The present invention is drawn to a device for perfuming ambient air or closed spaces. An active volatile substance, like a perfume, an insect repellent or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, is evaporated from a device. The said device comprises water or an appropriate hydrophilic solvent containing said volatile the active ingredient and an absorbing material chosen from superabsorbents, starch based systems, chemically modified cellulose and natural gum and volatile substance and a superabsorbent substance which are is capable of forming a gel with water or said the hydrophilic solvent, both components being adapted to be mixed with each other in order to achieve the diffusion of said the active volatile ingredient substance from the said gel. The components are mixed with each other to form said the gel from which the perfume or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, or an insect repellent, active volatile substance diffuses uniformly and over a prolonged period of time into the surrounding air.