Instructional &
Informational Posts
She likes to save money. She likes to save the planet. Writer, Valerie McTavish, explores ways to do both at once. Each month she’ll have a new way to help you be true to your environmental and socially conscious self without breaking the bank. Caution: DIY projects ahead!
Marketing for perfumed room sprays and air fresheners is ridiculous.
Not only do they perpetuate the myth that clean smells like lemons or pines or a bed of flowers (clean doesn’t smell at all), they’re selling the idea that spraying synthetic fragrances (which may contain phthalates) into every space that you breathe is a good idea. And, if that’s not enough – the stuff is expensive!
We get that people want to mask bad smells or that a pleasant aroma can create a pleasant mood. Instead of coughing up big bucks for an aerosol can filled with chemical scents, save a few cents and do it yourself.
Natural room sprays are incredibly easy to make and will save you some serious coin. All you need is a spray bottle (upcycle an old one for Frugal Frog bonus points), a dash of vodka or rubbing alcohol and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Try to use a glass bottle that has a tint to extend the life of your spray.
Use any essential oil you like the smell of or visit a store like Saje to learn how to make a nice blend of scents. Just be sure to choose plant based essential oils and not fragrance oils – their names are similar but only the essential oils are natural.
Lavender is a personal favourite. Here’s what you need for a 200 ml spray bottle:
√ 1 tablespoon of alcohol
√ 30 drops of essential oil (use less for a milder scent)
√ Water to fill
Grab a small glass bowl and measure out your alcohol. Drop the oil into the alcohol and let it sit. The alcohol will break down the oil so it can mix with the water. If you try to make a virgin room spray, you’ll end up with an oil slick sitting on top of your water.
You’ll quickly notice that the smell of the alcohol disappears as soon as the oil is added. Once you can no longer see the oil in the alcohol (it takes about 10 minutes), you’re ready for the next step.
Pour the emulsion into your spray bottle, top it up with tepid water, give it a shake and spray to your nose’s content.
You’ll be keeping synthetics and chemicals out of your breathing space, cutting down on packaging (and your smelly house’s carbon footprint) and you’ll be saving money. How much moola? A typical room deodorizer or freshener starts at $5. The DIY spray in a recycled bottle will run you about $1.50 (less if you use rubbing alcohol).
Smells like big savings, don’t ya think?
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Valerie McTavish is a professional writer and video producer living ‘the good life’ in Kelowna, BC. She’s a long-time decision evader which she satisfies by letting a roll of the dice deliver her to spontaneous fun. Follow her adventures by chance at www.zufalladventures.com.
