While the provided reference uses dried lavender and essential oils, you can adapt this to incorporate fresh lavender. Here's a guide on how to make lavender room spray using fresh lavender, keeping in mind the need to preserve it and extract its scent:
Infusion Method (Recommended for Fresh Lavender)
This method involves infusing the lavender scent into a base liquid, typically alcohol, to extract the oils and fragrance.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Lavender Sprigs (about 1/2 cup, loosely packed)
- High-Proof Vodka or Everclear (1 cup) - Acts as a solvent and preservative. Vodka is more readily available, but Everclear is more potent.
- Distilled Water (1 cup)
- Optional: Lavender Essential Oil (10-20 drops) - To boost the scent.
- Spray Bottle (preferably dark glass to protect the mixture from light)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lavender: Gently rinse the fresh lavender sprigs and pat them dry. Lightly crush or bruise the leaves and flowers to release their aroma.
- Infuse the Lavender: Place the prepared lavender sprigs into a clean glass jar. Pour the vodka (or Everclear) over the lavender, ensuring the sprigs are fully submerged.
- Steep the Mixture: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. The longer it steeps, the stronger the lavender infusion will be. Shake the jar gently every few days.
- Strain the Infusion: After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, removing all the lavender solids.
- Dilute and Enhance (Optional): Add the distilled water to the strained lavender infusion. If desired, add 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil for a more intense fragrance. Start with less and add more to your preference.
- Transfer to Spray Bottle: Carefully pour the diluted lavender infusion into a dark glass spray bottle.
- Test and Adjust: Before using liberally, test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric to ensure it doesn't stain. Adjust the water-to-infusion ratio if needed.
Why This Method?
- Preservation: The high-proof alcohol acts as a preservative, helping to prevent mold and bacteria growth that can occur with fresh botanicals.
- Scent Extraction: Alcohol is an effective solvent for extracting the fragrant oils from the lavender.
- Longevity: While fresh lavender directly in water would quickly degrade, this infusion method creates a longer-lasting room spray.
Important Considerations:
- Dark Glass: Using a dark glass spray bottle is crucial. Light can degrade the essential oils and reduce the shelf life of your spray.
- Shake Before Use: Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the mixture is properly combined.
- Storage: Store the room spray in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
- Shelf Life: Even with alcohol as a preservative, a homemade room spray will have a shorter shelf life than commercially produced ones. Expect it to last for a few months. Monitor for any changes in smell or appearance. If it smells off or looks cloudy, discard it.
- Alternative base: While witch hazel is mentioned in the reference, it's less suitable for fresh lavender as it may not preserve the mixture as effectively as high-proof alcohol.
Direct Addition of Fresh Lavender (Not Recommended for Long-Term Use)
You can add a few fresh lavender sprigs directly to a spray bottle containing distilled water and a preservative like a small amount of vodka or a commercial preservative. However, this is primarily for visual appeal and the scent will be very subtle and short-lived. The sprigs will eventually decompose, so this is only suitable for short-term use (a few days). It's more of a decorative touch than a scent delivery method.
Conclusion
Making lavender room spray with fresh lavender requires extracting the fragrance effectively and preserving the mixture. The alcohol infusion method is the most reliable way to create a fragrant and relatively long-lasting room spray. Direct addition of fresh lavender, while visually appealing, is not recommended for extended use due to decomposition.
