Essential oils are a safe and natural alternative to clean your home. Not only can you eliminate chemicals, but you also save money. Learn how I use essential oils to clean my home.
A Natural Approach to a Fresh Home
Ever walked into a room and felt an overwhelming sense of calm just from the scent lingering in the air? That's the magic of essential oils. I like to keep diffusers going in my home and people always notice the wonderful scent and how it makes them feel.
But did you know these aromatic wonders can do more than just make your home smell heavenly? They can actually help clean it too!
With a new baby on the way, I always like to be mindful of the added toxins in products that I use, so making sure to eliminate as many chemicals as possible is important to me.
Let’s dive into how you can get your home sparkling clean using essential oils.
Why Choose Essential Oils for Cleaning?
Before chemical cleaners existed, how were people cleaning their homes? I like to think back on prior eras and consider how people did things without all the cleaning products we know today.
I grew up with an understanding that vinegar, lemon, and baking soda can be used for cleaning. I also grew up taking herbs and natural remedies that worked when I wasn't feeling good, so being inclined to use natural or holistic methods isn't foreign to me.
Using essential oils helps to eliminate chemical overload. Many of these natural oils have antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and other cleansing properties that help to clean your environment while making it smell fresh.
Washing dishes is one of my least favorite things to do, but I started adding grapefruit essential oil to the water and it made it more of a pleasant experience for me. Does that mean I like to hand wash dishes now? NO, but I can use essential oils to make it more of a therapeutic process.
Using essential oils while cleaning is a way to honor Mother Earth and make cleaning more of a Sacred Wellness Ritual that's not harsh on your body or environment.
Top Essential Oils for Cleaning
Wondering which essential oils are best for cleaning? Here are a few favorites:
Lemon Essential Oil:
Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon oil is a powerful cleaner. Plus, its fresh scent is invigorating.
Lemon oil can cut through grease effectively, making it ideal for kitchen surfaces and appliances. Its natural acidity helps to dissolve grime and leave surfaces sparkling.
Tea Tree Essential Oil:
This is one of my go to oils for the cleaning and self care too! Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it great for tackling mold and mildew.
Tea tree oil is especially useful in damp areas like bathrooms, where mold can be a persistent problem. Its strong scent is also a bonus, as it leaves spaces smelling clean and revitalized.
Lavender Essential Oil:
While it’s more known for relaxation and stress relief, lavender oil is also useful as a cleanser and leaves a calming scent.
It’s gentle enough for use on delicate surfaces and can be a great addition to linen sprays and air fresheners. The soothing aroma of lavender creates a serene atmosphere, making your home a peaceful retreat.
Peppermint Essential Oil:
This not only cleans but also repels bugs! Peppermint oil’s strong scent deters pests like ants and spiders, making it perfect for use around windows and doors.
Its invigorating aroma also helps to energize your cleaning routine, leaving your home smelling fresh and minty.
How to Start Use Essential Oils for Cleaning
Here are some simple ways to incorporate essential oils into your cleaning routine:
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix 20 drops of lemon oil with a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle, and you’ve got yourself a powerful cleaner for your countertops and other surfaces. This solution is effective for removing fingerprints, smudges, and light stains.
Floor Cleaner:
Add 10 drops of tea tree or lemon oil to a bucket of hot water. Mop your floors with this solution for a clean and fresh-smelling home. The combination of hot water and tea tree oil helps to sanitize surfaces, making it a great choice for homes with pets and children.
Be careful using tea tree if you have pets as they may be sensitive to it. It's not safe for pets to consume.
Bathroom Scrub:
Combine 10 drops of eucalyptus oil with baking soda and a bit of water to form a paste. Use this to scrub grout and bathroom tiles. Eucalyptus oil’s antimicrobial properties aid in the removal of soap scum and mildew, leaving your bathroom sparkling clean.
Glass Cleaner:
Mix water and vinegar in equal parts, and add a few drops of peppermint oil. This blend is perfect for streak-free windows and mirrors, leaving your glass surfaces crystal clear and fresh-smelling.
Air Freshener:
Combine water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and your favorite essential oil (like lavender or orange) in a spray bottle. Use this to refresh rooms and neutralize odors naturally.
Making Cleaning Fun and Safe
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task.
With essential oils, you get to enjoy a safer, more natural method that’s effective and pleasant.
Plus, there's something satisfying about knowing you’ve done a good deed for the environment by reducing chemical waste.
And if you're worried about the cost, remember a little goes a long way with essential oils. A few drops can transform your cleaning products, making them potent and fragrant.
In addition to their cleaning capabilities, essential oils can enhance your overall well-being.
Engaging your sense of smell with pleasant aromas can reduce stress and anxiety, turning cleaning into a meditative practice. Imagine the joy of cleaning while surrounded by uplifting scents that promote relaxation and happiness.
Grab some essential oils and transform your cleaning routine today! Not only will your home be clean, but it will also smell amazing.
It's like a spa day for your house.
Happy cleaning!