Versatile and fun to make, hoover discs can make vacuuming your space more of a dream than a chore. If you’ve made them before, or don’t have essential oils to hand, you may be wondering how to use perfume a substitute. The answer’s pretty simple, though there are tradeoffs. But these same tradeoffs can actually make your hoover discs more versatile.
What Are Hoover Discs?
Hoover discs are small, scented discs that you place inside your vacuum cleaner to release a pleasant fragrance as you clean. They not only mask unpleasant odours but also infuse your home with your favourite scents, making the cleaning process more enjoyable and rewarding.
What Scents Work Best When Making Hoover Discs?
The best answer is whatever works for you but you’ll generally want a naturally strong, volatile perfume. Higher concentrations, such as parfum and eaux de parfums are best. This is because perfumes are weaker than the essential oils usually used to make hoover discs.
In terms of what your hoover disc should smell like, the right answer is whatever works for you. If you don’t know where to start, start by choosing something:
Uplifting and energising
Citrus scents are clean and sharp, often having an energising effect that’s perfect for spring and summer. This can also be a pick-me-up for days you feel lazy or in a bad mood. Lemon, lime and bergamot are all tried and tested but you can also go a little indie with grapefruit or mandarin.
Natural and fresh
Floral and green perfumes evoke nature into your home, giving a cleaning effect that’s calming and less industrial than most supermarket options. Lavender, geranium, jasmine and bitter aromatics are viable options to achieve this effect.
Warm and comforting
Amber scents provide warmth and comfort after a cold, harsh day and are perfect for the winter and holiday season for this reason. Cinnamon and vanilla are gold standards but you can pair these with aromatics and other spices such as pepper and nutmeg for a layered effect.
How Do I Stay Safe When Making and Using Hoover Discs?
Remember to wash your hands carefully and thoroughly after making or handling your hoover discs. Do not eat or drink while making or handling them, and make sure the discs or their ingredients aren’t available to or ingested by pets and children.
Whatever perfume you choose, remember to consider the safety of your children and pets, and avoid ingredients that may cause irritation or allergies. Check with other household members beforehand if you do not know this, and ask which scents may negatively impact their mood and comfort.
How to DIY Hoover Discs with Perfume
Ingredients:
- Baking powder or baking soda
- Your chosen perfume
- (optional) decorative elements, such as petals and whole spices
- Small silicone moulds or ice cube trays
- Spoon or spatula
- Bowl for mixing
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine baking soda with a few drops of perfume. Start with a small amount of perfume and adjust according to your preference for fragrance intensity.
2. Mix the baking soda and perfume thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds its shape when squeezed.
3. Spoon the scented baking soda mixture into the silicone moulds or ice cube trays, pressing down firmly to ensure they are packed tightly.
4. Allow the discs to dry and harden for at least 24 hours, or until completely solid.
5. Once dry, carefully remove the scented discs from the moulds and store them in an airtight container until ready for use.
How to Use a Hoover Disc
To use your scented hoover discs, simply place one or two discs inside the vacuum cleaner bag or canister before you begin cleaning.
As you vacuum, the airflow will release the fragrance, filling the air with a pleasant scent. Store any unused discs in an airtight container to preserve their fragrance potency.
When you can no longer smell anything coming from your hoover, It’s time to change your hoover disc.
Will Hoover Discs Work in My Hoover?
To avoid damaging your hoover, or causing a blockage, it’s best to read your hoover’s manufacturing documentation before making your hoover discs.
How Will Hoover Discs Made With Perfume Differ from Hoover Discs Made with Essential Oil?
Please note that although hoover discs made with perfume can produce your favourite scent, in most cases they’ll have a shorter shelf life than those made with essential oil.
Alternative Uses & Repurposing for Hoover Discs Made with Perfume
Washing Machine Drum Deodoriser
If you used baking powder in your hoover discs, and you made your discs strong, they can help clean and scent your washing machine in one fell swoop.
Simply put one or more hoover discs in your drum, one or half in each compartment of your detergent drawer, and set on an empty hot wash for an hour or more.
The baking soda from your hoover disc and hot water will clean and deodorise the machine drum and internals. The perfume will scent your drum and spread into your kitchen if you leave the drum door open.
Air Freshener
Perfumes are more volatile than essential oils, making your hoover disc the perfect solid air freshener. The baking soda or powder has absorbed the perfume, so each disc provides a slower, subtler scent release compared to just spraying the air.
You can place your hoover discs discreetly around your space- perhaps in drawers and behind furniture. Consider using your hoover discs as decorative elements on your windowsill, table, desk or mantlepiece.
Bath Bombs
Hoover discs contain the same ingredients as bath bombs, though in different compositions. In a pinch, simply drop a hoover disc in your bath (made with baking soda) when you’re low on bath bombs, for a fizzy and fragrant effect. Baking soda makes water more alkaline, giving your bath water a silky and luxurious effect on your skin. If you added flowers and spices to your hoover discs, these will infuse and decorate your bath.
Conclusion
With homemade scented hoover discs, you can turn mundane household chores into a fragrant and enjoyable experience. By selecting your favourite fragrances and following simple DIY steps, you can infuse your home with delightful scents every time you clean, making the task not only more pleasant but also more rewarding.
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