How-To & Diy

This DIY Lavender Linen Spray Makes Sleep So Sweet

December 18, 2015

The holidays are all about loved ones. Around this time of year more than any other, I get to play hostess to house guests. It’s a time I cherish—giving the spare bedroom some extra TLC, preparing sweet treats in kitchen, and, overall, making the most of the time we get to spend all together under one roof.

As an added touch, I like to leave this homemade lavender linen spray in my visitors’ room so they can spritz it on their pillow and sheets before bedtime to help make their sleep a little more restful. It also doubles as a sweet takeaway to send home with them.

Photo by Sarah Elliott

Here are step-by-step instructions for making a few small bottles of it:

What you'll need:

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 15 to 20 drops lavender essential oil
  • Small clear glass spray bottle
  • Sprig of fresh lavender to put inside the spray bottle, optional
Left: measuring out vodka. Right: adding essential oil. Photo by Sarah Elliott

How to make the spray:

Combine all of the ingredients in a glass or plastic spray bottle, twist on the cap, and shake well. Add a sprig of fresh lavender if you like how it looks. That's it! Will keep indefinitely—and in case you're wondering, the use of alcohol helps dissolve the oil in the solution and preserves the scent.

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I love to spritz the lavender spray on bedding or pillows to freshen them up before guests arrive, but another way to use it is to spray on your sheets as you are ironing. Lavender is a soothing, relaxing scent that aids in restful sleep, and this spray accomplishes that while also infusing the house with a lovely aroma.

Photo by Sarah Elliott

How do you make overnight guests comfortable in your home? Let us know in the comments!

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

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Interior designer & creator of lifestyle site Eye-Swoon.com

9 Comments

Antonio March 14, 2017
Can any other essential oils be used in this recipe... if so, which oils would be best?
 
Cyndi O. December 29, 2016
can this be made with dried lavender flowers? still using the essential oil?
 
Isa T. December 21, 2015
Thank you for reply :)
 
Susan M. December 21, 2015
Can this be made with dried lavender instead of the essential oil?
 
Isa T. December 19, 2015
Where can I purchase the small spray bottle?
 
Athena C. December 20, 2015
Hello Isa! The sell a similar glass spray bottle on Amazon.
 
D December 29, 2016
any heath food store sells glass spray bottles (white, blue or brown)
 
Athena C. December 18, 2015
Hi Bernadette - I created the label on my home printer
 
bernadette December 18, 2015
where is the label from