Years ago, before I began using essential oils, I purchased linen sprays. Some were high quality, made with essential oils and organic ingredients, and I used them sparingly for special occasions. Many, however, were full of chemicals, toxins, and synthetic fragrances.
Not anymore.
After discovering essential oils, I started making my own linen sprays. Here’s why I prefer DIY:
- More affordable – Homemade linen spray costs a fraction of store-bought versions.
- Custom scent and benefits – Making your own spray lets you craft the exact aroma and therapeutic effects you want, from sweet and spicy to citrusy or calming. You can create a blend in seconds without searching the store.
- No unwanted chemicals – Many commercial fabric refreshers contain synthetic fragrances and other additives. The simple linen spray recipe below uses just two ingredients: no chemicals, no artificial fragrances.
Ways to Use Linen Spray
A linen spray is a simple way to scent fabrics and freshen spaces. Common uses include:
- Refreshing a couch or removing pet odors
- Lightly scenting clothes while ironing
- Deodorizing sheets between washes
- Reviving curtains and draperies
- Extending time between dry cleanings
- Freshening guest towels and linens
- Refreshing items stored in a linen closet
- Reviving blankets
- Deodorizing the interior of a car
- Scenting pillows before bed to encourage sleep
- Changing a room’s atmosphere with energizing scents in the morning and calming blends at night
- Applying to entry rugs to welcome guests
- Refreshing clothes that have been hanging in a closet
- Using as a general air freshener
How to Make DIY Linen Spray
Basic recipe
Just 2 ingredients:
2 cups vodka (use inexpensive vodka)
40–50 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Use a funnel to pour vodka into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Leave a little room so the oils won’t spill when you replace the spray top.
- Add the essential oil blend of your choice. Choose lighter-colored oils if you’re concerned about staining fabrics.
- Secure the spray top tightly.
- Shake well to combine.
How to Use Linen Spray
- Shake well before each use to ensure the oils are dispersed.
- Spot test an inconspicuous area to check for staining or discoloration.
- Mist fabric lightly from a distance, covering items like rugs, upholstery, towels, sheets, or clothing.
- Allow the fabric to air dry completely before use.
Why Vodka Instead of Water?
Water can leave fabric damp, increasing the risk of mold and mildew. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so vodka dries faster and is gentler on fabrics. That’s why vodka is the preferred base for linen sprays.
Spray Bottle Recommendations
When using diluted essential oils, choose bottles made of glass, plastic #1 (PET), or plastic #2 (HDPE). The recipes here use 16-ounce spray bottles, but you can halve them for 8-ounce bottles.
21 Essential Oil Linen Spray Recipes
Below are organized blends grouped by effect: uplifting, energizing, calming, bedtime, and clear-breathing. Each recipe is for a 16-ounce spray bottle (2 cups vodka). Shake well, spot test, mist fabric, and allow to dry thoroughly.
Uplifting Linen Sprays
Citrus Smile
10 drops bergamot, 10 drops lime, 10 drops lemon, 10 drops grapefruit.
Happy Place
20 drops cypress, 30 drops wild or sweet orange.
Mojito
10 drops lime, 10 drops grapefruit, 10 drops tangerine, 10 drops spearmint.
Feel Good
14 drops bergamot, 14 drops sweet or wild orange, 6 drops ylang ylang, 8 drops spearmint.
Energizing Linen Sprays
Happy Morning!
15 drops rosemary, 15 drops peppermint, 15 drops lemon.
Lemon Basil
25 drops lemon, 15 drops basil.
Wake Up
18 drops sweet or wild orange, 6 drops rosemary, 6 drops bergamot, 6 drops grapefruit, 6 drops clary sage.
Brisk Walk
20 drops Douglas fir, 20 drops spearmint.
Garden Fresh
4 drops rosemary, 12 drops thyme, 12 drops oregano, 12 drops spearmint.
Calming & Relaxing Linen Sprays
Recharge & Renew
15 drops juniper berry, 15 drops grapefruit, 15 drops Douglas fir.
Fresh Fields
8 drops geranium, 24 drops lavender, 12 drops wild or sweet orange.
Seaside Breeze
18 drops lavender, 18 drops lime, 6 drops spearmint.
Lemon Lavender
25 drops lemon, 25 drops lavender.
Refresh
8 drops peppermint, 16 drops lavender, 24 drops wild or sweet orange.
Eucalyptus Spearmint
20 drops eucalyptus, 20 drops spearmint.
Bedtime Linen Sprays
Sleepy Time
18 drops patchouli, 12 drops wild or sweet orange, 12 drops frankincense.
Lavender Orange
25 drops lavender, 25 drops sweet or wild orange.
Deep Sleep
25 drops lavender, 25 drops cedarwood.
Clear Breathing Linen Sprays
Mountain Air
15 drops cedarwood, 15 drops lavender, 15 drops tangerine.
Lavender Lemon Rosemary
20 drops lavender, 20 drops lemon, 10 drops rosemary.
Mint Explosion
20 drops peppermint, 12 drops spearmint, 5 drops wintergreen.
More Essential Oil Resources
Explore other DIY recipes and ideas for using essential oils, including foot cream, diffuser necklaces, roller bottle blends, sugar scrubs, kid-safe bug spray options, and diffuser blend collections for energy, relaxation, sleep, and seasonal themes.
Join the Community
For more recipes, tips, and ideas, consider joining relevant social communities or subscribing to newsletters dedicated to essential oil fans.
Please note: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Products and information on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a medical professional for personal medical advice.
Disclaimer: Some product mentions may be affiliate-related. If you purchase through an affiliate link, a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.