follow these steps to create your homemade poo pourri:
- Prepare Your Bottle: Clean your spray bottle thoroughly to ensure there are no residues or contaminants.
- Mix Liquids: Pour 3 tablespoons of glycerin into your spray bottle. Glycerin is thicker than water, so it will sink to the bottom—perfect for mixing with oils.
- Add Essential Oils: Add about 30-40 drops of your chosen essential oils. A good mix for starters could be 20 drops of lavender for relaxation, 10 drops of lemon for freshness, and 10 drops of peppermint for a strong, clean scent.
- Top Up with Alcohol and Water: Add 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to help further disperse the oils. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a bit of space to shake the contents effectively.
- Shake Well: Before each use, give your bottle a good shake to mix the glycerin, oils, and water. This step is crucial as it ensures everything is well combined.
- Label Your Creation: Don’t forget to label your bottle! Knowing what’s in it and when you made it is helpful, especially if you’re experimenting with different scents.
Using Your Glycerin-Based Poo Pourri
Spray your glycerin-based poo pourri directly into the toilet bowl before you go. The glycerin mixture will create a more consistent and effective barrier on the water’s surface, trapping odors more efficiently than ever.
Also read: Fabric Refresher Spray Recipe (Uses+Tips)
9 Creative Ways to Make Your Own Poo Pourri
Let’s dive into nine different ways to make poo pourri, complete with ingredient lists and easy-to-follow recipes.
1. Citrus Fresh Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 30 drops citrus blend essential oil (lemon, orange, and grapefruit)
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Mix the alcohol and essential oils in the spray bottle, then top up with water. Shake well before each use. This blend is perfect for a refreshing citrus burst that neutralizes odors instantly.
2. Floral Bliss Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 20 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of geranium essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Combine witch hazel and essential oils in the spray bottle. Fill the rest with water. This floral mixture is great for a soft, soothing bathroom aroma.
Also read: Cologne Recipe In Easy Steps
3. Minty Freshness Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Add vodka and essential oils to the spray bottle, fill with water, and shake well. The minty scent is invigorating and ideal for keeping the bathroom feeling clean.
4. Woodsy Retreat Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons glycerin
- 20 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops of pine essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Pour glycerin and essential oils into the bottle, and top up with water. This woodsy scent creates a natural, calming environment.
5. Spicy Cinnamon Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 30 drops cinnamon essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Mix witch hazel and cinnamon oil in the bottle, then add water. This spicy scent is especially nice during the holiday season.
Also read: Oregano Oil Recipe at Home
6. Refreshing Summer Blend Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
- 10 drops of coconut essential oil
- 10 drops of lime essential oil
- 10 drops of aloe vera extract
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Combine all ingredients in the bottle and shake well. This tropical mix is perfect for summer months or a beach-themed bathroom.
7. Herbal Garden Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 15 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 15 drops of basil essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Vodka and essential oils go into the bottle, and top up with water. This herbaceous scent brings a hint of the garden indoors.
8. Sweet Vanilla Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons glycerin
- 20 drops vanilla essential oil
- 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Mix glycerin and essential oils, and fill with water. The sweet and comforting aroma of vanilla and orange is delightful and soothing.
9. Cool Winter Poo Pourri
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 20 drops of wintergreen essential oil
- 10 drops of clove essential oil
- Water to fill
- 2-ounce spray bottle
Recipe:
Combine ingredients in the bottle, and fill it with water. This blend is refreshing with a hint of winter spice, perfect for the colder months.
Also read: Easy Way to Egg Dye Off Hands
What Makes Poo Pourri Milky?
The emulsion of oil and water-based substances, which usually don’t mix well, gives poo pourri its milky appearance. In the absence of an efficient emulsifier, the combination of hydrophilic water and hydrophobic essential oils can result in a milky or hazy appearance. Even while using rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or glycerin can help spread the oils more evenly throughout the water, the final product may still look a little hazy or milky if the ingredients aren’t combined properly or in the right amounts. This cloudiness is more related to the way the chemicals look together than it is to the product’s effectiveness.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of making poo pourri, let’s step up your game with some advanced tips and tricks. These insights will help you refine your batches for even more impressive results!
Making It Last Longer
To extend the longevity of your poo pourri’s scent in the bathroom:
- Increase Oil Concentration: Add a few more drops of essential oils. More oil means a stronger scent that lingers longer.
