Looking for solutions on how to keep your home clean using essential oils? Essential oils contain antibacterial properties, making them an incredible agent for homemade cleaning recipes. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use essential oils, which are best for cleaning, and how to use essential oils safely.
Maintaining a clean and fresh home is essential for a healthy and inviting living space. While countless commercial cleaning products are available, many of them contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. A fantastic alternative to these chemical-laden products is using essential oils for cleaning. Not only do essential oils offer natural and pleasant fragrances, but they also possess powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Below, I share some of my favorite cleaning solutions using essential oils, offering a natural and practical approach to maintaining a clean home.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from various parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. These oils carry the distinctive aroma and properties of the plants from which they are derived. They have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits and have gained popularity recently for their application in household cleaning.
How to choose the right essential oils
Not all essential oils are created equal when it comes to cleaning. Some oils possess more potent antibacterial or antifungal properties than others. When selecting essential oils for cleaning, consider oils like:
- Lemon Essential Oil: Known for its fresh, uplifting scent and powerful cleaning abilities.
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca): A potent antiseptic with antimicrobial properties.
- Lavender Oil: Offers a soothing scent while also being antibacterial.
- Peppermint Oil: Known for its refreshing aroma and antibacterial properties.
4 DIY Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
Create a versatile all-purpose surface cleaner by combining the following ingredients in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil(s)
Shake well before each use and apply to surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and glass. The vinegar helps break down grime, while the essential oils provide natural disinfectant properties.
Best Essential Oil for All-Purpose Cleaner: Tea tree & citrus oils like orange essential oil, lemon or grapefruit.
Floor Cleaner
For sparkling floors, mix the following ingredients in a large bucket:
- 1-gallon hot water
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 10 drops of essential oil (e.g., lemon oil, pine, tea tree, or your favorite essential oil blend)
Add the mixture to a bucket and mop your floors as usual. The oils will leave behind a fresh, clean scent.
Best Essential Oil for Floor Cleaner: Pine is my favorite oil for cleaning my floors.
Dish Soap
Pour the flowing ingredients into an 18-ounce squirt bottle:
- 16 ounces of liquid castile soap
- 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils for cleaning (I use lavender essential oil in mine)
Fill the bottle with the castile soap and essential oils and gently roll the bottle to incorporate the oils into the soap.
Best Essential Oils for Dish Soap: I love to use lemon and lavender in my homemade dish soap.
Soft Scrub
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 5-10 drops of essential oils
- water
Combine the ingredients in a bowl and add enough water to form a paste. Apply the scrub to the surface and clean it with a damp cloth (I like to use a microfiber cloth). Rinse with water.
Best Essential Oils for Soft Scrub: I love using peppermint in this soft scrub. It’s invigorating!
Tips & Safety Precautions
- Always do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area before using any essential oil mixture on a larger surface.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, as some can be toxic if ingested.
- Avoid using essential oils on porous surfaces like granite, as they could potentially damage the stone.
- Store your essential oils in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency.
Cleaning your house with essential oils is a sustainable and eco-friendly option and brings aromatherapy benefits into your home. Plus, they just smell great!
Related Recipes:
- DIY Laundry Detergent
- How To Do Aromatherapy at Home
- 112 Essential Oils: The Ultimate Guide
- How To Clean An Essential Oil Diffuser
FAQ
It’s actually surprisingly simple to clean your house with essential oils – just combine one cup of water with one cup of vinegar and 20-30 drops of essential oils (I’d recommend tea tree, lemon, or lavender essential oil to start) in a spray bottle, and you have a great all-purpose home cleaner to easily clean your house. Essential oils are a great alternative to all those nasty harsh chemicals too many people are using in their homes!
Combine a cup of water with 10-15 drops of essential oils (I’d recommend lavender, peppermint or tea tree) in a spray bottle, and just spray in the air a few times. You can also use an electric diffuser for a more consistent smell.
Honestly, I think the answer to this is lavender. It’s just such a floral, fresh-smelling scent, and in addition to smelling great without being overpowering…lavender also lasts a long time, so you get great longevity with its subtle aroma.
Off the top of my head:
– Lemon oil
– Lavender oil
– Peppermint oil
– Rosemary oil
– Eucalyptus oil
– Tea tree oil
Any of these should help remove bad odors.
