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Using fragrance oil to make a home-made linen spray made is a fantastic way to freshen up your home, giving fabrics a clean and inviting scent. Whether you want to spritz your bedding, curtains, or clothing, a homemade linen spray is an easy, cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. The best part? You can customise it with your favourite fragrance oil, ensuring it perfectly suits your taste.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make your own linen spray, including the correct way to measure oils and the legal considerations around CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations in the UK. By the end, you'll have a full understanding of how to create a professional-quality linen spray safely and effectively.
What is a Linen Spray?
A linen spray is a light, fabric-friendly mist that adds a fresh scent to textiles. Unlike air fresheners, which are designed for open spaces, linen sprays are formulated to cling to fabric without staining or damaging the material. They are an excellent alternative to heavily perfumed sprays, as they provide a subtle and lasting aroma.
Linen sprays can be used for:
Freshening up bed sheets before sleep
Adding a pleasant scent to towels and upholstery
Refreshing clothing between washes
Creating a spa-like atmosphere in your home
Removing musty odours from stored textiles
A well-made linen spray can enhance the ambiance of your home while also providing a comforting and relaxing fragrance experience.
Ingredients & Equipment Needed
To make a high-quality linen spray, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
Distilled Water (97-99%) – Reduces the risk of bacteria growth and prevents impurities from affecting the spray.
Fragrance Oil (1-3%) – The scent of your choice (measured in grams for accuracy).
Polysorbate 20 or Solubiliser (equal to the oil amount) – Ensures even dispersion of fragrance oil in water, preventing separation.
Equipment:
Digital Scales (for measuring fragrance oil in grams)
Measuring Jug (for accurate liquid measurements)
Glass or PET Spray Bottles (preferably dark-coloured to protect against light and prolong shelf life)
Mixing Spoon or Stick (to blend ingredients effectively)
Funnel (for easy pouring into bottles)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Linen Spray
Step 1: Weigh Your Fragrance Oil in Grams
For accuracy and CLP compliance, you should always measure oil in grams rather than millilitres. Different oils have varying densities, meaning 1ml does not always equal 1g. Using a digital scale ensures the correct percentage is used.
A safe fragrance load for linen sprays is 1-3% of the total mixture. For example:
If making 100g of linen spray, use 1-3g of fragrance oil
If making 500g of linen spray, use 5-15g of fragrance oil
Weigh the oil using a digital scale, then set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Oil with Solubiliser
Since fragrance oil is not water-soluble, it needs a solubiliser (such as Polysorbate 20) to blend evenly with the water-based mixture.
Use equal parts Polysorbate 20 and fragrance oil (e.g., 3g fragrance oil = 3g Polysorbate 20)
Stir thoroughly until the mixture turns clear and no separation occurs.
This step is crucial to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed and does not float on top of the water, which can cause uneven spraying or fabric staining.
Step 3: Add Distilled Water
Slowly add distilled water to the fragrance-solubiliser mixture, making up the rest of the total weight (e.g., 97-99% of the formula).
Stir well to blend all ingredients, ensuring a smooth and even consistency.
Using distilled water instead of tap water reduces the risk of bacteria or impurities affecting your linen spray over time.
Step 4: Bottle and Label Your Linen Spray
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into your spray bottles.
Secure the lid and shake well before use.
Allow the spray to sit for 24-48 hours before first use to ensure proper blending and full scent development.
Understanding CLP Regulations for Linen Sprays in the UK
If you plan to sell your linen spray, you must comply with UK CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations to ensure safety.
Key CLP Considerations:
Correct Labelling: If the oil contains hazardous ingredients, you must label the product with appropriate warnings.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Obtain SDS from your oil supplier to determine if hazard warnings are required.
Hazard Symbols: Some oils contain allergens or irritants, requiring hazard symbols on the label.
Ingredients List: If allergens exceed 0.1% of the total mixture, they must be listed on the label.
A compliant CLP label should include:
Product Name
Ingredients (including allergens if applicable)
Hazard Warnings (if required)
Pictograms (if necessary)
Contact details of the seller
If selling in the UK/EU, your products must follow UK REACH & EU CLP regulations.
Tips for Customising Your Linen Spray
Create Seasonal Scents: Try French Vanilla for Winter, Watermelon for summer, and floral blends such as English Pear & Freesia for spring.
Layer Scents: Combine complementary fragrance oils to create unique blends. Remember that you will need your CLPs to be professionally recalculated if blending fragrance oils.
Test Fragrance Strength: Start with 1% fragrance oil and increase to 3% if a stronger scent is needed.
Choose the Right Bottle: Dark glass bottles help preserve the scent longer.
How to Use Your Linen Spray
Shake well before each use to ensure proper mixing.
Spray lightly on fabric surfaces like bed linens, towels, or furniture upholstery.
Allow to dry before using the fabric to prevent damp spots.
Avoid spraying directly onto delicate materials like silk.
Using linen spray as part of your daily routine can help create a refreshing and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Conclusion
Linen sprays are an essential addition to any home fragrance routine, offering a simple yet effective way to keep fabrics smelling fresh. Whether you purchase a pre-made spray or create your own using luxurious oils, a quick spritz can instantly elevate the ambiance of your space.
For those who love crafting their own home fragrance products, House of Scent offers a range of high-quality oils perfect for customising your linen sprays. Check out our collection and start creating your own signature scents today!
