Here's our Bathroom Month closer: this week Sara Kate went out and bought a few branches of eucalyptus, hung them in the shower, and w o w. Every time you take a shower, the hot steamy air opens up the eucalyptus and fills the bathroom with the great clean scent of the plant....
We'd never done this before, but it's such a great, simple, natural bathroom upgrade during these emotionally stressful last days of winter/first days of spring. If you want to bring a little more of the outside it, this will do it.
The eucalyptus is easy to buy in NYC as it's sold at many grocery and small corner grocers around town in the flower section. DON'T buy the dyed ones, however, just the natural ones. And the price? Best of all - cheap - @ $5 for what you see above.
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I love that, thx!
view Lizzykewl's profile
great idea....as usual ;)
view 335ktt's profile
Is this okay to do with cats? Does anyone know if eucalyptus is toxic for cats? I am getting conflicting answers online.
view Signe's profile
Just make sure your cats don't eat it - If it's hanging on your shower you should be fine. My bathroom smells great all of the time, and it's cheap($2.50 for a huge cluster at my Harlem flower shop).
view Pepperjo's profile
I just Google'd and it's toxic for cats. I could hang it where they can't reach--and you'd be surprised at where they can reach--but my concern is having the leaves fall to the floor as they dry out.
view Melinda's profile
Love it!
view jooly's profile
okay, well if it is toxic for cats, it isn't worth the risk (bummer) because my cats would spend all day trying to get it down.
view Signe's profile
That would remind me of living in Northern California. I love how scents can transport you to another place and time.
view art's profile
Could you do the same with lavender?
view JJJ111's profile
Seems like cat lovers could put the leaves loose in a small mesh bag and hang it high out of reach... then there would be no falling leaves. Not as pretty, and a little work to de-stem the eucalyptus bunch, but maybe worth it?
view porterjess's profile
Too bad eucalyptus gives me headaches.... could you do this with most hardly herbs ?
view BrookeinBoston's profile
Anyone have an idea about often it needs to be replaced?
view meatavious's profile
...about *how* often it needs to be replaced?
view meatavious's profile
I would guess replace them when they stop smelling or get mildewy.
view Jon_B's profile
I love it too! I am the one who posted my bedroom during bedroom month, with the branches of eucalyptus over my bed. Now I may try this too.
view Anthy's profile
I really love this idea, but is there an alternative - not only cat-friendly - but for someone who is allergic to eucalyptus? Neither of us is, but if my mom comes to visit, I'd hate to tell her she can't use my bathroom...
view lilithslair's profile
Not such an attractive upgrade when bits of eucalyptus start breaking off and falling into your tub or shower, clogging up your drain and giving the person in the shower something to slip on. Use essential oils or eucalyptus soap instead.
view Sydney's profile
A wonderful idea! Yeah I would also be concerned about it falling apart...maybe it could only be a temporary solution to odors.
view DMartini's profile
I've had my eucalyptus up in my shower for about a week now, and it still looks and smells quite fresh. I have not had a problem with the leaves molting yet, but will probably replace it in the next couple of days just in case.
view Jerith Bailey's profile