Aqueous-based gels capable of free standing, free-standing air fresheners, and methods for manufacturing aqueous-based gels are provided herein. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an aqueous gel capable of free standing includes a C12-C24 fatty acid or a salt thereof, a freeze/thaw stabilizer, xanthan gum, a gluco- or galactomannan, and water. The xanthan gum and the gluco- or galactomannan are present in the aqueous-based gel in a xanthan gum:gluco- and/or galactomannan ratio in the range of about 50:50 to about 75:25.
