Clean and Green: How to Use Essential Oils for Natural Household Cleaning

Benefits Of Using Essential Oils In Cleaning

Personally, I have always loved essential oils which is why our original business involved selling handmade soaps using only true essential oils and no fragrances. (I still make soap for family and friends) Essential oils are not only great for your skin, they are a versatile and natural way to clean and freshen up your home. Not only do they have powerful antiseptic properties, but they also have a pleasant scent that can leave your home smelling fresh and clean. 

Generally speaking I have always found essential oils to be a cost effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical cleaners. When it comes to essential oils, a little bit goes a long way- they are very powerful and the scent is very strong. The best part about these top 4 essential oils for cleaning is that they also tend to be some of the most accessible (often found in supermarkets and local chemists) and the most inexpensive of the essential oils. 

If you would like to learn a bit about essential oils and what they are, visit our blog: Essential Oils- What Are They?

The 4 Top Essential Oils for a Green and Clean Home

1. Tea Tree Oil: 

Top of the list of essential oils for cleaning is tea tree oil. It has powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that make it an excellent choice for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. It can be used to clean kitchen counters, bathrooms, and even laundry. 

2. Lemon Essential Oil: 

Another great choice for cleaning, Lemon essential oil has a fresh, citrusy scent that can help to freshen up any room. Its natural disinfectant and anti-microbial  properties make it a fantastic addition to your cleaning solutions. It's also a natural solvent, making it perfect for cleaning kitchen appliances and removing grease stains. 

3. Peppermint Essential Oil: 

Peppermint oil has an invigorating scent can help to wake you up and boost your energy levels. It's also anti-microbial and great for repelling insects, making it an excellent choice for indoor and  outdoor cleaning. 

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil  has a fresh, minty scent and can help to clear the air and reduce allergies. It is an antibacterial and helps neutralise odours. It is also a powerful natural solvent and can be used to remove sticky labels and grease and grime from appliances etc. It's great for repelling insects, making it an excellent choice for outdoor cleaning. 

 

 

 

How To Make A Natural Cleaning Solution

If you would like to give cleaning with essential oils a try, check out this simple recipe for a natural all-purpose cleaner that can be used for various cleaning tasks around the house:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (such as lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or a combination)

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix together the water and white vinegar.
2. Add 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to the spray bottle.
3. Close the bottle and shake well to combine the ingredients.
4. Spray the solution on the surface you want to clean, and then wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth.
5. For extra cleaning power, you can sprinkle from baking soda on surfaces such as the stove top or shower before spraying with the solution and wiping clean. The baking soda will be activated by the vinegar in the solution and help to lift tough grease and scum off surfaces.
6. Store your cleaning solution in a cool, dark place, and shake well before using.

Note: it's important to test the solution on a small inconspicuous area before using it on a large surface, especially on colored surfaces. 

It's also important to note that when using essential oils for cleaning, it's always best to use a high-quality, pure oil and to follow the recommended guidelines for usage. Some essential oils can be toxic if ingested, so it's important to keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

Why not try incorporating essential oils into your cleaning routine and see how they can help to keep your home fresh and clean.

Do you have any favourite essential oil recipes for cleaning? Let us know in the comments section below!