Close up the house and turn on the heat because the chill is in the air and winter is almost here. So down into the basement I went to find my box of Air Wick scented plugs and empty vials. I kept the old glass vials from last year because I planed to find a way to reuse them and I also have a Yankee candle scented plug from bed bath and beyond for what it is worth.

• I have come across some varying methods for refilling the vials but I would never encourage anyone to use any type of cleaning chemicals by themselves as they are intended to be used in well ventilated areas.

Why I use Air Wick 

I bought a few packages of the premium starter kits at Costco over the years and built up my collection of the burners before it dawned on me that these little vials were made of glass and could be REUSED!!! I can’t believe I was throwing them away. The air wick containers are very easy to pop the plastic top off to refill and replace the wick just using a fork, a flat head screw driver, or pen. The yankee candle is even easier to dismantle and refill but it has a smaller reservoir.

Update: 1/13/18: I haven’t found a long lasting aromatic scent that works in these resevoirs as potent as the original scent filled vials. So I stopped using them. I consider them a fail with these listed solutions mentioned here. I will remain open to finding alternative solutions.

Supplies

• Air Wick Burners
• Replacement PET Fiber Wicks for Plug in Air Freshener Refill
• Replacement Wicks on Amazon
• Liquid Scented Refill
• Carrier oil; olive, coconut,  jojoba or almond oil

Tip: make sure you use alcohol or something that evaporates easily, or they don’t wick your oils well

Warning: It is not recommended to use the refillable wicks more than two to three times. Discard if it loses its form.

I plan to work my way through all of the listed options for scent refills here and continue to update this as I finally figure out what works best!

Porcess

1. Use your scissors or other small object to pry off the plastic top that holds the wick into the glass. I stick a prong of the scissors into the plastic hole and pry it off.

2. pat dry the wick if it’s re usable otherwise replace it.

3. Refill your container/vial but leave air space at the top or it will leak. Don’t forget the alcohol if you are using oils.

4. reapply and snap back together the plastic lid

Scented Refill

You have a few options for refilling your vials

At your local Dollar Tree or Walmart you can buy

1. Liquid Potpourri, 33.6 oz

Semi Fail

Cost $

I chose this as my first effort and I refilled four burners placing one in the kitchen and ultimately moved three into my living room. I could notice the smell but only if I were close to them so I am going to try moving the setting on the emitters to “wide open” and see if that helps. Additionally I might try infusing some carrier oil to see if that helps defuse the liquid better.

update 11/17/17: This worked pretty well if I placed five emitters in one room. The smell wasn’t as potent as I hoped so I will keep looking for something stronger.

2. Fragrance Oil

FAIL

Cost $$

Fragrance oil is often used when making candles and can be found in your local craft store of Joanns Fabric, Hobby Lobby, or Michael’s. I found the below brand at Walmart for $5.00 and will be trying it out mixed with olive oil+ alcohol.

Update: 11/17/17: I forgot the alcohol and the smell was basically cooked away without the oil evaporating.

3. Essential Oil 

Cost $$$$$

http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/aromatherapy-diffuser-recipes.asp

Some of the reviews I read over regarding this method were negative about the high cost and low results it yields.

I found this (4) pack of essential oils for $9.87 at Walmart which is a pretty decent deal if you have an aromatherapy infused or find that this method works for you.

Fill up your empty vial with 1/3- 1/2 oil and fill with distilled water

Bulk Apothocary Blog Essentials recommends using

• Carrier Oil, such as Golden Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil

” When using Essential Oils for burning, the concentration of oil is higher. Use 40-50 drops of the essential oil to the container. Fill the rest of the bottle up with your carrier oil (jojoba or almond) leaving a quarter inch space from the top.”

4. DIY Fragrances

Lastly I am considering using what I have around the house like the unstoppable fragrance softener by melting it down and adding it to olive oil.

If you have any good suggestions or ideas please share them! 

References

What Are Essential Oil Carrier Oils?