What is Lavender Water?
Lavender water is a versatile product made from the essential oil of lavender flowers diluted with water. It has a light, fresh, floral scent and can be used in a variety of ways. Lavender water can be used as a perfume, linen spray, room freshener, facial toner, or soothing skin product. It’s made by combining lavender essential oil with distilled water. The oil is very concentrated, so only a small amount is needed to scent and enrich the water.
Making Lavender Water
There are a few simple methods to make lavender water at home:
- Add several drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake well before each use.
- For a stronger lavender scent, use 2-3 tablespoons of lavender essential oil per cup of distilled water. Mix together in a glass jar or bottle.
- You can also add a tablespoon of vodka or other clear spirit as a preservative.
- For facial use, add 1 teaspoon lavender oil and 1 teaspoon witch hazel per cup of distilled water.
The ideal lavender water dilution is approximately 1-2% essential oil to water. Start with a lower concentration and adjust to your desired strength. Be sure to always use pure, undiluted lavender oil.
How Long Does Lavender Water Last?
The shelf life of lavender water depends primarily on how it is made and stored. There are a few general guidelines:
Simple Flower Water
A simple homemade spray made by adding several drops of lavender oil to water will last approximately 2-4 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dark place and shake before each use. The scent will fade over time. After a month it’s best to remake a fresh batch.
Preserved Flower Water
Adding a small amount of vodka or other clear spirits will help lavender water last longer, approximately 2-3 months. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative. Store in a sealed container out of sunlight. Shake before use and refresh it when the scent starts to dissipate.
Commercial and High-Quality Lavender Water
Professionally made lavender water and high-end natural brands use additional preservatives and quality extraction methods. Unopened, it can last 6 months to 1 year or longer. Once opened, it will last 3-6 months with proper storage. Keep containers tightly closed and away from heat and light.
Signs Your Lavender Water Has Expired
Watch for these signs that your lavender water should be replaced:
- The scent is very faint or absent
- You see mold or bacteria inside the bottle
- The color has changed or become cloudy
- It irritates your skin when used
As long as it smells pleasantly floral and remains clear, lavender water is still good to use. But be sure to remake it once the aromatic compounds have faded.
How to Store Lavender Water Properly
To get the longest lifespan from your lavender water, store it correctly:
- Keep in a sealed glass bottle, away from sunlight and heat.
- Avoid plastic containers which can degrade the aroma over time.
- Store in a cool, dark cabinet or drawer. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life further.
- Keep air contact to a minimum once opened. Fill bottles fully and replace lids tightly.
Exposure to light, oxygen, and high temperatures will cause the essential oils to deteriorate faster. Follow these tips and refresh your lavender water before the scent fades.
Reusing Lavender Water Bottles
Glass bottles used for lavender water can be reused many times. Be sure to wash thoroughly before remixing a fresh batch. Here are some tips:
- Wash with hot soapy water and rinse several times. Allow to fully dry.
- Remove any oil residue by adding a bit of rubbing alcohol and shaking vigorously. Rinse again.
- For plastic spray bottles, replace the pump mechanism when remaking lavender water. The inner straws may harbor old oil.
- Consider using one bottle exclusively for rose water, another for lavender, etc. to prevent cross-scenting.
- Alternate glass and plastic bottles – glass for short term, plastic for longer storage.
With proper care, most containers can be reused many times. Just be diligent about thoroughly cleaning prior to refilling.
Using Lavender Water Before It’s Gone
Try to use up lavender water before it expires. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
- Linen spray – Mist on pillows, sheets, towels, and clothes.
- Air freshener – Refresh stale air by spraying liberally in a room.
- Facial toner – Gently cleanse and calm skin by applying with cotton pad.
- Body splash – Spritz over skin as a refreshing perfume.
- Dry hair scent – Lightly mist on dry hair for a lingering scent.
- Room diffuser – Add to water in ultrasonic aroma diffusers.
Try combining lavender water with other floral waters like rose, neroli, or chamomile. Mix into hair and skin care recipes too. With regular use, you can enjoy lavender water before it needs to be replaced.
Signs Your Lavender Water is Still Good
When stored properly, lavender water can last months. Here are some signs it is still fresh and usable:
- It has a light floral aroma when you open the bottle.
- The liquid inside remains clear rather than cloudy.
- It does not smell sour, moldy, or make you sneeze.
