by A Kairi

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2009

The cost of supplies for cleaning and freshening laundry can add up quickly. Commercial supplies also often contain many harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and sinuses. I came up with the following recipe for homemade linen freshening spray after I grew frustrated with the expense of commercial brands. I also wanted more control over the scent I was using to mist my clothes and linens with. This recipe is great for making lavender and linen spray as well as making sprays in many other scents. I've included suggestions for other scents as well.

This recipe is inexpensive and easy to make. It also allows you a great deal of control over the scent of the finished blend. It is so easily customizable you can make a special one for everyone in the family!

You will need the following tools and containers to make this recipe: 1 medium size spray bottle that can hold at least three cups of fluid and one tall spoon or stir stick.

You will need the following ingredients to make this recipe: 1 1/2 cups of water, 2 oz. of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol works well); 70 drops of an essential oil with astringent properties such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, grapefruit or lemon. If you do not have any of these items on hand you can also scent your spray by using a few drops of Vanilla, Peppermint or almond extract to the blend.

Begin making the recipe by mixing the 1 1/2 cups of water with the 2 oz. of rubbing alcohol inside the spray bottle. Stir the mixture a few times with the spoon or stir stick.

Next add your essential oils. Choosing an oil with astringent properties will help keep your clothing and linen smelling fresh. however feel free to come up with your own scent blend that contains an astringent oil mixed with another kind of essential oil, like rose for example. After adding the drops of essential oil, mix the blend with the spoon or stir stick. Replace the head on the spray bottle, shake the bottle and you are ready to go.

Essential oils are expensive so if you prefer there is a less expensive way to scent your linen spray. Simply add flowers or herbs of your choice to the 1 1/2 cups of water called for in the recipe and allow them to steep for about ten minutes. After the mix has completed steeping, strain the plant matter out and then use the water in the recipe as you would normally.To use your linen spray shake the bottle lightly and then liberally spray your fabrics with it. Spread the fabrics out and allow them to dry before putting them away in drawers or closets.

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