How to Make Your Own Hanging Car Air Freshener

Hanging a new car air freshener on your rear-view mirror is a great feeling, and you get some pleasurable aroma therapy. But just as soon as you open your new scented ornament, the clock starts ticking down to the moment you need to replace it with a new one. Rather than continuing the cycle of tossing out old air fresheners and buying new ones, you can simply make your own with a few humble supplies. With your own car air freshener, all you have to do is reapply your fragrance to revitalize that pleasurable aroma therapy and fresh smell!

Continue reading to learn what you need to get started!

Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846
Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

What You Will Need:

✅ Thin Wooden Ornament of Your Choice Scented
✅ Essential Oil of Your Choice
✅ Small Glass Dish
✅ Small Paintbrush
✅ Small Sealable Plastic Bag (i.e. Ziplock®)
✅ Small Drill or a Thick Nail and Hammer
✅ Old Towel or Napkins
✅ Twine

Notes: When shopping at your local crafts section, opt for a wooden ornament that already has a string attached for hanging. Otherwise, you will need to also purchase some twine, and drill a hole (or hammer a hole) through the top of the ornament so that you may loop the twine string through the hole and create a hoop for hanging.

Trick: Rather than buying a new wooden ornament to fragrance, you can use an old car air fresher (like the tree-shaped ones) instead!

Instructions:

➀ After you make your hole and attach the twine for hanging, you are ready to take the next step in the process of making your own car air freshener! Here is what to do:

➁ Lay out an old towel or spread out some napkins for a safe work surface.

➂ Pour your essential oil into a small glass dish.

➃ Dip your paintbrush into the dish of essential oil and then “paint” the surface of the wooden ornament. Generously cover the entire top surface and the sides, then flip it over and paint the back side.

➄ Once you have painted all sides of the ornament, place it inside a re-sealable plastic bag and allow it to absorb all the oils overnight.

➅ The next day, hang your car air freshener in your vehicle and hit the road happy!

RE-APPLICATIONS: After a few weeks, you can freshen up your homemade car air freshener by simply dabbing it with a cotton swab with more essential oil. If you like, you can change up the scents, or combine them to create new ones

Indianapolis Car Maintenance and Care

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We’re ASE certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of auto repairs and maintenance for both foreign and domestic vehicles. We also provide several amenities, such as free written estimates, flexible drop off and pickup hours, and more.

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3 Options for Homemade Engine Degreaser

Engine degreasing involves removing the buildup of dirt, oil and grease inside a car engine compartment. Removing this accumulation is beneficial for several reasons. Not only does it make your car engine look brand new, it enhances performance and efficiency, which in turn, saves you money on fuel, repairs, replacements, and more. In fact, a cleaner engine runs cooler, which is better for all interior automotive systems.

Best of all, you do not have to spend your hard earned money on expensive engine cleaners to get the job done right. You can make your own engine degreasing solutions with a few common household ingredients. There are several recipes to choose from, so the one you choose will largely depend on what you have one hand and what you are comfortable applying to your vehicle.

Continue reading to learn the top three most recommended recipes for homemade engine degreaser, as well as, what to do if you are experiencing car engine troubles.

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Engine Repair and Service 317-475-1846

❶ Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda

For this engine degreaser, you will need ¼ cup of sodium carbonate washing soda, also known as washing ash. You will also need one gallon of warm water. Simply combine the two ingredients until they are fully incorporated, then transfer it to a plastic spray bottle. Do not use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a substitution because it will not clean as effectively.

❷ Kerosene Degreaser

This recipe may sound strange, but kerosene works well to remove grease and gunk from engines. For this engine degreasing solution, you will need kerosene, water, and liquid dish soap. Combine one part kerosene with four parts water, and then add a few drops of soap. Then transfer to a plastic spray bottle. Just be very careful working with and storing this solution, as kerosene is highly flammable.  

❸ Ammonia Degreaser

For this engine degreaser recipe, you will need to mix two parts ammonia, two parts water, and one part liquid dish soap into a plastic spray bottle. Be sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It is important to be very cautious when using this degreaser because ammonia is caustic and can harm the eyes, nose, throat, and mouth.

Using Your Engine Degreasing Solution

The first step to using your engine degreaser is to ensure your car engine is off and completely cooled. You will also need to don some protective gear, such as work gloves, safety goggles, and apron. Once your engine is cool and you are geared up, it is time to apply your solution with a stiff bristled scrubbing brush.

Start by generously coating the engine compartment with your degreaser. Let it to sit for a few minutes, then use your brush to scrub the solution in, one small section at a time. Do your best to avoid hoses and wiring, as strong cleaning chemicals can damage them if they are delicate. Finish by thoroughly rinsing your work areas with clean water, and then patting it all dry with a microfiber cloth.

Do You Have Car Engine Problems in Indianapolis?

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for car engine service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, automotive service coupons, and more. Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto repair, today.

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