Yes, wood chips can be used as a natural air freshener. Certain types of aromatic woods, like cedar or applewood, have pleasant natural scents. You can place small wood chips in a bowl or pouch and use them as air fresheners in closets, drawers, or other enclosed spaces. As the wood chips release their subtle fragrance, they can help keep your living spaces smelling fresh and inviting.
Additionally, you can enhance the scent by adding a few drops of essential oils to the wood chips before using them as air fresheners.
Let’s take a closer look at which woods can be used for this purpose, how to source them and how else you can use the scent of wood chips in your home.
Best Wood Chips To Use For Their Scent
Here’s a table listing aromatic woods that can be used in wood chip form to offer a nice scent within your home, along with the scent they release and other positives that a homeowner would like to know:
| Aromatic Wood | Scent Released | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar | Warm, woody, and earthy | Natural insect repellent; helps keep moths and other pests away from closets and storage spaces. |
| Applewood | Sweet, fruity | Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere; popular choice for smoking food due to its pleasant aroma. |
| Cherry | Sweet, fruity, and floral | Adds a touch of elegance to the surroundings; often used in woodworking for its beautiful grain. |
| Sandalwood | Rich, woody, and exotic | Promotes relaxation and tranquility; often used in incense and essential oils for aromatherapy. |
| Eucalyptus | Refreshing, minty | Known for its soothing properties; can help alleviate respiratory issues and clear nasal passages. |
| Pine | Fresh, forest-like | Invokes feelings of being in nature; can create a rustic and comforting ambiance in the home. |
Note: When using wood chips as an air freshener, it’s essential to keep them in an open container or pouch with proper ventilation to release their scent gradually. The intensity of the scent can be adjusted by adding more or fewer wood chips as needed.
Additionally, while these aromatic woods have pleasing scents, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents, so it’s essential to consider personal preferences when using them in your home.
Woods That Best Absorb Fragrances And Oils
Certain types of woods have more porous structures that can readily absorb and retain scents, making them ideal for infusing with oils to create special fragrances. Here are some of the best woods for adding oils to achieve a pleasant and long-lasting scent:
- Cedar: Cedarwood is a popular choice for infusing with oils due to its porous nature and natural fragrance. It can hold essential oils well, releasing a warm and woody aroma that is often used in aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief.
- Sandalwood: Sandalwood is known for its rich and exotic scent. It has a high oil-absorbing capacity, making it a great candidate for infusing with essential oils. Sandalwood-infused products are prized for their calming and meditative properties.
- Birch: Birchwood has a light and sweet scent that can complement various essential oils. It absorbs and retains fragrances effectively, providing a fresh and natural aroma.
- Pine: Pine wood has a distinct fresh and forest-like scent. When infused with essential oils, it can create a refreshing and invigorating ambiance, reminiscent of being in nature.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus wood has a minty and refreshing scent, similar to its leaves. Infusing eucalyptus wood with oils can enhance the natural fragrance, promoting a soothing and revitalizing environment.
- Beech: Beechwood has a mild and pleasant scent that pairs well with a variety of essential oils. It can hold and slowly release fragrances, adding a subtle and inviting aroma to the surroundings.
- Rosewood: Rosewood has a sweet and floral scent that is both captivating and soothing. Infusing rosewood with oils can create a luxurious and calming fragrance.
When adding oils to wood, it’s essential to use high-quality, natural essential oils and to allow the wood to absorb the oils gradually. You can apply the oils using a dropper or spray and then let the wood sit in a well-ventilated area to fully absorb the fragrance.
Wood infused with oils can be used in various applications, such as making scented sachets, potpourri, or as decorative items to add a special fragrance to your living spaces.
Sourcing Wood Chips For Their Scent
Sourcing wood chips to use for scenting your home can be done in several ways. Here are some options to help you find the right wood chips for your needs:
- Purchase from Specialty Stores: Many specialty stores and online retailers offer a wide variety of wood chips specifically for aromatherapy and home fragrance purposes. Look for stores that specialize in essential oils, aromatherapy, or woodworking supplies.
- Woodworking Supply Stores: Woodworking supply stores often carry various types of wood chips and shavings that are suitable for infusing with scents. These wood chips are typically used for woodworking projects but can also be used for creating scented home accents.
- Local Wood Shops or Sawmills: Check with local woodshops or sawmills in your area. They may have leftover wood chips from their operations that they are willing to sell or give away. Make sure to inquire about the type of wood and whether it is suitable for scenting.
- Garden Centers or Nurseries: Some garden centers or nurseries sell wood chips and shavings that are used as mulch or bedding for plants. These can be repurposed for scenting purposes.
- DIY from Woodworking Projects: If you or someone you know engages in woodworking, consider saving wood chips from projects. You can repurpose the leftover wood chips to add fragrance to your home.
- Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon often have sellers offering various types of wood chips specifically for scenting purposes. Be sure to read reviews and product descriptions to ensure you are getting the right product for your needs.
- Forage from Nature: If you have access to woodlands or forests, you may consider foraging for suitable aromatic woods. Be sure to identify the wood species correctly, as some woods may release harmful or undesirable scents when infused with oils.
Before using any wood chips for scenting, ensure that they are clean, dry, and free from chemicals or treatments that may interfere with the desired fragrance.
Also, make sure to use high-quality essential oils or fragrances that are safe for use in home scenting applications. With the right wood chips and scents, you can create a pleasant and inviting ambiance in your living spaces.