Essential oils when diffused create a Zen and spa-like environment with their invigorating aroma. With that being said, essential oils are more than just fragrance. Take advantage and use them whip up your own DIY home cleaning concoction. Here is a list of essential oils can be utilized to create a simple yet effective home cleaner without strong and harmful chemicals.
Eucalyptus
Do you enjoy the smell of nature? Eucalyptus has a woody scent with citrus undertones. Here are a few ways to incorporate this natural disinfectant and insect repellent into your DIY home cleaner mix:
- General disinfectant (can be used anywhere)
4 cups water (1000 ml) + 50ml eucalyptus essential oil - Non Toxic Insect repellent (spray around plants and home entrances)
2 cups of water (500ml) with 50 drops of eucalyptus essential oil - Floor Cleaner
A bucket of hot water + a splash of white vinegar + 2 capfuls of eucalyptus essential oil - Carpet/Rug Cleaner
1 cup baking soda + 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Sprinkle on carpet/rug, leave for 10 minutes and vacuum
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is often an active ingredient in facial products for oily skin, body wash, deodorants, hair wash and conditioners for its anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. The scent is similar to eucalyptus but more medicinal. Here are a few ways to use tea tree oil in terms of keeping your home fresh and clean:
- General disinfectant (can be used anywhere) + Non Toxic Insect Repellent
4 cups water (1000ml) + 20ml tea tree oil - Multiple Surface Cleaner (kitchen countertops, sinks, floors, bathtubs, mirrors, windows, etc.)
3 cups (750ml) water + ½ cup (125ml) white vinegar + 10 drops tea tree essential oil + 10 drops lemon essential oil - Moth Balls Alternative
Add a few drops (about 2 – 4 drops) to a cotton ball and store it in odorous places (shoe cabinets, inside of shoes, gym bag etc.)
Peppermint
This multi-purpose essential oil from the mint family contains anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, and a powerful refreshing scent, can be used as a natural insecticide and pesticide, that will help you with your maintain your home’s cleanliness:
- Multiple Surface Cleaner (mirrors, windows, stainless steel, toilet bowl, bathroom floor, etc.)
3 cups (750ml) water + ¼ cup (60ml) vodka + ¼ cup (60ml) white vinegar + 20 drops peppermint essential oil (or 10 drops peppermint + 10 drops lemon) - Non Toxic Insect + Spider Repellent
2 cups (500ml) water + 10 drops peppermint oil - Moth Balls Alternative
Add a few drops (about 2 – 4 drops) to a cotton ball and store it in odorous places/places where there tend to be pests such as mice or rodents (garbage bin, pantries, kitchen cabinet, home entrances such as doorways and windows)
Spearmint
Another member of the mint family, it has a fresh and herbaceous smell, similar to peppermint but softer. Here are a few ways to use its anti-bacterial properties to aid in keeping your home clean:
- DIY Home Cleaning Paste (stainless steel, sinks, bathtub, shower, toilet bowl, etc.)
1 cup baking soda + 1 tablespoon cream of tartar, 2 teaspoon (10ml) liquid castile soap, 1 teaspoon (5ml) water + 15 drops spearmint essential oil
*Use 1 – 2 tablespoons of the paste with a sponge/scrub brush and warm water to rinse - Non Toxic Insect Repellent (safe to spray on clothes too)
¼ cup (60ml) water + ¼ cup (60ml) witch hazel + 50 drops essential oil (10 drops spearmint essential oil + 20 drops lavender essential oil + 20 drops lemongrass essential oil) - Linen Spray
½ cup (125ml) water + ¼ cup (60ml) witch hazel + 40 drops essential oil (10 drops spearmint, 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops orange, 10 drops lavender)
Thyme
Thyme has naturally powerful anti-septic properties, combined with its strong herbaceous scent, making it ideal to use as a cleansing agent:
- Dishwashing Liquid (for chopping boards after cutting raw meat and fish)
1 cup (250ml) water + 10 drops dish soap + 20 drops thyme oil - Multi Purpose Cleaner (kitchen countertops, floors, bathroom, etc.)
1 cup (250ml) water + 1 cup (250ml) vinegar + 30 drops thyme oil - Non Toxic Air Freshener
2 cups (500ml) water + 1 tablespoon witch hazel + 6 drops of thyme oil
It is more ideal to use a glass bottle for these DIY cleaning concoctions as oils are corrosive to plastic. If your cleaning concoction contains vinegar, please be aware to not spray it on granite and marble surfaces. Vinegar is acidic and can disintegrate the stone overtime. Last but not least, use high quality 100% pure essential oils!