📖 Instructions

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need a clean spray bottle (preferably glass), distilled water, fresh strawberries, lemons, vodka (optional, but helps preserve the scent), and a strainer.
2. Prepare the strawberries: Wash about 4-5 medium-sized strawberries and remove the stems. Roughly chop them into smaller pieces; this helps release their lovely fragrance.
3. Muddle the strawberries: Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and gently muddle them with a spoon or fork. You're not trying to make a smoothie, just bruise them a bit to release their juices. I find that lightly smashing them between existential dread-fueled panic attacks works wonders!
4. Juice the lemons: You'll need the juice of one medium-sized lemon. Roll the lemon on the countertop to loosen the juices before cutting it in half and squeezing. Remove any seeds. If you're feeling fancy, grate a bit of the lemon zest into the bowl for an extra zing. I like to pretend I'm a celebrity chef while doing this. *chef's kiss*
5. Combine ingredients: In your spray bottle, add the muddled strawberries, lemon juice (and zest, if using), and one tablespoon of vodka (if using). The vodka acts as a preservative and helps the scent last longer; don't worry, you won't smell like a bar! I use Tito's, but hey, you do you. If not adding vodka, be prepared to use the spray faster. Otherwise, the mixture will go bad.
6. Add water: Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water. Leave a little bit of space at the top to allow for shaking.
7. Shake well: Close the spray bottle tightly and shake well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the strawberries are dispersed throughout the water.
8. Strain (optional): For a clearer spray, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any strawberry pulp. This step is optional, but it prevents clogging in the spray nozzle. Honestly, I'm too lazy for this step most of the time. A little strawberry pulp never hurt anyone!
9. Test spray: Before spraying liberally, test the air freshener in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't stain fabrics. I learned this the hard way with my favorite white curtains. Strawberry polka dots are NOT a good look.
10. Spray and enjoy: Spray the air freshener into the air in a sweeping motion. Avoid spraying directly onto furniture or fabrics to prevent staining. Reapply as needed to keep your home smelling fresh and delightful. If you find that you can't sleep from pure blissfulness, please seek medical assistance immediately! Just kidding. Maybe.