A large proportion of the products used in cleaning the house are actually abrasive and can cause harm to the skin and other body parts. It is possible to clean your house using essential oils as one of the best and all-natural ways. When using essential oils as air fresheners, they clean the air and the surfaces of germs as well since they have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal properties. Below is some of the best essential oils to use when cleaning different parts of the house.
Kitchen
That is how the use of essential oils assists in reducing grease and get rid of smells in the kitchen. Some of the best options include:Some of the best options include:
- Lemon – The smell of lemon is quite refreshing, and it is effective in removing grease and bad odor from counters and tables in the kitchen. It removes grease and leaves the counterto appliances, sink and anything that comes into contact with it with a fresh smell.
- Orange – Sweet orange oil is used and has an effect of giving a happy and uplifting feeling. I use it for cleaning its top which usually has greasy stains, removing unpleasant smell from the refrigerator and washing dishes among others.
- Clove – Due to the warm spicy fragrance it is best suited for cleaning kitchen sinks and counter tops. A study done by various scientists reveal that clove bud oil possesses antibacterial properties that incapacitate E. coli and Salmonella.
- Tea Tree – has a unique medical like smell, tea tree oil is a potent mold, bacteria and virus destroyer on contact with surface. It is used to clean cutting boards after processing meats or other sensitive foods to remove germs.
Bathrooms
Sometimes, bathrooms may develop molds or mildews, especially in areas where the ventilation is poor. Some of these include the use of oils for cleaning and killing of bacteria and mold which may lead to the formation in the bathroom. Helpful oils include:
- Grapefruit – This citrusy fragrance is refreshin and invigorating; it tackles soap scum and greasy deposit on bathtubs, showers, bathroom mirror and counter tops.
- Tea Tree – This has a potent hospital-like smell that eliminates mold, bacteria/virus and works as a natural disinfectant on the surfaces found in a bathroom. Well, it may be useful in antsializing the spread of fungi and viruses especially when many users are using the same washroom.
- Lavender – lavender oil has a rather fresh and floral scent and is advisable to use it for washing baths. It also has been established to have antibacterial properties and therefore aids in maintaining the cleanliness of sinks, toilets and the likes.
- Eucalyptus- Eucalyptus is another good oil for cleaning showers and bathroom tiles because of its fresh and cool menthol scent. It has properties that can fight molds and allergies since it does not allow them to penetrate surfaces.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Essential oils can be used throughout living areas and bedrooms to clean and deodorize surfaces, textiles and the air:Essential oils can be used throughout living areas and bedrooms to clean and deodorize surfaces, textiles and the air:
- Lemon – Lemon oil eliminates grease, makes the air fresh and kills bacteria, enabling the surfaces to be clean with a fresh scent. Apply it on the finished wooden furniture, wooden lampshades and other wooden items used in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Cedarwood – This oil has a pleasant scent of woods and thus serves as a natural repellent for moths, spiders, as well as, dust mites. Apply it to wash and protect wool goods and fabrics in the living room, closets and bed rooms.
- Geranium – Geranium has a floral/rose note and is effective in reducing air pollution and imparting a fresh scent while cleaning. It has anti-inflammatory attribute, which makes it great to wash fresh and clean bed clothes and other fabrics. It also has soporific effect, and this can be useful in helping people with sleeping disorders.
- Grapefruit – The neutral smell of grapefruit oil is effective in cleaning and eradicating odour in living rooms and bedrooms. Its fragrance is also said to help improve one’s mood which makes it an ideal scent to be around especially during the low moments in life.
Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes
Most of these essential oils can be mixed with other natural cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, and water to prepare home-based cleaning solutions. Here are a few recipes to try:Here are a few recipes to try:
- The All-Purpose Cleaner is: 20 drops lemon oil, 20 drops grapefruit oil, ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, ¾ filled spray bottle. The container must be shaken before each use to ensure that the gel and the Yuzu Oil are well mixed.
- Glass & Mirror Cleaner Spray – Use 20 drops of lemon oil, 20 drops of orange oil and ¼ cup of vinegar and pour into a 22oz spray bottle that should be half filled with water. Use a shake well before each use for the best results.
- Deep Granite Cleaner – 5 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops grape fruit oil, ¼ cup vinegar, 22oz spray bottle with water to ¾ full. Shake before using to clean and sanitize any granite countertops and other related surfaces.
- Wood polish – It is prepared from 20 drops of lemon oil and 1⁄4 cup of olive oil and is applied on a piece of soft cloth. It is applicable on finished wooden surfaces to both clean, polish and further enhance protection.
It is worth remembering that it is possible to get rid of dirt and bacteria using only natural essential oils, without any chemical interventions. For natural fragrances, try blending various oils to discover the best one for each cleaning requirements. It’s always recommendable to dilute essential oils before use and it good practice to carry out a patch test in an inconspicuous area before applying on the surfaces. Take your gustatory joy into your newly clean smelling home via the lovely scents the essential oils add!