We all dream about that perfect night’s sleep. It can be frustrating when you feel like you can’t shut your mind off and wake up feeling groggy. If that sounds like you, look no further than this simple DIY Vetiver Pillow Spray.
Vetiver is an excellent essential oil to help you get a good night’s rest and wake up feeling energized the next morning. Not only is it a go-to oil to help calm the mind before bedtime, but it also is prized for its earthy, woodsy, smoky scent that is pleasant to the senses. Spray this mixture on your pillow before bedtime to help calm your mind and get a refreshing night’s sleep.
Please note, because the Everclear acts a preservative, this has a shelf life of 3-6 months.
Vetiver Pillow Spray
What you’ll need:
- 3 ½ tbsp water
- ½ tbsp Everclear
- 10 drops Vetiver
- 10 drops Ylang Ylang Complete
- 20 drops Mandarin
- 2 oz spray bottle
Add all these products to your cart
What you’ll do:
- Mix essential oils and Everclear in 2 oz bottle.
- Add water.
- Shake vigorously to blend.
*Tip: mixing the Everclear and essential oils first will help make sure the essential oils are properly emulsified.
If I don’t have Mandarin, what is the best substitute for what I have? I have Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Lemongrass, and a citrus blend.
Sweet Orange would be a great choice!
vetiver is a great one for sleep. I don’t much care for ylang ylang, so I substituted Juniper Berry.Such a calming presence in our bedroom. thanks for the great DIY
what can be substituted for the Everclear?
You can substitute the highest proof vodka you can find. Or you can use witch hazel and a 1/2 teaspoon of Polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier.
This sounds delightful since most every other sleep help recipe I’ve seen includes lavender. I’m looking forward to trying this out.
I have used this spray for several months and have made it for others. I substitute the everclear with witch hazel or vodka. I have had requests for refills! The vetiver put me off at first, but now I love it. And I love this spray.
Everclear is banned in 14 states in the US. It would be helpful in recipes if options were included for those that are not aware of this. Thanks!
Thank you for the feedback! In our more recent DIYS, we try to include an option for those who don’t have access to Everclear. For this recipe, you can use the highest proof vodka you can find or witch hazel and Polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier.
This sounds lovely. I think I will try it with lavender for the YY since I need to be kidsafe.
I have been using this without the Mandarin and it works great, I can usually get 5 hours of sleep.
Last night I added Amyris to the blend and slept 6 hours without waking up! This is a huge win for me!
Aren’t you supposed to put the oils into the Everclear first, and then add the water? Other sprays I’ve looked at you say to do that first. I follow these directions and it separates.
Hi Kelly, adding the essential oils to the Everclear first will definitely help make sure the essential oils are properly emulsified. We’ll update the recipe for clarity!
Does the Everclear act as a preservative in this? How long does this spray stay good?
Yes, the vetiver works as both a preservative and as a dispersant for the essential oils in this recipe. It should be good for at least six months.
Kristin, you mean the Everclear right? 🙂
Yep, it’s supposed to be Everclear, not Vetiver. Thanks for catching that!
I have never DIY anything with oils before, but if I can find some everclear it is happening. Vetiver is one of my favorite scents recently discovered and really seems to help me sleep better.
I’m a bit obsessed with wanting to make room sprays and now linen sprays after reading this post. I haven’t tried vetiver yet, but now I think I have to! I do love sweet slumber synergy and use it every night for my kids and now I need to make a linen spray for myself! Thank you for the recipe!
I love pillow sprays…this is going to be the next one …I hope to be making it soon! … what is the shelf life using Everclear?
Hi Dale! We recommend using this within two weeks. I hope that helps!
sounds like a great DIY! Hoping to try it soon!
It sounds wonderful! I’m currently using Sweet Dreams on my pillow case each night. I love it, but I might need to switch things up and try this.
I love Vetiver and was just looking for a DIY linen spray. Looks like this is it!! Reading through the other comments was super helpful; the blog is a great resource!!
I made this pillow spray over the weekend and I love it. Very easy to make. Was wondering if anyone used this recipe to make a perfume spray – tweaked with oils of choice.
looks like i will be buying everclear at 9 am…what will the neighbors think LOL
“Well you see, I’m making an essential oil blend…..
Thanks for the recipe! I ended up using Lavender and Orange in place of the Ylang Ylang Complete and Mandarin. Love the smell 🙂
Thanks for the idea to substitute Lavender for the Ylang Ylang Complete! I have the Lavender on hand, but it looks like it’s time to add Ylang Ylang to my cart.
I love Vetiver on a cotton pad under my pillow at night. Can’t wait to try this pillow mist. PT you are amazing.
