Lavender Linen Water

There is no reason ironing has to smell like hot fabric. This gorgeous scented ironing spray will not only make ironing easier but your laundry will smell beautiful too.  If you have lavender growing in your garden (and it's the scented variety) or roses then all you need is a few minutes and a little vodka (or witch hazel if you have it - either will work) to make your very own scented linen water.

You will need:
1 cup of lavender flowers (or unblemished rose petals for rose water)
large saucepan with a domed lid
3 cups of water (distilled if you have it)
Pyrex or other heatproof bowl
2 or 3 cups of ice cubes
3 tablespoons vodka
a spray bottle

Step 1. Put the bowl into the centre of the saucepan and sprinkle the flowers all around it.

Step 2. Put the pan lid on upside down and fill it with ice cubes. Bring the water to a simmer.

Step 3. Steam will condense on the cold underside of the lid before running down it and dripping into the bowl in the middle of the pan. Replace the ice as required, and collect the water from the bowl as you go. Do not let the pan boil dry.

Step 4. When most of the liquid in the base has evaporated, remove from the heat and leave to cool. The condensation will continue to drip into your bowl. Add the vodka to the bowl and stir. Pour into a clean spray bottle and use when ironing.

For delicate fabrics, patch-test a small area before spraying to make sure it doesn't mark. Store in a cool dark place for up to six weeks.

Cost: Approximately $1.70