You've probably heard about using essential oils for skincare regimens and relaxation, but did you know they can be extremely helpful in cleaning? From cleansing surfaces of grit and grime to freshening up the air, essential oils offer many benefits to the home, too. Rather than using conventional cleaning products that contain health-compromising components, opt for safer, natural alternatives that use common household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. Below are a few of our favorite essential oils for cleaning the house.
For the Bathroom
Let's face it, no one wants to clean the bathroom, but it's a job that has to be done. Luckily, essential oils work wonders when it comes to removing stubborn soap scum and freshening the toilet bowl and they are much better to clean with than bleach. Try making these DIYs.Lemon Soft Scrub Shower Cleanser
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 8 drops of lemon essential oil
- 3 teaspoons of water
- 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until thick paste forms.
- Apply to shower tiles, tub, and bathroom sink with a soft brush. Leave on for 15 minutes and then scrub off with water.
- Double the recipe and store it in an air-tight container for more than one use.
Tea Tree Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized bottle with a squirt nozzle
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 15 drops of tea tree essential oil
- ¼ cup of liquid castile soap
Instructions:
- Add water, tea tree essential oil, and liquid castile soap to the bottle.
- Next, add baking soda and shake gently until combined.
- Squirt in the toilet bowl and clean with a toilet brush.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place after use.
For the Kitchen
If you love cooking, but are not a fan of the clean-up, then not to worry. Because stinky disposals and greasy microwaves don't stand a chance when it comes to these easy-to-make cleaning recipes. Here simple ingredients and a trio of citrus essential oils work their magic to keep your kitchen squeaky clean.Grapefruit Microwave and Fridge Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized spray bottle
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 3 cups of water
- 10 drops of grapefruit essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray in the microwave and/or refrigerator, let sit for 2 minutes and wipe clean.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place after use.
Citrus Disposal Deodorizer Bombs
Ingredients:
- 1 silicone ice tray
- 1 cup of baking soda
- ¼ cup of liquid castile soap
- ½ cup of salt
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until paste-like in texture.
- Spoon out the mixture and press firmly into silicone ice trays.
- Leave them out on the counter to dry for 24 hours or until hardened.
- Remove disposal bombs from silicone trays and store them in a glass mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- To use, place one disposal bomb in the disposal and run the disposal with water running.
For the Living Room
The home gathering place, the living room generally gets the most use, which means it needs an extra level of deep cleaning. Next time you're tidying up, try these easy DIYs.Orange Wood Polish
Ingredients:
- 1 small spray bottle
- ¼ cup of jojoba oil
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- 10 drops of orange essential oil
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray on a microfiber cloth and polish wood furniture such as tables and chairs or apply to a microfiber floor mop and polish wood floors.
- Repeat the process every couple of months.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place after use.
Lemon Bergamot Glass Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized spray bottle
- ½ cup of rubbing alcohol
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 4 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil
- Add all ingredients to the spray bottle and shake until well combined.
- Spray on glass, mirrors, and windows and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
For the Laundry Room
Many conventional laundry detergents and softeners contain some pretty nasty ingredients and are scented heavily with artificial fragrances. Thankfully, there are many natural laundry detergents on the market that are made from ingredients that are good for you and the planet. Try buying an unscented natural detergent and then boosting it with this recipe.Lavender Laundry Freshener
Ingredients:
- 1 large glass jar with a lid
- 2 cups of kosher salt
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 25 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix salt and essential oils until well combined. Pour
- into the jar and seal tightly with the lid.
- Add 3 tablespoons per load of the laundry directly to the washer tub.
Categorized into General Health
Tagged in Health and Safety
Reviewed by
