toilet with roses coming out diy poo pourri spray

DIY Poo-Pourri Spray That Works (For Pennies, Not Dollars)

/18 Comments/in , , /by Mary Hunt
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Bathroom odors are one of those everyday annoyances we all deal with, but rarely talk about out loud. Store-bought sprays work, but the price tag can feel a little… ambitious for what amounts to a few spritzes and good timing. Years ago, a friend introduced me to the “spray before you go” trick, and I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Then I tried it. Now? I wouldn’t be without it. The good news is you don’t need the fancy bottle or the high price. You can make your own DIY Poo-Pourri in just minutes.

toilet with roses coming out diy poo pourri spray

I have something genuinely useful (and a little funny) to share with you today about fragrance and that clever “before-you-go” spray. But first, a quick story about my friend Herta. It’s been a few years since she and Al came to visit, and true to form, they arrived with thoughtful little gifts in hand.

I thought I’d seen just about everything, but one of those gifts stopped me in my tracks. It was a small, elegant spray bottle that Herta was clearly delighted with. I, on the other hand, wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. I remember thinking, this must be something special where they’re from, because to me, it felt completely unfamiliar.

Then I read the label: Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. That’s when Herta, smiling like she was about to change my life, ushered me into the powder room for a demonstration. “You just spray the surface of the water before you go,” she explained, “and it stops odors before they even start!”

She was thrilled. Me? I was standing there thinking… Wait—really?

Does Poo-Pourri Actually Work?

I’ll admit, I couldn’t wait to try it… and I did. And you know what? It really works.

Here’s the simple idea: the spray is oil-based. When you spritz it onto the surface of the toilet water (before… not during or after), it forms a thin layer across the top. That layer acts like a barrier, trapping odors underneath so they go down the drain instead of drifting into the room. In other words, it stops the problem before it starts. Simple, but surprisingly effective.

As for Herta, I’m not sure she single-handedly introduced Poo-Pourri to America, but I like to think she played a role. What I do know is that it’s everywhere now and for good reason.

Once you start noticing it, you’ll see it all over the place. Tucked discreetly into guest bathrooms, sitting out on counters, even popping up in unexpected places. Not long ago, I spotted a bottle in the ladies’ room at church. I’ve seen it at the car wash, too right there in the waiting area next to the greeting cards.

Herta would be so pleased.

All in The Name (And The Price)

I do wonder about a couple of things. First, who came up with this? The idea itself is clever but the name Poo-Pourri? That’s marketing genius right there.

Second, and this is the part that really gets my attention, why is it so expensive? At around $4 an ounce, you’re looking at well over $500 a gallon. I know, no one’s buying it by the gallon… but still. That adds up quickly, especially in a busy household or anywhere with steady foot traffic.

And that’s exactly where this gets interesting.

Because once you understand how it works, you realize there’s nothing complicated or mysterious about it. Which means you can make your own version at home, pour it into a simple spray bottle, and get the same odor-stopping benefit for a fraction of the cost.

Same idea. Same results. A lot less money.

DIY Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray

amber glass spray bottle with light and shadow diy poopouri

Once you see how simple this is, you may never buy the store version again.

What You’ll Need

Save $2.49 NOW Foods Solutions, Vegetable Glycerin, 100% Pure, Versatile Skin Care, Softening and Moisturizing, 16-Ounce
NOW Foods Solutions, Vegetable Glycerin...
$10.99 $8.50
Buy on Amazon
Amazon Basics 70% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid Antiseptic for Treatment of Minor Cuts and Scrapes, Unscented, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 2) (Previously Solimo)
Amazon Basics 70% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid...
$13.96
Buy on Amazon
Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Essential Oil 100% Pure, USDA Certified Organic, Undiluted, Natural Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Grade 10 mL (1/3 oz)
Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Essential Oil...
$11.99
Buy on Amazon
Save $1.00 hmaimas 2oz Amber Glass Spray Bottles for Essential Oils, Small Empty Spray Bottle, Fine Mist Spray, Set of 3
hmaimas 2oz Amber Glass Spray Bottles for...
$7.99 $6.99
Buy on Amazon

How to Make It

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, then use a funnel to pour into 2-ounce spray bottles (or whatever size you have on hand). Give it a gentle shake to combine. This recipe multiplies easily if you want to make a larger batch.

*Quick note: “glycerin” and “vegetable glycerin” are often used interchangeably these days, but vegetable glycerin is always plant-based. That’s the one you want here.

How to Use It (the part that matters most)

Shake well before each use. Spray 8–10 spritzes directly onto the surface of the toilet water to create a light, even layer. Then go about your business.

That step… before… is what makes all the difference.

Why This Simple Trick Works

This isn’t just about adding fragrance. The oils float on the surface of the water and create a thin barrier that traps odors underneath. Instead of trying to cover things up afterward, you’re stopping the smell from escaping in the first place.

A Few Practical Notes

  • Keep bottles out of reach of small children. Essential oils can be strong.
  • If you have pets, go easy on heavily scented oils.
  • As written, this formula is safe for septic systems.

Make It Your Own (Simple Variations)

Here’s where this little project gets fun. Once you’ve made a batch or two, you’ll start reaching for whatever you already have on hand and mixing to suit your mood or your guests.

