natural Floral linen spray with essential oils
- kimberlymjane
- Nov 6
- 4 min read
Imagine yourself lying in bed after a long day, with the scent of fresh floral linen gently caressing your senses and offering a soothing warmth. As you inhale the fragrance, you picture yourself entering a world filled with peace and love. Perhaps I'm getting a bit carried away, but that's how many people feel when they breathe in essential oils.
In this blog, we will explore what a natural linen spray is and why someone might use it. We will also delve into the limbic system and discuss why certain scents can touch your heart and how other fragrances can alter your mood. I will also share with you this easy linen spray recipe. Feel free to watch how I make it in the above video.
What is a Linen Spray?
A natural linen spray is a liquid solution designed to refresh and scent fabrics, particularly linens, bedding, and clothing and is dispensed from a spray bottle, making it easy to apply. The primary purpose of linen spray is to impart a pleasant fragrance to fabrics, enhancing the overall sensory experience of a space.
Natural linen sprays are made from a combination of water, essential oils, and sometimes, alcohol or other solvents. The essential oils used can vary widely, ranging from floral scents like lavender and rose to fresh scents such as eucalyptus and citrus. These natural fragrances not only provide a delightful aroma but can also offer therapeutic benefits, such as relaxation or invigoration, depending on the chosen scent.
Why would someone want to use a linen spray?
The versatility of linen spray extends beyond just refreshing bed linens. It can be used on a variety of fabric surfaces, including curtains, upholstery, and even clothing. Many people use it to eliminate odors from fabrics, which can accumulate over time due to everyday use. By spraying linen spray on items such as pillows or blankets, you can create a more inviting and pleasant environment in your homes. Additionally, linen spray can be beneficial when traveling; a quick spritz on hotel linens can help create a more comfortable and familiar atmosphere.
Using linen spray offers several benefits. Firstly, it can enhance the ambiance of a room, making it feel more welcoming and cozy. The right scent can evoke memories, create a calming atmosphere, or even boost mood and energy levels. Furthermore, many linen sprays contain antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce germs and bacteria on fabric surfaces, contributing to a cleaner environment.
To effectively use linen spray, it is recommended to hold the spray bottle about 6 to 12 inches away from the fabric surface. A light mist is usually sufficient; over-saturating fabrics can lead to dampness or even mildew. For optimal results, it is advisable to spray linens shortly before use, allowing the scent to settle and the fabric to dry completely.
Why do scents affect us so much?
Scents have a profound impact on our emotions, memories, and even our physical well-being. This phenomenon can be attributed to the intricate relationship between our sense of smell and the brain. When you inhale the aroma from an essential oil, the odor molecules travel through the air and enter your nasal cavity. Here, they encounter the olfactory mucosa, a specialized tissue that plays a crucial role in our sense of smell. The odor molecules attach themselves to this mucosa, where a fascinating process begins. The binding of these molecules activates specific receptor cells, which are finely tuned to recognize different scents. Each type of receptor cell corresponds to particular odor molecules, allowing us to distinguish between a wide array of smells—from the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers to the earthy scent of damp soil.
Once the receptor cells are activated, they send signals through the olfactory receptor neurons, which relay this information to the olfactory bulb, a structure located at the base of the brain. The olfactory bulb acts as a processing center for these signals, where a physical response is generated and subsequently sent to various parts of the brain. This includes areas associated with emotion and memory, such as the amygdala and the hippocampus (limbic system). This direct link between scent and emotional response explains why certain smells can evoke vivid memories or feelings of nostalgia, often transporting us back to specific moments in our lives.
Moreover, the influence of scents extends beyond mere emotional reactions; they can also affect our physiological state. For instance, certain aromas, like lavender, are known for their calming properties, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. In contrast, invigorating scents such as citrus or peppermint can enhance alertness and concentration. This ability of scents to influence both our mental and physical states highlights their importance in various practices, such as aromatherapy, where essential oils are used to promote healing and well-being.
In this recipe, I incorporate carnation essential oil, a fragrance that my client adores because it brings a sense of freshness and nostalgia. This emotional connection makes her feel calm and deeply relaxed, which is surprising to me since my usual choices for relaxation include lavender, ylang ylang, and Roman chamomile, among others. Creating the natural floral linen spray is simple, and you can incorporate other essential oils.
Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 1 oz (29.57 ml)
To make 25% of alcohol and 75% of distilled water, the recipe I formulated called for 7.39 g of 94% proof alcohol, but I used 8 g as my weighing scale is not measure to the one decimal.
22.18 g of distilled water. I ended adding 24 g of distilled water which is fine.
12 drops of carnation essential oil to give a 2% dilution
Instructions
Step 1: Add the alcohol to the water and mix.
Step 2: Add the essential oils of your choice to either the amber glass spray bottle or to the solution, and transfer to the amber bottle.
Step 3: Mix the solution well and spray the linen a few inches away.
Step 4: Enjoy!
A cautionary note: This solution is extremely flammable, so it should be kept away from open flames and direct sunlight. I typically store my spray bottles in the refrigerator or a cool cabinet. Ensure the spray bottle is out of reach of children and pets, as the solution is poisonous if ingested. Essential oils and high-proof alcohol should never be consumed.
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