You are likely already familiar with the use of essential oils for aromatherapy and relaxation purposes.
But did you know they can also be used to clean your home?
Tons of essential oils also have antimicrobial properties, which means they stop germs, viruses and bacteria and are just as effective as harsh chemical cleaners – with a much nicer smell!
Organic cleaning products
Today we are all reluctant to use potentially toxic chemicals in cleaning our homes.
Then the new trend is towards homemade cleaning products that are better for our health and our environment.
Here are just a few of the ways you can use essential oils in combination with other natural cleaning products to clean your home effectively, yet environmentally friendly.
Tea tree all-purpose cleaner
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural disinfectant that is ideal for making a DIY all-purpose cleaner for your home.
Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 10 drops of tea tree oil to 3 cups of water. Gently shake the mixture in a squeeze bottle to combine and use it on countertops, sinks, toilets, and anywhere you want.
You can replace many other great smelling essential oils like lemongrass, sweet orange or peppermint with tea tree, all of which also have antibacterial properties.
Citrus window cleaner
Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time to clean those windows and let the light in!
Mix 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and eight drops each of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and wild orange essential oils in a spray bottle.
Shake it well and use this lovely scented cleaning solution to wash and wipe all the windows. Sorted!
Sweet Orange Floor Cleaner
Many commercial detergents contain synthetic chemicals with fumes that can cause headaches and nausea.
A natural floor cleaner can be a much more enjoyable experience. So why not give a vortex?
Mix 20 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 1 cup each of alcohol and white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of regular dish soap in a bucket of hot water and wipe!
Lemon Carpet Shaker
If your carpets are getting a bit musty and dusty lately, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 20 to 30 drops of lemon essential oil.
Shake well and leave the powder in a tightly closed container for a whole day.
Sprinkle this powder on your carpets and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the next morning to get carpets that smell fresh and are as good as new.
Lavender air freshener
Lavender essential oil is perfect for freshening up bed linen and duvets or as a natural, wonderfully smelling air freshener.
Simply add 1 1/2 cups of water with 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of chamomile essential oil, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
Shake well in a spray bottle to combine and spray all over the house as a natural air freshener. You can also use it on bedding to spice it up, which leaves an amazing aroma.
For more information or to buy essential oils and accessories, visit kotanical.ie
