How to Make DIY Linen Spray

Introduction

Making your own linen spray at home is an easy and affordable way to keep your bed linens and towels feeling and smelling fresh. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a lightly scented, wrinkle-releasing spray that rivals store-bought options.

The main benefits of a DIY linen spray include:

Cost savings – Making it yourself is much cheaper than buying a premade spray.
Customization – You can pick your favorite essential oil scents and adjust the strength.
Natural ingredients – You control what goes into the spray, avoiding unwanted chemicals.
Wrinkle release – The spray helps relax fibers and release wrinkles as the bed is made.
Freshness – Essential oils provide a light, clean fragrance.

This article will walk through the entire process of making linen spray step-by-step, from choosing ingredients to bottling and storing the final product. With just a small time investment, you can make a high-quality linen spray tailored to your personal preferences.

Ingredients Needed

Making DIY linen spray is simple because it requires so few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Distilled or filtered water – Makes up the base of the spray. Tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can turn the spray cloudy.
Vodka or witch hazel (optional) – Acts as a preservative and stabilizer. Extends the shelf life.
Essential oils – Add light fragrance. Lavender and lemon are popular choices.
Spray bottle – Use a clean recycled bottle or purchase a new glass or PET plastic bottle with a fine mist spray nozzle.
Funnel (optional) – Helps pour liquids into the bottle opening.

Choose Your Essential Oils

One of the nice things about making your own linen spray is that you can customize the scent with your favorite essential oils. Consider these popular options:

Lavender – Fresh, floral, relaxing aroma.
Lemongrass – Bright, uplifting citrus scent.
Eucalyptus – Cool, invigorating minty smell.
Cedarwood – Warm, woody aroma.
Peppermint – Stimulating minty fragrance.
Lemon – Zesty, clean citrus smell.
Rosemary – Herbaceous pine-like scent.

Start with 2-4 drops per ounce of spray and adjust to your liking. You can also combine oils for unique blends.

Mix the Ingredients

Making the linen spray is as easy as mixing the ingredients together:

Add distilled water to your spray bottle. Leave about 1 inch at the top for mixing.
Add 8-10 drops essential oil per ounce of water. Start with less and add more to adjust the strength.
Optional – For extended shelf life, add 1 tablespoon vodka or witch hazel per 16 ounces of water.
Replace spray nozzle and shake vigorously to combine.
Make sure to label the bottle with the date and ingredients.

The linen spray is now ready to use! Give it a test spritz to make sure the nozzle disperses a fine mist.

Usage and Storage

Lightly spritz your DIY linen spray onto bed sheets, pillowcases, and towels just before use. A little goes a long way – there’s no need to drench the fabric. The heat from your body will help release the essential oil aromas.

For wrinkle release, lightly mist over sheets and smooth with your hands before placing bedskirts and tucking in sides.

Store your linen spray in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The vodka or witch hazel will help preserve it for several months. Give the bottle a shake before each use.

Over time, you may notice the essential oils separating. This is normal. Just give the spray a good shake to remix before use.

Variations

Once you get the basic linen spray formula down, there are many variations you can try:

Change the essential oils – Tailor the scent by using different single oils or blends.
Adjust vodka/witch hazel – Use more preservative for a longer shelf life. Or omit it for quick use.
Try different bases – For more wrinkle release, use vodka and water only. Or non-scented products like vinegar or starch water.
Add essential oil blends – Many premade blends complement linen sprays nicely.
Play with proportions – Adjust the levels of each ingredient to create your perfect linen spray.
Make it foaming – Add a teaspoon of liquid castile soap to create a foaming spray. Shake before each use.
Add herbs or flowers – Try adding a few sprigs of dried lavender or rosemary for visual interest.

The great thing about DIY linen spray is you can tweak the recipe until it’s just right for you. Change up the oils and experiment with different additives to find your favorite.

Common Questions

Still have some questions about making your own linen spray? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Why use distilled water instead of tap water?

Tap water contains minerals, chlorine, and other chemicals that can turn your linen spray cloudy or discolored over time. Distilled water provides a clear, pure base for even dispersion of the essential oils.

Do I really need the vodka or witch hazel?

While not strictly necessary, the vodka or witch hazel acts as a preservative to extend the shelf life of your linen spray. The alcohol content inhibits microbial growth. If you’ll use up the spray quickly, you can certainly omit it.

How long does linen spray last?

With vodka or witch hazel added, the spray should stay fresh for 6-12 months stored in a cool, dark place. Without a preservative, plan to use within 1-2 months. Write the mix date on your bottle and shake before each use.

Can I use linen spray on all fabrics?

Linen spray is safest for bed sheets, towels, pillowcases, and other household linens. Avoid antique or delicate fabrics, which may fade or stain when wet. Always test a small inconspicuous area first.

What’s the best way to apply linen spray?

Hold the bottle 6-8 inches from the fabric. Lightly mist over the surface – there’s no need to drench. For wrinkle release, spray lightly and smooth the fabric with your hands.

How do I get essential oils to mix into the water?

Essential oils do not actually dissolve in water. But shaking vigorously will disperse them. Over time, you may see the oils separate – just shake again before use to remix.

Why does my spray smell stronger on the sheets than in the bottle?

Heat helps essential oils diffuse and release their aroma. So the heat from your body makes the linen spray smell stronger once applied to bed sheets and towels.

Can I use dried lavender or other herbs in the spray?

Absolutely! Add a few sprigs of dried lavender, rosemary, or other herbs for visual interest and light scent. Strain out debris when pouring into the bottle.

Final Thoughts

Making your own natural linen spray at home is simple, affordable, and lets you customize the scent. All it takes are a few basic ingredients like purified water, essential oils, and an optional preservative like vodka or witch hazel.

Tailor your linen spray to your preferences by trying different essential oil scents and experimenting with additives like dried herbs. Store your creation in a labeled spray bottle away from heat and sunlight for up to several months.

Misting sheets and towels lightly with the spray will leave them smelling fresh and helps release wrinkles while making the bed. We hope these DIY linen spray tips inspire you to start blending your own custom formulas to keep linens fresh and fabulous.