Homemade Linen Water

Mist bed linens with linen water for luxurious relaxation.

Linens are part of our heritage. At one time, getting the wash out clean and early was a matter of pride for the homemaker and laundry professional. Today, doing laundry and caring for linens isn’t something readily thought of as an intimate expression of our daily lives. The modern day homemaker is convenience-obsessed and gone is the skilled laundress who knew spraying a mist of linen water onto bed sheets and pillowcases prior to skillful ironing served to calm the nerves and provide a level of luxury and indulgence anyone could appreciate.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. lavender essential oil
• 1/4 cup plain vodka
• 3 1/2 cups distilled water
• Spray bottle
• Funnel
• Eye dropper

Instructions

1. Wash your spray bottle using hot soapy water. After cleaning, rinse well with warm water. Allow the spray bottle to air dry.

2. Pour 1 tsp. lavender essential oil and 1/4 cup plain vodka into your spray bottle. For assistance, and depending on the size of your bottle’s opening, use a funnel or eyedropper if necessary.

3. Mix the lavender-vodka mixture by gently turning the spray bottle upside down then right side up 3 to 4 times until the oil and vodka mixes thoroughly.

4. Add 3 1/2 cups distilled water to the lavender-vodka mix and gently shake until incorporated. Spray your linen water on damp linens prior to ironing, drying them on a clothesline, or placing them in the dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Geranium, rosewood or peppermint essential oils work well as linen waters.

• Store in a cool place and shake well before each use.

• Some essential oils may cause skin irritation.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How to: Make Your Own Linen Spray
• Glenbrook Farms Herbs & Such: Lavender Recipes