- Use Higher-Quality Alcohol: Consider using a high-proof vodka instead of rubbing alcohol. Vodka is odorless and can help the oils distribute more evenly without adding any unwanted smells.
- Experiment with Solubilizers: Products like polysorbate 20 can help blend oil and water more effectively, reducing the oil separation in your bottle.
Seasonal Variations
Why not match your poo-pourri to the season? Here are some fun ideas:
- Winter Wonderland: Mix peppermint, cinnamon, and clove for a cozy, warming effect during the colder months.
- Summer Refresh: Blend lemon, orange, and a hint of coconut for a tropical summer vibe in your bathroom.
- Autumn Spice: Combine vanilla, cinnamon, and apple for a scent that screams autumn.
Special Occasions
Creating special scents for holidays and events can be a delightful touch:
- Guest Impressions: Have guests coming over? A lavender and rosemary blend can give a sophisticated and welcoming aroma.
- Holiday Spirit: Around the holidays, a mix of pine, cedarwood, and a little cinnamon can fill your home with festive cheer.
Also read: 17 Bleach Alternatives for Cleaning
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As you experiment with making your poo pourri, you’re bound to encounter a hiccup or two. Let’s talk about some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Choosing the Wrong Bottles
Using the right type of bottle is crucial:
- Plastic vs. Glass: Always opt for glass spray bottles when working with essential oils, as some oils can degrade plastic over time, contaminating your mixture.
Incorrect Oil Ratios
Getting the oil-to-water ratio right is key:
- Too Much Oil: While it’s tempting to add a lot of essential oils to ensure the scent covers odors, too much can lead to an overpowering smell that’s not pleasant.
- Too Little Oil: Conversely, not using enough oil won’t effectively mask bathroom odors. Find your balance by starting with the recommended amount and adjusting based on your preference and the size of your bathroom.
Not Shaking Before Use
Oil and water naturally separate, so always remember to shake your poo pourri before each use to mix the oils back into solution for maximum effectiveness.
By following these advanced tips and watching out for common pitfalls, you’ll enhance your homemade poo pourri experience.
Also read: Tinted Lip Balm Recipes In Different Ways
Using Your Homemade Poo Pourri
Now that you’ve become a pro at making your poo pourri, let’s talk about how to use it effectively to get the most out of every spritz.
Best Practices for Use
- Spray Before You Go: The golden rule of poo pourri is to spray it directly onto the toilet water’s surface before you use the toilet. This creates a barrier that traps odors below the surface.
- Adequate Coverage: Ensure you cover the entire surface of the water with a few sprays. Usually, 3-4 sprays are enough, but this can vary depending on the size of the bowl and the strength of your mixture.
Additional Uses Around the Home
Poo pourri isn’t just for the bathroom. Here are some clever ways to use it around your home:
- Trash Can Freshener: Give a quick spray on top of your trash can contents to minimize unpleasant smells until trash day.
- Shoe Deodorizer: Spritz inside smelly shoes to help neutralize odors.
- Pet Area Cleaner: Use it around pet bedding and litter boxes to keep pet-related smells in check.
Also read: Tooth Powder Recipe (Use And Benefits)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just entered the world of DIY scents, mastering not only how to make poo pourri but also how to use it effectively throughout your home. This journey brings more than just a pleasant-smelling bathroom; it’s about taking control of the products you use every day, customizing them to suit your needs and preferences, and enjoying the process along the way.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear about your experiences and any unique recipes you’ve concocted. Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Your insights might just inspire someone else to start their DIY adventure!
FAQs
Here are some questions.
How long does homemade poo pourri last?
When stored properly in a cool, dark place, homemade poo pourri can last for several months. The potency of the scent might diminish over time, so give it a good shake before each use to mix the oils and liquids again.
Are there any essential oils I should avoid using in poo pourri?
Most essential oils are safe to use, but it’s wise to avoid using oils that might cause skin irritations or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Always research and do a patch test if you’re trying a new oil for the first time.
Can I use my poo pourri as a room spray?
Yes, you can! Although it’s designed for the toilet, there’s no reason you can’t use it to freshen up other areas of your home. Just be mindful of the spray’s oil content as it might leave residues on some surfaces.
