Make | Koromogae Linen Spray

Photography by Louise Gorrod

Koromogae is the switchover between the seasons in Japan: a chance to get out the clothes and furnishings you’ve had in storage, and carefully stash away the things you’ll no longer need for the coming months. This homemade linen spray will keep your clothes fresh (and moth free) until the warmer weather. Simply spritz sheets, clothes, towels, curtains and other fabrics in your home for a refresh that you can make in minutes.

Makes 1 bottle

You will need
90ml vodka or rubbing alcohol
20-30 drops of essential oils (see suggested combinations below)
350ml distilled water
Measuring jug
Spray bottle (at least 500ml)
Small funnel

To make…
1 Pour the vodka or rubbing alcohol into a measuring jug and carefully add your essential oil drops. If using a blend, rather than just a single scent, do it slowly so you can make sure you have a fragrance that you like.

2 Add the water and mix thoroughly.

3 Using a funnel, add the liquid to the spray bottle and screw the top on. Label the bottle and remember to shake thoroughly before using.

Maker’s note: If you use rubbing alcohol rather than vodka it’ll have a stronger smell and requires a more thorough shaking to mix the ingredients each time you use it. This spray will last up to one year – however, if the spray starts to smell differently, it’s time to replace.

Scent combinations to try: Lemon and lavender; Sandalwood and clementine; Rose, lavender, jasmine and sandalwood.

This project is from our Home Economics page which, this month, is all about the Japanese tradition of Koromogae - the seasonal switchover in the home. You can read more about it in our October issue.

Project by Karen Dunn, photography by Louise Gorrod.

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Make | Homemade Cleaning Wonders

Kitchen table potions to make spring cleaning feel that little bit more lovely

A good spring clean always makes us feel better. And, while no one is pretending cleaning and chores are anyone’s favourite way to spend their time, having some gorgeous-smelling homemade cleaning products to hand definitely makes the job more enjoyable. These wipes and all-purpose surface cleaner can both be made in an afternoon, ready to help you scrub, polish and shine your way to a freshly scented, sparkling home.

All-Purpose Surface Cleaner

Choose a scent that you really like for kitchen worktops, sinks and other surfaces. Maybe not your bed, though…

You will need:

500ml bottle with a spray nozzle

25ml Castile soap (we used

Dr Bronner’s with a rose scent)

Fill your bottle with tap water and add the soap (be sure to add the soap after the water, otherwise the mixture will become foamy). Attach the nozzle, spray the surface and wipe with a damp cloth.

Reusable Cleaning Wipes

Upcycle old bathroom towels into microfibre cloths. Hey presto! Use-again eco-wipes.

You will need:

125g distilled white vinegar

1 tbsp washing-up liquid

10 drops of essential oil of your choice

6 textile squares (approx

20cm x 20cm)

Glass container or jar with lid

1 In a bowl, stir together 250ml water with the vinegar, washing-up liquid and essential oil, then set aside.

2 Fold your cloths and place in the jar – you can add more cloths if it’s not enough to fill it. Pour the cleaning solution into the container – making sure all the cloths get covered and are damp – then screw on the lid.

Note: The wipes will last for about one week in an airtight container. Once they’ve all been used, you can simply wash them and repeat the process again and again.

These makes are just two of the ideas from our weekend project, ‘A Fresh Start’ by Louise Gorrod. You can find the other natural cleaning makes, including Toilet Fizzes, Oven Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner in the March issue, which is out now, or you can buy it from our online store.

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Make | Homemade Cream Cleanser

A good spring clean always gives us a bit of a lift, and making your very own, natural products will add an extra level of satisfaction

This fresh-smelling DIY cream cleanser tackles stubborn shower scum and helps lift rust from stainless steel. It makes around 230g

180g bicarbonate of soda
20 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil
3 tbsp pure liquid castile soap, plus more if needed

Equipment: Medium bowl, mixing spoon and an airtight jar

1 In a mixing bowl, combine the bicarbonate of soda and essential oils. While stirring, slowly pour in the castile soap and mix until it becomes a smooth paste.
2 Transfer to a small airtight jar or similar container to store. It can dry out over long periods, if that happens, add a little more castile soap and mix.

To use: Add 1 tsp or more to a clean cloth. Run the cream over the surface to be cleaned, lightly scrubbing until any dirt and grime comes away. Rinse or wipe the surface clean.

This project is taken from Home By Natural Harry: DIY Recipes for a Tox-free, Zero-waste Life by Harriet Birrell (Hardie Grant). Photography: Nikole Ramsay and Ed Sloane. We’ve featured more of the recipes in our March issue, including a glass cleaner and a stain remover.

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