Spring cleaning ^[1] is in full swing this time of year, here are ten ways you can use herbs around the house to perk things up…

Fresh Herbs From The Garden

1. Carpet Freshener Recipe ^[2]: I like to use dried lavender, but I included other herbal mixes to try as well. This makes a big batch that will last quite awhile. You can cut the amounts down if you like until you find your favorite blend. To give yourself a small variety to choose from, you could split the recipe in three then add three different fragrance choices to each container/mix.
2. Mattress Freshener ^[3]: Using your blender, grind until fine 1/2 cup of dried herbs (try mint, lavender, lemon balm, etc.); Mix ground herbs with 1/2 cup baking soda; Sprinkle mixture lightly over mattress pad or cover then top with clean fitted sheet; Spread mixture more heavily on top half of bed where upper body rests to enjoy a consistent fragrance.
3. Freshen laundry with Homemade Lavender Dryer Bags ^[4]: Fresh and fragrant laundry can be achieved chemical free with easy to make lavender dryer bags. Using lavender buds gives the benefit of a natural moth repellent, sleep aid and a natural antibacterial.
4. Bugs-Be-Gone Bags ^[5]: The herb mixture helps to naturally deter and repel bugs and pests from the places you have stored the bags.
5. Herbal Cleaner Recipes ^[6]: Recipes for Thyme Disinfectant, Herb Disinfectant, All Purpose Cleaner and Lavender Soft Scrubber. Also try grinding dried petals or fragrant herbs and mix with baking soda.
6. Multipurpose Vinegar ^[7]: Use as an environmentally friendly air freshener. For another freshener, try a pleasing assortment of dried herbs and flowers to make homemade potpourri ^[8], keep in open bowls and shallow vases to freshen rooms.
7. Store off-season clothing with Sachets ^[5] and Lavender Wands ^[9] to keep moths at bay and stored clothing fresh. Tuck Lavender Sachets ^[10] in closets and drawers for naturally fragrant clothing, bedding & linens.
8. Firestarters: Pinecones and dried herbs such as rosemary, sage leaves, and cinnamon sticks make fragrant kindling for a winter fire. Bundle dried herbs and small pinecones in a sheet of newspaper and secure the ends with raffia or cotton twine; As you pile up logs for your fire, nestle the herb bundle underneath, with paper ends sticking out; To start the fire, light the newspaper ends.
9. Fill homemade trivets ^[11] and coasters with dried herbs, they’ll fill the air with a lovely scent when hot dishes and mugs are placed on them.
10. Consider growing a pots of herbs ^[12], you can use them for cooking and creating your own cleaners and fresheners–plus a thriving herb pot is also a lovely addition to any kitchen decor.