Spring Cleaning With Herbs

Spring Cleaning With Herbs and Essential Oils

By Karen Hegre

Cleaning out drawers and closets...rearranging them to match the new season, and storing winter clothes is a spring ritual at most homes. First, I empty the drawers, vacuum out any debris, wipe them with a damp cloth, then spritz them with the following Drawer Spray;

two ounces isopropy alcohol

one half teaspoon sandalwood e.o.(essential oil)

one teaspoon tangerine e.o.

one half teaspoon Peru balsam e.o.

One eighth spruce e.o.

one eighth lavender e.o.(or more if you prefer)

two ounces distilled water.

Pour the isopropyl alcohol into a glass spray bottle and add the oils. Add the water and shake to mix.

Before using, first test the spray on a small section of a drawer before using as alcohol can dissolve a shellac finish. If the finish is unharmed, spray the empty drawer and allow it to dry before replacing the clothes.

Drawers and Closets

Use the following blend in drawers and closets, particularly where woolens and furs are stored.

Make sure the herbs are dried completely...then chop or crush them before blending;

4 cups lavender flowers

2 cups peppermint leaves

2 cups rosemary leaves

1 cup patchouli leaf

1/2 cup whole cloves

1/4 cup thyme leaves

Make some sachets and fill with the herb blend. Hang in closets and tuck in drawers.

Spice Sachet Blend:

6 cups oakmoss

one cup each black peppercorns, allspice berries and cinnamon chips

one fourth cup aniseed

two tablespoons cloves

(sandalwood and ginger would also be nice additions to this recipe)

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fill sachets and hang in closets and tuck in drawers. I use spice sachets in my kitchen towel drawer.

More Oil Uses

Place a drop of your favorite essential oil on a scrap of fabric or handkerchief. Toss it into the dryer with your clothes or sheets.

Use a drop or two of orange oil on a paper coffee filter to remove glue or masking tape residue from windows.

Scent the filter bag of your vacuum cleaner with a drop or two of a fresh-smelling essential oil.

About The Author

Karen Hegre

I feel very fortunate to have met Karen, and to be able to share her wonderful crafts and herbal inspiration with our visitors. She has a gentle soul and contributes not only her words but encouragement as well.

Karen is a Master Gardener specializing in herbs, a mom and grandma. She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers. They are open to the public May through September.

Karen owns several discussion lists, which we have listed below with the subscription information. All are free to join and a joy to be a member of!

Karen's Herbal Kitchen: A list for exchanging herbal recipes! Click Here to subscribe.

Nature Crafts: This is a list for those who enjoy crafting with Nature and want to learn more!! We will share projects, learn ways of preserving those natural items and much more. Click Here to subscribe.

Keepers Of the Gardens: This list is a 'learning & sharing' list on how to create beautiful back yard habitats for birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife including bees, dragonflies, frogs, toads & other friendly insects & reptiles. Click Here to subscribe.

Aromatherapy One-0-One: This is a list for learning the basics of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. A friendly place for questions and ideas... a place where we can learn from each other. Click Here to subscribe.

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