Essential oils have plenty of properties and benefits. Unlike what many people may think, essential oils do much more than adding a fresh and invigorating smell to homemade cleaners. It’s quite the opposite actually; they have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which boosts the cleaning properties of household cleaners. Here are 5 essential oils that are best to use for cleaning.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is a wonderful addition to your homemade cleaning products. It smells great and has many health benefits. In addition, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. For this reason, it is a great addition to your homemade laundry detergent or dish soap.
Tea tree
Tea tree oil is commonly used against mold and mildew spores. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties are beyond compare. It is extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree and it has medicinal properties if used wisely. When it comes to cleaning, it helps eliminate bacteria, viruses and microbes. Infuse tea tree essential oil into your homemade disinfectant and your home will be free of germs and bacteria.
Lemon
The scent of lemons is so refreshing. A small bottle of lemon essential oil probably equals hundreds of lemons’ worth. As you know, lemons are acidic, for which reason they have disinfecting properties. Therefore lemon essential oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Use lemon essential oil to create a natural leather or wood polish by mixing ½ cup olive oil and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Lavender
Ah, the smell of lavender. Who doesn’t love it? It is generally soothing and pleasant. Like most essential oils, it does have antibacterial properties. If you don’t like the pungent scent of vinegar, add a few drops of lavender essential oil to boost its cleansing properties and to make the smell more bearable. When you hand wash your laundry, add a few drops of lavender. Make a DIY air freshener for your bedroom. It will help you to put yourself to sleep more easily.
Peppermint
There are so many benefits of using peppermint essential oil. It not only has antibacterial properties, but also a loverly smell. It helps to combat spiders and ants and also complements homemade deodorant sprays.
Things You Should Know Before You Start Using EOs:
Some essential oils are toxic when swallowed. They should be kept out of reach of children and pets. If unsure, pregnant women should steer clear of using essential oils, too.
Your pets are not safe around essential oils. If you have a cat or a dog, don’t infuse EOs into your cleaning routine or run a google search to see which EOs are okay to use around your furry buddies.
It is not recommended to apply undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin, barring lavender, rose geranium, tea tree and a few others.
Recipes with Essential Oils
Homemade disinfectant. Combine 2 cups of water (hot), ¼ cup of washing soda and about 10-15 drops of thyme essential oil. Shake the bottle. Spray and wipe down using a damp sponge or a cloth.
Oven cleaner. Preheat your oven on the hottest setting for about 15 minutes. In the meantime, mix together about 16 ounces of baking soda, ¼ cup of washing soda and ½ cup of salt. Add water until a homogeneous paste is formed. Turn off your oven. Apply the paste onto the inside of the appliance and let rest for half an hour. Fill 3/4 cup of white vinegar and 15 drops of lemon essential oil to a spray bottle. Give it a shake. Spray over the paste. Scrub and rinse. This recipe is used by many companies like Start CleanersFinchley.
Sink scrubber. Combine 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil, ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of washing soda in a container. Close the lid and shake vigorously. Apply onto a wet sink. Scrub. Rinse with vinegar. It will fizz. Finally, rinse off with hot water.
Are you ready to use essential oils for your green cleaning routine?
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Wow, I didn't know any of this about essential oils. There seems to be so many wonderful things to learn! Thank you for sharing this great post at Together on Tuesdays 🙂
Thanks for sharing these recipes! I love my essential oils.
I'm new to your blog, you linked up with our (Camille of a sorta fairytale) Friday Finds and Favorites. If you have a chance, please feel free to join us again. <3
Hi Anna, thanks for stopping by. Sure, I'd love to join you again. 🙂