We hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day! If you received flowers from your loved ones we have some DIY tips on how to make them last longer.

Pop: Don’t throw away those last drops of your pop! Pour about 1/4 cup into the water in a vase full of cut flowers. The sugar in the pop will make the blossoms last longer. If you have a clear vase and want the water to remain clear, use a clear soda, like Sprite or 7-Up.

Hair Spray: Just as it preserves your hairstyle, a spritz of hair spray can help your cut flowers look fresh longer. Stand a foot away from the bouquet and give them a quick spray, just on the undersides of the leaves and petals.

Aspirin: It’s a tried-and-true way to keep roses and other cut flowers fresh longer. Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers. Also, don’t forget to change the vase water every few days.

Bleach: In addition to the food, adding a tiny amount of bleach to the water — 1/4 tsp. per quart of water — will also help keep the water clean and clear and prevent harmful microorganisms from taking over. But please don’t use too much or you’ll damage the flower you’re trying so hard to preserve!

Listerine: Add 2 ounces of the mouthwash to every gallon of water will act as plant food and create a bacteria-fighting environment for the flowers. It’s also acidic like many of the other solutions, which helps water move up cut stems.

Thank you to our favorite flower shop: Moss Rivers Flower Studio in Hudson, WI for providing us with the beautiful photos. Check Moss Rivers out on Facebook and show some love!

Tips from Readers Digest