Try these options:

Start with what you have and adjust as you go. If a scent feels too strong, cut back next time. Too subtle? Add a few extra drops.

No essential oils? No problem. You can still make a basic version with just glycerin, alcohol, and water. It won’t add fragrance, but it will still do the important job… keeping odors where they belong.

And if you land on a blend you love, write it down. Trust me… once you find “your” scent, you’ll want to make it again.

Odor or Fragrance?

Let’s talk real life for a second. A typical store-bought bottle runs $10–$15 for just 2 ounces. That’s easy to overlook… until you’re replacing it again and again.

This DIY version? Roughly $1–$2 for the same amount, depending on the oils you use.

This means you can use it freely without rationing every spritz, keep a bottle in every bathroom, and still spend less over time. But there’s something else I’ve always loved about this little habit.

My friend, the late Rich Buhler, used to say, “No matter how difficult the situation—or the person—make sure you leave behind a fragrance, never an odor.”

That’s good advice for the bathroom… and, if you think about it, not a bad way to move through life either.

Thanks to Herta, Al, and Rich, I’m doing a better job of both.

toilet with roses coming out diy poo pourri spray
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4.80 from 5 votes

DIY Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray

A simple, budget-friendly version of the popular “spray before you go” toilet spray. This DIY blend uses a few basic ingredients to help trap odors before they escape saving money while keeping your bathroom fresh.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Category: DIY Household Cleaners, Make Your Own
Cuisine: Housekeeping
Yield: 6 ounces

Materials

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable glycerin see notes
  • 2 tablespoons isopropyl rubbing alcohol 70%
  • 40 drops essential oil
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the vegetable glycerin, rubbing alcohol, essential oil, and water.
  • Stir gently until well blended.
  • Using a funnel, pour the mixture into spray bottles.
  • Secure lids and give each bottle a light shake.

To Use:

  • Shake well before each use. Spray 8–10 spritzes directly onto the surface of the toilet water to create a light, even layer. Then go about your business.

Notes

Glycerin tip: Vegetable glycerin is always plant-based, while “glycerin” can be plant- or animal-derived. For this recipe, stick with vegetable glycerin.
Septic safe: As written, this formula is safe for septic systems.
Customize the scent: Adjust essential oils to your preference. Start with 40 drops and tweak in future batches.
Storage: Store tightly sealed at room temperature. Shake before each use, as natural separation may occur.
Safety: Keep out of reach of small children, and use lighter scents if you have pets sensitive to strong fragrances.

Question: Be honest… are you team “spray before” or “spray after”… or just hoping for the best? Share in the comments below.

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18 replies
  2. Joyce says:

    Mary, I agree, toilet spray is wonderful! I always make sure I have it in our bathrooms. I find that men tend to think it’s a joke. But actually the woman who created it did it because her husband left the bathroom smelly! And she’s made a fortune from it! I’ve been making my own spray for many years from a recipe I saw on line years ago. It did not call for glycerin and I don’t use it. It works fine without it. I’ve used oils that I’m not particularly crazy about and combine them with others. Frankly, any essential oil is better than a smelly bathroom.

    Reply
  4. Helen M says:

    5 stars
    I agree, this is a great idea. I’ve been making this since I first saw it on EC. If I had to mess with the little bottles, I probably would have procrastinated indefinitely. I just make the whole recipe in an 8 ounce spray bottle and put one in each bathroom. I can see the value in funneling it into small ones though for travel. In the larger spray bottles, just 2 or 3 spritzes will do.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Well … think of the oily composition for what toilets are made to flush 😉 You could eat the food-grade glycerin (many people do) and probably not be concerned. And 3-4 pumps of spray might equal a millimeter of product of which only a portion of that is the glycerin. So … maybe a few drops of glycerin per use? You may be overthinking this.

      Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Vegetable glycerine is a liquid that is clear in color and typically made from coconut, palm, or soybean oils. The liquid does not have an odor and has a taste that is mild and sweet. The consistency of vegetable glycerin is similar to syrup. Completely natural. It’s oily and sits on top of the toilet bowl water to create the important barrier.

      Reply
  8. Patty says:

    I see vegetable glycerine on Amazon, but is it something I can find at Wal-Mart, or my local grocery store? I am not familiar with it.

    Reply
  9. Linda F. says:

    I just wanted you to know, Mary, that after your article about fire extinguishers, we bought 4 from Amazon-two large and two small. Thanks for the advice! Linda

    Reply
  10. MWilliams says:

    4 stars
    I also see bottles of Poo Pourri out and about. What is better than the product, is the commercials on the internet. They are so frank and entertaining.

    Reply
  11. Susan B. says:

    I have been using Poo-Pourri products for many years now and absolutely LOVE them because they really do work! I keep a bottle in every bathroom, a bottle in my overnight case, and carry a small travel bottle in my purse. I agree they are expensive and so when I use up the Poo-Pourri product I have on hand, I will definitely try this recipe. The only question I have is, the Poo-Pourri instructions on the bottle say to use 3-5 pumps. Cheapskate that I am, I only use three pumps and it has always been just fine. Do you really need 10 pumps for this recipe?

    Reply

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