Thank you! I’ve been wanting to make a pillow spray with Vanilla Oleoresin. Could I sub it in for the EOs here? Also, am I understanding correctly that witch hazel is not a good substitute for the Everclear or Vodka? I’ve seen mixed thoughts on that.
I have used lavender for pillow spray for years. Thanks for the recipe! I will have to make it next time I run out.
I love diffusing vetiver blends but never thought to make pillow spray. Now I know what I will be making while my kids are at school.
I have to try this!!!!
This sounds nice! I’ve got vetiver and I love the way it smells but for some reason none the oil recipes I use regularly call for it. I’m glad to find a fun use for it!
I live in Australia and googled everclear, but looks like I cannot find it here. Is there anything else, that comes close to everclear and is easier to get? Thanks
Corinna, any high-proof alcohol product would work for this recipe. If you would not like to use an alcohol product, just make sure to use a preservative and emulsifier to keep it safe 🙂 If you want to learn more about preservatives for water-based products, check out this blog: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/10/18/preservatives-and-essential-oil-diys-an-overview/
A high proof vodka would work.
If we didn’t add the everclear as a preservative, how long is the shelf life?
6 months is still really short isn’t It?
Tiffany, without any kind of preservative, we recommend keeping it for no longer than two weeks and to please store it in the fridge. Water-based products really benefit from a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungus. I’ll link a great article we have on it if you are interested in learning more: https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2018/10/18/preservatives-and-essential-oil-diys-an-overview/
What is Everclear. I’m familiar with all the essential oils. I am a big DIYer. Love making pillow sprays and using Vetiver for nighttime.
Connie, Everclear is a high proof alcohol 🙂
My 10yo uses Vetiver and Lavender in a roller several nights a week to calm his mind at bedtime. I can’t wait to try the pillow spray subbing the Ylang Ylang to make it kid safe of course.
I’ve made this for all the members of my family… Each person has their own bottle in their room… And everyone is still so impressed that it works and gives them a fantastic night sleep!! Thank you from the bottom of this Mama’s heart!!
So glad everyone likes it!! 🙂
I love this combo so much and find it so relaxing for sleep that after reading they are both great for the skin I am making a nighttime facial serum with this combo. Thanks for sharing PT!
Quick question, before I can make this. If I couldn’t purchase alcohol or would prefer not to because of religious beliefs, what could I substitute the everclear with?
Chesley, reach out to our aromatherapists at [email protected] for some guidance here. I know in the past we have recommended witch hazel, but recently have decided this is not an effective emulsifier at all, especially for a product that is going on your pillow next to your face. I’m sure they will have helpful information for you 🙂
Vetiver is my absolute favorite oil! This is the best stuff! I cannot wait to make this pillow spray. Thanks!
Thanks PT. This pillow spray is awesome. I made it substituting orange for the Mandarin. A few sprays on my pillows before bed, and I am asleep minutes after l get settled. I used the everclear 151 proof and the oils don’t blend with the water, so I just shake it well before each use. I would try the ever clear 190 proof next time. To answer Robin’s question about staining, I have not noticed any stains so far.
I love this pillow spray! Vetiver has the most styling power of all the oils in this spray, so I would probably go a little lighter next time. I never thought about using a pillow spray. This is a wonderful recipe and idea!
This one is super wonderful. Putting my head down on my pillow is incredibly soothing. I have made 3 batches now.. Thank you
HI a silly question I’m from Australia, what is everclear? do we have something equivalent here? thanks
Definitely not a silly question! Everclear is a specific brand of alcohol that is a neutral liquor and has a very high proof (120-190). If they don’t have anything similar in Australia, you can substitute vodka. Just look for the highest proof available.
Thanks so much. I will check it out at
This may be a silly questions, but my dogs sleep with me. Is this safe for them to be around?
Gail, that is not a silly question at all! Many people are concerned about the use of essential oils around their pets. However, currently animals and aromatherapy is a topic we are not all experts on–Yet! In the meantime, if you contact our team of aromatherapists at [email protected], they may be able to help you out more 🙂
I made this and love it! I spray it on my pillow and some sheets every night. It’s great!
I made this pillow spray and its just okay for me. I don’t find that it works as well as other pillow sprays i have made in the past. The ylang ylang is very strong in this blend and if I make it again, I will definitely decrease the amount of ylang ylang in it. I tried diffusing it as well and didnt like the scent at all
I made this and I did not use ylang ylang either as I am not a fan as it is too overpowering. I subbed lavender.
