DIY Pillow Spray

Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 3:49 a.m.—eyes closed, body tired, but your mind running like a river after a hard rain? Thoughts piling up, sleep feeling just out of reach? You’re not alone. Sometimes it’s the weight of the day, sometimes anticipation, and sometimes—like in my case—it’s being 31 weeks pregnant with an active baby and an even more active mind.

That’s where this simple DIY pillow spray comes in.

Years ago, we used to order from a beautiful company called Neal’s Yard Remedies in England. Their products were lovely—thoughtfully made, beautifully packaged, and incredibly effective. But when we made the decision to live on one income, those little luxuries had to go. In one of our final orders, we received a lavender pillow spray as a gift. We all fell in love with it. It smelled divine. It felt special. And most importantly—it worked.

At the time, my girls were around three and four years old, and spraying their pillows became part of our bedtime rhythm. It added a sense of calm and magic to the evening, and I loved knowing they were settling into deep, restful sleep after long days of growing, learning, and playing. My husband and I noticed the difference too—our sleep improved in a quiet but meaningful way.

Long before modern detergents and commercial sprays, families freshened their homes—and especially sleeping spaces—with what they had on hand: herbs, resins, flowers, and spirits. The desire for clean, beautifully scented bedding is not a modern invention, but a tradition passed quietly through time.

The practice of scenting bedding and sleeping quarters is far older than most of us realize. As early as Ancient Egypt, perfumes and incense—most commonly frankincense and myrrh—were used to fragrance homes, clothing, and resting spaces. These scents were not chosen lightly. Perfumed oils, salves, and incense were believed to connect the household to the divine and were closely tied to ritual, reverence, and social standing. What we now consider a small bedtime comfort once carried deep spiritual and cultural meaning.

Eventually, the bottle ran dry. Instead of replacing it, I started looking into making my own—and quickly realized just how simple it was. No fancy tools. No expensive ingredients. Just a few traditional staples that have been used for generations.

Scent remains powerful. It has the ability to recall memory and emotion almost instantly—a phenomenon often referred to as the Proust Effect. When we choose natural, familiar scents at bedtime, we tap into something deeply human: the quiet comfort of a well-kept home, the familiarity of generations before us, and the gentle signal to our bodies that it’s time to rest.

This traditional approach is not only more affordable, but it also places you back in control of what touches your home and your family. Thoughtfully made with simple ingredients, pillow sprays are a practical bedtime staple—and they happen to make lovely, meaningful gifts as well.

What You’ll Need

4 oz glass spray bottle

2 oz distilled water

2 oz vodka or rubbing alcohol

50 drops lavender essential oil or a sleep-supporting blend (Plant Therapy Tranquil, Nighty Night, or Sleep Aid are lovely options)

Label (optional, but charming)

How to Make It

Step One

Fill your bottle halfway with vodka (2 ounces). Add your essential oils.

Why vodka?

While rubbing alcohol will work, vodka is the more traditional—and gentler—choice. It’s what our grandmothers would have used. Vodka dries without leaving behind a harsh scent and, because it’s made for consumption, it’s far less irritating to skin and bedding that comes into close contact with the face. Rubbing alcohol tends to leave a medicinal smell and can cause irritation with frequent use. There’s no need to splurge here—any 80-proof vodka will do just fine.

Lavender is a classic for good reason. It’s calming, grounding, and deeply familiar. That said, thoughtfully blended oils can offer additional support for staying asleep or achieving deeper rest. Choose what suits your household best—or experiment and make it your own. We love Plant Therapy and Now oils for their quality and affordability.

It’s also worth noting that while essential oils are derived from natural sources, not all are suitable for every season of life. Some should be used with care—or avoided altogether—around pregnancy, young children, and animals. Taking the time to understand which oils are safe for your household ensures that your bedroom remains a place of comfort, health, and thoughtful stewardship.

Step Two

Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water. Shake well and allow it to rest for a few hours before use. The spray will keep for up to six months. Store it away from direct sunlight, as heat and light can degrade essential oils more quickly.

That’s all there is to it—a simple, traditional way to freshen pillows and create a calm, restful sleeping environment using ingredients you can trust.

This pillow spray makes a beautiful, thoughtful gift—perfect for a new mother, a neighbor, a teacher, or anyone who could use a little extra rest. While it may begin as a simple DIY, it becomes something far more meaningful in the giving. Made with quality, time-tested ingredients, it’s the kind of gift you can feel good about offering—useful, thoughtful, and crafted with care.

Presentation is part of the story, so don’t rush it. Thrifted or vintage perfume bottles, soft tassels, and simple, beautiful labels turn an everyday bedtime ritual into something heirloom-worthy. I especially love finishing each bottle with a handwritten or calligraphed label—it lends an old-world elegance and quietly says, this was made slowly, with intention.

Even the simplest homemade pillow spray can become something special when it’s prepared to be used, shared, and truly enjoyed.

Simple. Traditional. Made with care—just the way things ought to be.