Easy Homemade Lavender Linen Spray

Linen spray sounds like an indulgence, doesn't it? It's typically not something I look for or buy on my own, but since it's so easy to make at home, I don't really have to.

While you might think linen spray is for frivolous people with too much time on their hands, it actually serves many more purposes in the home than simply making your linens smell good.

Lavender linen spray, in particular, is soothing and calming thanks to the therapeutic properties of lavender essential oil. Spritz your pillow before you go to bed each night, and let the lavender lull you to sleep.

Lavender is also antifungal and antibacterial, making it a good choice for freshening up bedding (or shared items like throw pillows, throw blankets, and sofas) if you or your partner feel a little under the weather.

The scent of lavender also deters closet pests, so spray your coats and sweaters every once in a while as a natural moth repellent.

The same scent repels fleas, so if you have a dog in the home, spray his beds, cushions, and favorite lounging areas once a week (but be cautious about spraying near cats, as they're very sensitive to essential oils). If your dog spends a lot of time in your bedroom, spray the carpeting around your bed as well.

(Dislike lavender? You can still take advantage of these pest repellent properties by substituting another strongly scented therapeutic essential oil, such as rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or cedar wood. Check out our 3-Step Plan to Natural Flea Control For Your Dog for more natural, non-toxic ideas.)

Make a small bottle of lavender linen spray to take with you when you travel, and you can instantly spritz your pillows and comforters to feel more at home. Or, spritz hotel towels that have a harsh chemical smell.

Easy Homemade Lavender Linen Spray
Makes 8 ounces

15 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 cup cheap vodka
1/2 cup water

Combine all the ingredients in a small, fine-mist spray bottle (8 ounces or larger) and shake well before each use.

The vodka acts as an emulsifier to help disperse the oil through the water. It's also colorless, odorless, and evaporates quickly when sprayed onto a surface, so it's an ideal choice for a linen spray that won't stain your clothes and sheets. (Any other type of ethyl alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol or a rectified spirit, works too.)

Note: When buying lavender essential oil, make sure it is pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil (usually sold in 0.5- or 1-ounce bottles at natural food markets or beauty stores), and not simply lavender fragrance oil, which is a synthetic blend.

Store the linen spray at room temperature away from direct light. The recipe above can be doubled as needed.