Over time I have been slowly replacing other brand EOs with PT brand and have been happy with each replacement. I have been putting off ylang ylang because I have so much left of another brand that I feel it would be wasteful – especially if I end up having to send it back. But, this blend sounds so great & I have been thinking of a new pillow spray – I may have to take the plunge. I do not like mandarin, but it could work in this blend. Thanks for the great recipe!
Need to try this! Vetiver is on my next cart! Trying a kid safe version of it with Lavandin.
I just got Vetiver and I will defenitly be trying this out, thanks so much!
I love the smell of vetiver and use it nightly in a roller ball diluted with a carrier oil on the back of my neck, wrists, and the bottom of my feet. I can’t wait to try the pillow spray. Vetiver has been one of my favorites to use for a good night sleep.
I love vetiver and use it nightly diluted with a carrier oil in a roller ball. I never thought of a pillow pillow spray . Thanks for the recipe.
I love the smell of vetiver and am excited to try this spray. I love the diy blogs- they are so helpful!
This pillow spray is awesome! I subbed lavandin for ylang ylang to make it kid safe. Awesome! My son keeps it by his bed.
That is a great idea for a substitute to make it kidsafe!
Oh! I have all of these oils! I am totally making this tonight!
This is a great recipe, I have used lavender in place of ylang ylang which also makes a nice blend.
Great idea! Thank you so much for sharing
I made this using Grey Goose vodka, ylang ylang and orange along with the other exact ingredients. I have sprayed my boyfriend’s pillow every night. It seems to work! He is sleeping and seems more focused. When this batch is gone, I will make more. The scent seems to sweeten/improve through the week.
I LOVE Vetiver and tolerate Ylang Ylang, but with the Mandarin, I think this will actually be perfect. I can’t wait to try it!
I hate the smell of Vetiver, but it does seem to help me sleep! I love ylang ylang, and I’m hoping with as strong as it smells, it’ll cancel out the smell of the Vetiver! 🙂
What could I substitute for the Ylang Ylang for a husband that barely tolerates to the smell of Vetiver as is? He prefers citrusy scents and I often add Vanilla Oleoresin to blends so that he find the scent more pleasing.
It sounds like you have a pretty good idea already about what to substitute the Ylang Ylang for. Any citrus will help soften the aroma of Vetiver, but stick with Orange (Sweet or Blood) and Mandarin as they are very soothing. If he enjoys Vanilla Oleoresin you can absolutely try to add that in, too. If you come up with a blend that you love, we hope you share it with us!
It looks like my vetiver is floating on top of the alcohol water mixture. I added additional Alcohol, however it still does not stay in solution. Am I doing something wrong? Also, I want to give some to a friend, but I am concerned it might stain due to the color of the vetiver. Does anyone knoe if this is an issue?
I am curious about the staining too. I am thinking about making this Pillow Spray but am wondering if it will stain. Anyone know?
It’s hard to find Evercleafr in Hong Kong. Is replacing it with rubbing alcohol ok?
Thanks!
You can substitute vodka for the everclear. Just be sure to use the highest proof you can get.
I will try this but leave out the Vetiver as it makes me a little too drowsy in the morning.
This pillow spray sounds great. I will have to give it a try. I wonder how it would be if I used Patchouli instead of Ylang Ylang. Patchouli is a relaxing scent but not as overpowering as Ylang Ylang. I might try it both ways and see which I like better.
Will have to try this…I have all the oils…Yay! I also like the idea of using the what looks like a vintage vinegar carafe for mixing and pouring…too bad I just got rid of mine last summer…I do have an old clear glass creamer though…I will try it next time…
I will definitely try it, sounds wonderful. I’m wondering if Everclear is still needed if I used distilled water?
Joanna, the everclear in this recipe is used as an emulsifier for the essential oils, so we would still recommend using it 🙂
I also see the video says to store in the fridge or add preservative, but the post says the etoh is a preservative?
I have had Vetiver in my wishlist since Christmas. After watching this video and reading all the comments, its definitely going on my next order. Night of sleep, here I come.
Will this stain? I’m concerned about the color of the vetiver. I made it and it seems to not want to stay in solution. The vetiver forms a layer on top of the water/etoh mix. Should it be separating?
I am also curious if there is a good substitute for Ylang Ylang since we have a toddler in the house? Maybe lavender or ho wood? Or just replace the water with Lavender hydrosol? Thank you so much for this recipe!! I’m excited to try it
Jessica, all your thoughts about replacing the ylang ylang are right on track! If you come up with a great KidSafe recipe, I’m sure everyone would love to hear about it 🙂
Can’t find Everclear, what can I substitute? Would love to make it as I am having trouble falling and staying asleep. I have everything except that. TIA
Barb, 100 proof vodka, cheapest brand works just fine. Everclear can be hard to find.
