I became obsessed with essential oils a few years ago when someone recommended I diffuse lavender oil to help me sleep better. I was struggling to get a good night’s sleep at the time and would often have mild headaches. I had tried medicines, but have never been keen on taking prescription meds as they carry side effects.
Even though I was a tiny bit skeptical at first, I could not believe what an impact the tiny bottle of lovely smelling lavender had. Within a week I was sleeping like a baby for 6+ hours straight, and I felt rejuvenated and awesome for it!
Anyway, that’s how I first got started with essential oils. Since then I’ve been experimenting with blending and finding all the possible uses for these natural oils as I can. One of the lesser utilized uses is actually cleaning surfaces, items, and furniture around the home. Essential oils are natural, chemical-free, sweet smelling, and powerful cleaning agents!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. The oils are extracted from plants and herbs by careful steaming processes to capture the ‘essence’ and medicinal properties of the plants.
Each plant produces an oil that has various emotional and physical wellness applications. Some are also great for cleaning. They have antibacterial properties, leave behind a fresh and long-lasting aroma, and are really easy to use.
6 of the Best Essential Oils to Clean Your Home
Lemon
I’ll mention lemon essential oil first as it’s probably the best oil for cleaning around the home. You probably could have guessed this, right? There are usually always lemon scented cleaning products, some of which actually contain a little essential oil.
Dilute with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or sweet almond. Citrus oil can damage some softer surfaces, so dilute it to be safe.
Lavender
Lavender is my personal favorite aroma, the floral aroma reminds me of the outdoors on a beautiful sunny day. It’s strong with antibacterial properties and leaves behind a strong and pleasant scent so it’s perfect in the bathroom or bedroom.
Make up a mixture with water and soak a cloth in before using it to wipe down surfaces. Add to a sponge and use on the floor to mop up all the bacteria that might be there.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is high in germicides and does wonders for your sinuses. It’s great in the bathroom, scrubbing the floor and tiles with this oil will give the room a long-lasting, fresh small.
If you suffer from dust allergies not only will the oil clean up all the dust, the aroma will help open your airways and allow you to breathe easier.
Thyme
Thyme essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to make massage oils that are great for the skin and helps clean up and heal wounds. It’s also great and cleaning and killing germs that are found around the home.
Use Thyme on all your food prepping surfaces in the kitchen to help sanitize the areas. It’s a better option than chemical-heavy cleaning products as it’s all natural and safe to come into contact with.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree essential oil has a strong, fresh, mint aroma. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties to name a few. Breathing in the aroma is only going to transfer some of the benefits to you too.
Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and keep it handy. A few sprays and a wipe down will clean up any surfaces and furniture around the home in a hurry.
Orange
Another citrus oil, like lemon. These oils are really powerful at shifting strong stains and grime making them popular for use in the kitchen. Try using them on appliance like your fridge and freeze to leave a nice scent behind.
Remember to dilute with a carrier oil as citrus oils can be a little too powerful for some surfaces. There is something very pleasant about entering a kitchen smelling of fresh oranges!
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Author Bio:
Hi, I’m Jess, I love experimenting with alternative medicines, massage therapy, and anything that improves my home. You can find out more about me at ForYourMassageNeeds.com.
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