Odor Absorbing Gel Instructions
For the longest time I was very fond of the Natural Magic line of gel odor absorbers. The gel came in a plastic container, 14oz, with a top that would become vented to expose the gel to the air. I got the orange scented variety. For three months, the gel would "dry out", and as the water evaporated out of the gel it would carry the orange scent with it up into the air.
That's just scenting the air. How do these things ABSORB odor, though? The orange scent molecules would meet up with odor scent molecules in the air, and together they'd get heavier and fall to the ground. This is the same way that pretty much all "odor eater" things like sprays, candles and gels work. They are passive systems - they can't go track down the actual item that causes the odor and consume it :)
Here's the problem. It only lasts three months, then you have to go buy some more. I did in fact try to rehydrate them, and it doesn't work. The containers are $7.99 each, if not more. This is pretty expensive for a disposable solution especially as I was getting three of them at a time to put around the basement. Surely there was an easy way to just make them myself!
Voila, along comes the almost magical little crystals that are used in potting soil. Crafters call these "smelly jellies". These absorb and hold water at an amazing rate. In potting soil, the way they work is that you water the soil (with the crystals in it) and those crystals absorb a ton of water. Slowly, over time, they evaporate the water back out into the soil. It lets the soil stay nicely most, for a long time, without having to constantly water and soak the roots.
Unlike Natural Magic, which dries up and is done, these smelly jellies are eternal. They work the same way for helping with odor! You fill them chock full of water, and then slowly, over time, they let the water (and therefore aroma) drift out into the air of the room. If you just had a pot of water, that would evaporate quickly. With the gel, it evaporates slowly and steadily. Best of all, when they are all dried out, you just add more water! The whole process starts all over again. Best of all, it is super easy and very cheap.
Here's how to do it, step by step, with photos.
Making your own Smelly Jelly
NOTE: While these are called Smelly Jelly by everyone, there is in fact a fish bait called Smelly Jelly :) This is NOT the fish bait! It's an odor absorbing craft item.
Cleaning Tips and Hints
Lisa Shea Site Homepage