Rosemary-Lavender Rug Cleaner
Long before wall-to-wall carpet was even an idea in some interior decorator's mind, people used herbs to refresh their flooring. In colonial America, a popular cleaning strategy (adapted from the European tradition of strewing herbs) was to scatter fresh herbs in a room and then stomp on them as a way to release the plants' essential oils before sweeping them up. Fortunately, you don't have to go to such extremes these days. Simply mix up a batch of this odor-fighting baking soda blend that's a great alternative to store-bought carpet fresheners. Combine the baking soda, rosemary, dried lavender, and essential oil, if using, in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let sit for several weeks so that the scents can combine. To use, scatter 1/4 cup (55g) at a time on carpet and let sit for 10 to `5 minutes to absorb odors. Vacuum as usual.
2 cups (440 g) baking soda
1/4 cup (13g) dried rosemary
1/4 cup (12g) dried lavender
10 to 20 drops lavender essential oil, optional
