This post is dedicated to my sister-in-law Marie, for whom I made these dryer sachets a couple of years ago. She is my cloth-diapering-partner-in-crime and at the time we were working on tactics for keeping things fresh. She wrote to me recently to tell me her sachets have long since lost their scent and could I please tell her how to make some more?

So I had to resist the strong urge to hole myself up in the basement sewing room right that very instant and make a million more. BECAUSE, I am in love with this new book and all of it’s clever ideas, AND it includes a simpler version of the dryer sheet that requires no sewing (sadly).

But first, more on the book. Right off, doesn’t the title just grab you? I mean who doesn’t want a naturally clean home? Until it dawns on you that the title doesn’t actually mean your home cleans itself. But still.

This book is full of recipes for cleaning every room in your home (and even your car) in an Earth-friendly, non-toxic, aromatic way. It really speaks to my Native American roots. And for that reason alone, I am utterly unable to resist.

I can just envision some icy winter day ahead when I will just be itching for some crafty project with which to while away the hours. I will measure, mix, pour and pretty much be in heaven with all of the lovely essential oil goodness wafting from my kitchen island.

The problem is, I don’t actually own this book, as it is on loan from a friend. So, I am promptly adding it to my birthday list (ahem, all my family people reading this blog).

And speaking of family people, here are some yummy ideas for freshening up your diapers, linens and things, Marie. And for you, Anyone Else Reading This Blog. Enjoy!

p. 97: Dryer Sheets
The idea is clever and simple — natural dryer sheets can be made from a scrap of cotton cloth and 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Using more may actually soil your newly washed laundry. Here are some interesting combinations you could try:

Cedar and patchouli for a masculine, woodsy scent
Rosemary and thyme for an earthy scent
Geranium and neroli (orange blossom) for a floral scent
Peppermint and eucalyptus for cold sufferers
Jasmine and ylang ylang for a romantic scent
Sweet orange and lemon for a refreshing scent
Chamomile and hyssop for a relaxing effect (helps insomnia!)

Cut a scrap of cotton cloth into a small square (about 4 inches), and add 3 to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Toss into the dryer with the rest of the laundry. You can use the same cloth two or three times, each time refreshing it with 3 more drops essential oil. After that, wash the cloth and it’s ready to be used again.