This series of posts is looking at everyday life, and taking note of little things we can do to keep costs low for our family. There are some costs we cannot control. If a grocery store wants to raise their prices on an item we buy, or if gas prices go up, sometimes we are just stuck paying the price they dictate. Other times, we can look at the way we do things and consider making changes that might lower our costs. As our family has grown, it has been a challenge to keep certain costs under control, but I thought I’d try to come up with some of the frugal habits we’ve adopted. Each post will share a simple tip that can help you serve your family frugally. Some might fit your family, others might not. And as always, I welcome your frugal suggestions!

I love a clean house, and I love a clean-smelling house. I used to spend money on Febreeze because I love the way my house smells after I spray the curtains and beds down. But I just have not been able to pay the price for a couple years now. I would use it up so fast, and I didn’t want to buy more, so I stopped using it altogether. Recently, I discovered an inexpensive way to get the same result.

I love the smell of lavender, and had recently purchased some lavender essential oil for something else. I think I paid $5 for a small bottle. I decided to fill a small spray bottle with water, add a few drops of lavender oil, and spray down my curtains. It worked! For several hours afterward I could smell lavender when I walked into the room. You could use peppermint oil or orange oil, or get fancy and try to mix a few oils together. I think I might try a peppermint spray around Christmas time. Though the small bottle costs a few dollars, it goes a long way using only a few drops at a time. I could probably get 20 bottles of spray out of that small bottle of oil. Do keep in mind that some essential oils are more expensive than others, like this rose oil for $70!!!

Another bonus about this spray is that it’s chemical free. Just water and natural oils, so it is perfectly safe. The kids could even help you spray it around the house!