The other day I mentioned that I was making up some of these handy little helpers. These little sachets are to be placed into the vacuum cleaner bag when you replace one in your vacuum cleaner. Then there is a pleasant, clean fragrance when vacuuming. Mary asked if I would share how to make them, so here goes. I believe I originally found the instructions on Tipnut, but I'm not sure. So I'll just share what I do.
You will need:
1/2 cup cedar shavings
1/4 cup dried lavender
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon baking soda
5 to 7 drops of essential oil (your choice)
Coffee filters
String
And here is what you do:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a glass container with a sealable cover.
Let stand for 1 week.
Stir up the mixture and place 3 tablespoons of it into the center of each coffee filter.
Gather up the edges of the filter so that if forms a little bag.
Use a piece of string to tie the bag securely closed.
Store the sachets in the same sealed glass jar until needed.
Instructions For Use:
Pop a sachet into the new vacuum bag each time you change it. When you vacuum, the fragrance from the pouch will fill the room.
If you prefer not to go to the trouble of making the actual sachets, you can simply add a few tablespoons of the mix into the new vacuum cleaner bag when changing it.
A few helpful thoughts: I found the cedar shavings in the pet aisle at Walmart. The smallest package will last a long time.
Our local natural foods store carries herbs and spices in bulk. That's where I got the lavender.
I used lavender essential oil, but you could use any blend that you like, and use more of it if you prefer a stronger fragrance.
Happy crafting and vacuuming!
The sachets sound delightful, but I’d be bummed to have to toss it with the vacuum bag. I was really thrilled once I learned that washing the vacuum filter eliminates all that funky smell in the air when vacuuming. I think I’ll make your sachet recipe for dresser drawers or the closet. Sounds like a great recipe, especially if I substitute fabric scraps for the coffee filters.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea to make them with fabric for dresser drawers or closet. Why not make them heart shaped for the coming season? That would be fun.
DeleteThe original instructions called for cutting up old nylons, or using cheesecloth, for the sachets. I could just picture the herbs and baking soda sifting out of either one of those and creating quite a mess, so that's why I use the coffee filters. But fabric should work well!
I almost washed my vacuum filter (it's a relatively new vacuum) the other day, but when I saw that it had to dry for 24 hours I changed my mind. I needed the vacuum cleaner again that day.
I didn't know you can add sachets to vacuum bags. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
You are welcome, Margie! Yes, I've been doing this (adding sachets to vacuum bags) for quite a few years.
DeleteThese sound great, but I'm with Vee. I'll use them for my closets or drawers. Thanks for the how to!
ReplyDeleteOh, you are welcome. As I suggested to Vee, maybe make them heart shaped to be pretty. We have found that these also work very well to put in with stored papers (like in a safe or drawer, etc.) to keep any musty smells away.
DeleteI bet your house smells lovely from the sachets! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt does smell nice but the scent does not linger for long. Still, it's a nice scent to have following one around while vacuuming.
DeleteWhat a great idea, Mrs. T! Thanks for sharing your homemade recipe with us. I was wondering where to buy the cedar shavings, and then you included the answer!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Kitty! And you know, if you made the sachets from fabric as Vee mentioned above, this could be a fun little hand sewing project to do with Cissy!
ReplyDelete