- Your skin feels soothed and refreshed after use.
Trust your senses. As long as it seems, looks, and smells pleasant, lavender water is likely still perfectly good to enjoy.
How to Make Lavender Water Last Longer
You can extend the shelf life of your homemade or store-bought lavender water with these helpful tips:
- Use pure essential oils – avoid artificially scented fragrance oils.
- Start with the highest quality distilled or spring water.
- Keep air contact to a minimum by filling containers fully.
- Add a small amount of vodka or witch hazel as an optional preservative.
- Store in glass bottles out of direct light and heat.
- Consider refrigeration for longer lasting lavender water.
- Reuse bottles only after thoroughly cleaning.
With proper storage and some natural preservatives, you can keep lavender water fresh and usable for up to a year. Follow these guidelines for maximum longevity.
Making Large Batches of Lavender Water
For lavender lovers or commercial use, you may want to make large batches. Here are some tips:
- Use a large glass jug or divide between smaller bottles.
- Increase the essential oil ratio slightly – 3% for large batches.
- Add 2 teaspoons vodka or witch hazel preservative per cup of water.
- Label each container with the date created.
- Store most bottles away from light; keep one small bottle handy.
- Plan to remake a fresh batch every 2-3 months.
When making lavender water in bulk, be sure to keep the majority in ideal dark, cool storage to maintain freshness. Then refill handy spray bottles as needed.
Purchasing Lavender Water
Looking to buy pre-made lavender water? Here’s what to look for:
- Check the ingredients – only lavender oil and water should be listed.
- Look for the Latin name Lavandula angustifolia which indicates true lavender.
- Seek out brands using steam distillation not solvent extraction.
- Avoid added artificial ingredients or fragrance oils.
- Less is more – a light scent is ideal for versatility.
- Buy small bottles first to test quality and fragrance.
Opt for authentic, artisanal lavender water from reputable manufacturers for the best aroma, purity, and longevity.
Uses for Lavender Water
There are so many great uses for lavender water. Here are some top ways to use it:
Around the Home
- Linen spray for sheets, towels, and pillows
- Room and air freshener
- Natural cleaning spray
For Yourself
- Facial toner, cleanser, and makeup remover
- Relaxing bath splash
- Body perfume and deodorant
- Hair perfume and detangling spray
Health and Wellness
- Aromatherapy and skin soothing
- Meditation and relaxation aid
- Natural bug and insect repellent
- Pet perfume and fur deodorizer
In Recipes
- Flavoring in drinks, desserts, and teas
- Component of infused vinegars, oils, and honeys
- Add to lotions, creams, soaps, and bath bombs
Lavender water is wonderfully versatile. Keep a spray bottle handy to elevate your homemade products, cleaning, and daily routines.
Downsides of Lavender Water
Lavender water is generally very safe and pleasant to use, but there are a few potential downsides:
- Essential oils can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
- The scent may be too light or fade too quickly.
- It doesn’t last as long as alcohol-based perfumes.
- Lavender allergy is possible, though very rare.
- Improperly made lavender water breeds bacteria.
Perform a skin test before liberal or facial use. Opt for high-quality oils and proper storage. Consider combining lavender water with vodka or witch hazel to help it last longer.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lavender water:
Does lavender water expire?
Yes, lavender water does expire and should be replaced every few months. The essential oil aroma fades over time. Discard and remake lavender water if the scent becomes very faint or odd.
Should I refrigerate lavender water?
Refrigeration can help homemade lavender water last a bit longer, but isn’t required. Keep it in the fridge if you make large batches that will last over 2 months.
Can I use lavender water on my face every day?
Yes, lavender water is very gentle and ideal for daily facial use. Mist skin as a toner or makeup setting spray. Pat on with cotton pads to cleanse and soothe. Always do a patch test first.
How long does unopened lavender water last?
Unopened, commercially prepared lavender water may last up to 1 year if properly stored away from heat, light, and oxygen. Once opened it will last about 3-6 months.
Does lavender water repel insects?
Lavender essential oil does have natural bug repelling properties. Spray lavender water on exposed skin or mist around doorways to help deter mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.
Conclusion
Lavender water is an easy floral refreshment for home and body. With proper storage it can last 2-3 months, or up to a year for commercial preparations. Keep it in cool, dark bottles and refresh when the bright aroma fades. Add some to your self-care and cleaning routines and enjoy this versatile flower water.