This sounds amazing! Would orange be a good substitute for Mandarin?
Absolutely!
Yes, I have the same question as some of the others….what is Everclear? Where do I get it? I didn’t know you had to add a preservative to DIY cleaning products made with water. Is ever clear good for all sorts of DIY products?
Thank you, this sounds great! Do you have a kid safe alternative to ylang ylang?
What can you substitute for the everclear?
What can be a substitute for Everclear? I have Polysorbate. Would that do?
I got vetiver for Christmas and I can’t wait to try this blend
is orange sweet a good sub for mandarin?
It sure is!
I made this after seeing it on the live. Retha wasn’t joking this smells amazing.
Can you let me know what I could use to make this kid safe? My 3 year old is a terrible sleeper and I’d love to make something to help her so that we both get more sleep.
Hayley, you would need to replace the Ylang Ylang in this recipe to make all the oils KidSafe…there are many other floral oils you can use instead, like Jasmine, Palmarosa, Geranium, Chamomile, or Neroli.
Ooh. I have all these oils and am always looking for great sleep/night time blends. Thank you PT.
Hmmm…it’s been quite some time since I’ve bought Everclear.
Hmmm….I might use Vetiver, Ho Wood, and spearmint and make the spray. This has been one of my fave diffuser blends for bedtime. Pillow spray might be perfect!
Wondering what to use instead of everclear? Vodka, witch hazel, or rubbing alcohol??
Vodka– The higher the alcohol content, the better. Witch Hazel is used in plenty of recipes but really does not emulsify very well, especially for a product being used on your pillow where you lay your head 🙂
If you wanted to use a different alcohol such as vodka or rubbing alcohol what would the alcohol content or proof need to be?
Oh this is perfect timing, trouble with sleeping from the full moon approaching so I wanted to make a bed spray. And love vetuver!
I can’t wait to get my vetiver so I can try this. Thanks for sharing.
Vetiver is my #1 night time oil, I’m very excited to try this pillow spray!!
We hope you love it!
Would lavendin be a good substitute for ylang ylang?
Is there a kid safe alternative to Ylang Ylang? My toddler likes to steal mommy’s pillow…
I absolutely love Vetiver for sleep. Can’t wait to try this pillow spray.
I use vodka as a preservative in my hand sanitizer and it works quite well. I doubt the pillow spray will last more than 6 months anyway, as we’ll all probably use it up quickly 😉
Would love to make but i dont have everclear..I would hate to have to go out and buy a bottle just for this when I only need a half a teaspoon. Is there any other alcohol that can be used was wondering about the vodka.
Vetiver is a favorite of mine to aid 8n sleep. I’m going to try this one for sure!
Where do you find everclear? Liquor store?? I tried looking it up, but there’s conflicting information on whether or not it’s illegal in my state. Is there something else you can use instead?
You should find Ever Clear in the liquor store. It is also known as grain alcohol, I would suggest you could substitute vodka if you can not find it.
Yes, Everclear is a liquor. It is usually used for making a party punch. I’ve seen recipes like this using distilled water instead of alcohol, it’s just that it doesn’t dry as fast on your pillow and the shelf life is shortened. Rubbing alcohol might be a good alternative but I’m not sure. Same for Witch Hazel, plus I’m not sure how that would affect the scent.
Kacie, in Virginia you can only buy Everclear with a permit. I use 151 rum in my DIYs. You won’t smell the rum and it works beautifully. Hope this helps.
I’m wondering the same thing.
Can I substitute vodka for the everclear?
Everything I’ve read indicates that I high proof vodka is a good substitute.
Yes, vodka would be a good substitute as far as I know, because it also has no added scent and dries fast.
I LOVE vetiver! This is going to be a must for me soon!
I may need to try this! I think I’ll decrease the amounts of ylang ylang as I find it very strong and not my favorite. But I do like diffusing it with Vetiver.
I have been wanting to try making a spray but was hesitant to get a preservative. This looks super easy, so I am excited to give it a try!
Thank you so much for the suggestion on a good night spray.
Just the reason I needed to order Mandarin!
Thank you, Plant Therapy! I am going to order 2 oz. glass spray bottles today because this sounds lovely! This looks like a super easy DIY. Thank you for sharing
This is really making me want to purchase some vetiver!
What’s a good substitute for Ylang Ylang Complete
I would love to know a good substitute for ylang ylang too so it is only using kidsafe oils.
Lavender would be a lovely KidSafe substitution for the Ylang Ylang 🙂