Homemade Natural Deodorizer For Home and Car Using Tea Leaves
Create sustainable and delightful herbal sachets using dried tea leaves and aromatic herbs to keep your spaces naturally fresh. This simple, eco-friendly DIY repurposes tea leaves, reducing waste while enhancing your home’s freshness with the soothing scents of lavender and eucalyptus. This homemade natural deodorizer is perfect for adding charm and freshness to your closets, drawers, linens, and even your car!
Tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant naturally absorb and neutralize odors due to their porous structure and the presence of tannins, which help trap and eliminate unwanted smells, making them the perfect choice for this DIY.
Why You’ll Love This Project:
- Eco-Friendly: Reuse tea leaves instead of tossing them out.
- Easy & Quick: Simple steps and minimal materials required.
- Natural & Safe: No synthetic fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive noses.
How To Make Tea Leaf Deodorizing Sachets
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried tea leaves (green or black tea; can be fresh dried or previously brewed and dried)
- 1/4 cup dried lavender buds (relaxing floral scent)
- 1/4 cup dried eucalyptus leaves (fresh, invigorating scent)
Substitutions:
Feel free to use what you have on hand! If you don’t have lavender or eucalyptus, try mint leaves, rosemary, or rose petals! The tea leaves are key to the deodorizing power though.
Optional:
- 5–10 drops essential oils (lavender or eucalyptus to enhance fragrance)
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Instructions:
- Dry Tea Leaves: Spread previously brewed tea leaves on a tray and allow them to completely dry (usually 2 days). Skip this step if using fresh, dried! I had whole tea leaves directly from the plant on hand, but you can use them whole OR chopped! You can air dry or dehydrate your moist herbs.
- Prepare the Mixture: Combine dried tea leaves, lavender buds, and eucalyptus leaves in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): Add essential oils directly to the herbal mixture and stir well to incorporate. I typically skip adding essential oils.
- Fill and Seal the Sachets: Spoon the mixture into each sachet. Secure tightly and decorate with ribbon or twine if desired.
Usage:
- Place sachets into drawers, closets, shoes, gym bags, or anywhere that needs refreshing.
- Reactivate scent by gently squeezing or shaking sachets every few weeks.
Shelf Life & Replacement:
- Sachets typically maintain their freshness for 4–6 months. Refresh or replace the herbs when fragrance fades.
Enjoy your naturally fresh and beautifully scented spaces! These sachets not only help you create a fresh and inviting environment, but they also support sustainable living by repurposing natural ingredients.
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This post is made as a part of the Plant Wonder Collective, connecting the community to nature through food, drink, play, garden, medicine, magic, and art! Follow @plantwondercollective on Instagram for seasonal inspiration, celebrating a new plant each month!
About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
Homemade Natural Deodorizer Using Tea Leaves
Equipment
- 2 Sachets Burlap, Muslim, Organza, or even Cheesecloth
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dried Tea Leaves
- 1/4 cup Dried Lavender Buds
- 1/4 cup Dried Eucalyptus Leaves
- 5-10 drops essential oil optional
Instructions
- Dry Tea Leaves: Spread previously brewed tea leaves on a tray and allow them to completely dry (usually 2 days). Skip this step if using fresh, dried!
- Prepare the Mixture: Combine dried tea leaves, lavender buds, and eucalyptus leaves in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): Add essential oils directly to the herbal mixture and stir well to incorporate.
- Fill and Seal the Sachets: Spoon the mixture into each sachet. Secure tightly and decorate with ribbon or twine if desired.
