Getting Ready For Fall + Natural Dust Repellent Spray Recipe

As the colder weather approaches I like to take some time to prepare my home for the new season that lies ahead. Autumn can be such a wonderful time of year. Everyone starts to cozy up in chunky knits and warm wool coats. Tasty treats and the urge to bake start to poor in, and something happens inside me too where I begin to feel the urge to make my home warm and inviting. This means buying new candles, setting out warm blankets and slippers for myself and guests and starting my seasonal cleaning routine. I don't know about you, but Autumn is a time where I get this urge to clean and tidy things up before the weather gets too cold and I can't let the refreshing summer breeze into the house on a daily basis.

Here are some practices to help prepare your home for the changing season. At the end of this post I'll also be sharing a fun homemade recipe for a Natural Dust Repellent Spray.

1. Switch out summer clothing for your winter attire. Store summer dresses, shorts, tshirts, tanks, summer shoes and hats into storage bins and roll out your warmer pants, sweaters, wool coats, scarves, mittens, shoes and hats. Take the time to refresh your knits and woollens with an electric fabric shaver- I like this one HERE. This tool works wonders to help remove any of those pesky mats every wool coat, sweater or blanket produces.

2. Polish rain boots with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and spray suede boots, winter boots and wool jackets with water proofing spray. Two coats of spray should suffice.

3. Harvest fresh herbs and dry them for use in the winter months.

4. Donate anything you no longer want or need.

5. Make sofas & beds cozier with wool and fleece blankets.

6. Prepare your kitchen with winter hearty equipment. Time to switch the ice cream maker for your crockpot.

7. Take time to dust and vacuum away any remaining summer dust and sand. Clean baseboards and surfaces with a damp cloth & mild cleaner. I like to use my Natural Dust Repellent Spray for this. Find the recipe bellow!

Natural Dust Repellent Spray

This natural dust spray works wonders to help prevent dust from settling onto your house surfaces. With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have laying around your home, you can whip up a non-toxic alternative to some common household cleaning supplies.

For the spray you will need:

• A Dark Amber Glass Spray Bottle. This will help keep your spray fresh and lasting because we aren't using any preservatives in this recipe. Check out these spray bottles HERE.

• 1/2 Cup Distilled White Vinegar

• 2 Cups Warm Water

• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Approximately 10-20 drops of your favourite essential oil. I like lavender or lemon for this recipe but I'm sure other scents like pine also make for festive sprays.

• Stick on label

1. Begin by mixing the warm water and vinegar together then add in the olive oil. Poor the contents into your spray bottle then add your essential oils. Shake to mix before each use.

2. Label your spray bottle with a stick on label.

3. Before using your spray go over any surface with a microfibre cloth to remove dust. Next, spray the dust repellent over the surface and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. This spay can be used on all surfaces except fabrics (this is because of the oil content).

4. Store your spray in a dark space like under the sink cabinet for 1-3 months.

If you are interested in learning more about Natural Homemade Cleaning Products and how to integrate making your own, consider placing your name in my RSVP list for my upcoming Live Well Workshop where we will be doing just that! RSVP to help me determine interest about this workshop- doing so is free of charge and you will be invited to purchase a ticket at a later date. Thanks! RSVP HERE