I Put My Mom’s Best Room Freshening Trick to the Test, and Now I’m Using It Everywhere

For over a decade, my mom worked as a marketing director for a tea brand. During all those years, we got to try dozens of teas and herbs that we kept in our kitchen on a regular rotation. Because of their versatility, we often used some of the herbs my mom would bring home from work in various ways including baking, making agua fresca, and using them as the main ingredient for a natural simmer pot.

Because my mom also had the most useful and clever cleaning tips, she taught me and my sister to use certain ingredients to keep our home smelling fresh — including these herbs and teas.

Every time my mom brought home loose lavender or chamomile flowers, she would mix two teaspoons of either dried herb to a half cup of baking soda in a plastic baggie, shake it vigorously to mix, and then sprinkle it all over the living room rug. I was confused the first time I saw her do it, but once she began vacuuming the rug, I could immediately smell the difference. 

This mixture emanated a clean and floral aroma that wasn’t overwhelming, but was still pleasantly noticeable. The dried lavender mixture was more soothing, while the chamomile mixture was slightly earthy and a little sweet. 

My mom’s herbal trick is something I still do today — especially in between deep cleanings when I want to refresh the rugs in my living room and bedroom. If I ever want to give this mixture a stronger fragrance profile, I add in a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oils. I’ve also used this mixture on my mattress, letting it sit for a couple of hours before vacuuming it (this is one of my favorite practices before putting on fresh, clean sheets!). 

Using tea and herbs to refresh my home is a routine practice for myself, my mom, and my sister. These herbs have somehow managed to thread a bond between the three of us, even through something as simple and commonplace as vacuuming a rug. Even though we all live in different cities, my mom’s cleaning hacks, tricks, and tips help us stay connected — and every time I do it, I get a big whiff of home.