Have you ever wondered why the companies that make household sprays and cleaners aren’t required to list ingredients on their packaging like food manufacturers are? Me too. Since almost all cleaners are in some sort of spray format I guess the government thinks that things you breathe in can’t hurt you. Ah, yeah, second-hand smoke anyone? So I started to rethink store-bought air fresheners which I have been known to spray very liberally around my house and in the process have probably breathed in gallons of the stuff.
What I love about this recipe is it’s easy to make, I recognize the ingredients, it’s really cheap and it actually works. It’s safe on fabrics and to spray in the air and you’re not breathing in noxious chemicals when you do.
Ingredients are important here because in order to eliminate odors you have to kill the germs and bacteria that cause the odors. Store-bought air fresheners, plug-ins devices and candles contain nothing that can do that. Pure essential oils can. I only use therapeutic grade essential oils because they are the purest oils you can buy.
Mixing the essential oils into the baking soda first will help to emulsify the oils and the water so the oils don’t just sit on top. I recommend using distilled water here because tap water has some weird floaters in it sometimes and you don’t want that stuff on your fabric. Better safe than sorry and it will only cost about a buck for a gallon. You’re gonna need it for my Glass Cleaner anyway. I used lemon, lime and wild orange EO’s and here’s why:
Lemon EO–cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces, supports healthy respiratory function, promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability.
Lime EO–used as an aromatic, topical and internal cleanser, promotes emotional balance and well-being.
Wild Orange EO–powerful cleanser and purifying agent, protects against seasonal and environmental threats, uplifting to the mind and body.
What I love most about this All-Natural Room and Linen Spray is the smell. All of these citrus essential oils also have the benefit of being uplifting and invigorating and who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life. When I spray it around my house (even more liberally than before) I actually try to breathe it in. The health benefits of essential oils are amazing and aromatherapy is a powerful tool, not just for cleaning the air but for calming the mind and spirit.
All-Natural Room & Linen Spray
2 cups distilled water
1/2 tsp. baking soda
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops lime essential oil
10 drops wild orange essential oil
Mix together baking soda and essential oils until well combined. Using a funnel carefully put baking soda mixture into a 16 oz. glass spray bottle. Add water and shake well. Spray onto fabric until slightly damp and allow to air dry. Spray the air above fabrics and carpets and around the room for a fresher, cleaner home.
What I love about this recipe is it’s easy to make, I recognize the ingredients, it’s really cheap and it actually works. It’s safe on fabrics and to spray in the air and you’re not breathing in noxious chemicals when you do.
Lea says
Found you on Homestead Barn Hop – and we have the same name (just spelled differently)!
This recipe looks great – pinning it to try later.
Lea @ http://www.adropofthis.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Cool! Don’t meet a lot of people with my name. I am in the process of doing a complete cleaning cabinet makeover so stop by again and check out my other all-natural cleaning products. They are super easy and cheap.
Sharon says
I found you from the Barn Hop. This sounds like an easy to make and effective room and linen spray, and the timing is perfect! Sadly, my black lab got sick on my favorite chair and I have tried to no avail to remove the odor. I have all of the ingredients on hand, so will make a batch and give it a try. Love your blog. I’ll be a new follower! 🙂
Sharon says
I keep a bottle of white vinegar/alcohol for pet accidents
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thank- you so much! Your nice comment made my day. I love my all-natural Febreze but haven’t tried it on a pet accident (why don’t the accidents ever happen on tile?) so please let me know if it works. Good luck!
Lauren says
This sounds amazing! And I love that it is all natural. Thanks so much for sharing.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Lauren, thanks for stopping by! Remember you can customize the scent by using different essential oils so have fun with it. Your house will smell heavenly and you can breathe in with confidence:)
Meredith @ dareyouto says
YESS I need this. Over the past year or two I’ve been transitioning all my toilettries/home products over to more natural or homemade versions, but I haven’t tackled Febreeze. This is perfect!! Thank you
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Good for you, Meredith! The whole goal of my blog is to help people reduce their toxic load and live a more natural life and it sounds like you’re well on your way. You’re gonna love this Room & Linen Spray and if you want more ideas head on over to the post I did on my Cleaning Cabinet Makeover. I think you’ll enjoy it. Have a great day!
–Leah
Gentle Joy says
This is great – I love using essential oils to make homemade sprays – using the baking soda in it is new for me…. thank you for sharing this. 🙂
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re very welcome!
–Leah
Anne says
Eager to try this….! Thanks for posting! Have not been able to find a GLASS spray bottle, though. We have a fantastic community co-op, but to no avail. Would it be a compromise to use plastic? I realize glass is much more aesthetically pleasing and natural…. But, in a pinch?? Penny for your thoughts!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Anne–thanks for your question. The citrus essential oils will dissolve plastic but it takes a while if they are diluted. As a general rule I only use glass containers when making essential oil products and recommend you do the same. I get my glass containers online at https://www.aromatools.com. The 16 oz. bottle and spray top together will cost less than $2.00. They have lots of different kinds of glass containers and products to use with your essential oils. I am not an affiliate, I just love their store and you will not find anything cheaper online. If you want to try out the Room & Linen Spray in the mean time, go ahead and put it in a plastic spray bottle. I use it so fast I don’t think the plastic will be a problem. You can also use other essential oils that aren’t the citrus oils and that would be even better until you can order the glass bottles. (I recommend you order several so you can do my Cleaning Cabinet makeover). Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Amanda Masters says
Oh I love this idea, going natural now I have children is very important to me. Off to the shops to buy some supplies, thanks for shaing
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Amanda! The reason I started my all-natural journey years ago was because of my kiddos. Glad you’re on the same journey. Good luck and come back soon!
–Leah
Crystal says
Hello, I am a special education teacher and this year, by the end if the day my clothing is covered in other students saliva. Is this something I can use on my clothing to kill germs until I get home to wash them?
Yunni says
Thank you for sharing the natural homemade spray recipe!
I made it and confirm its effectiveness. Cool!
Thanks again for all your recipes!
Leah says
You’re so welcome Yunni! Congrats on making your own cleaners and majorly lowering the toxic load in your house. Keep up the good work!
–Leah
Helen Chung says
Hi! I know this is an old post bit love it! Question: does this spray leaveany oily residue? Slippery on hardwood floors? Stains at all? TIA!
Roshan says
I stumbled upon your recipe in the process of researching various ways to make a linen spray – yours is the first I’ve found that does not include vodka in the mixture, and I’m curious why you eliminated it, and why one may consider adding it verses not. Would love your input!
Sally says
Hey do you have to use distilled water in your essential oil linen spray