I’m sure I am not the only one who has been making the most of extra time at home with some decluttering and spring cleaning. I prefer to use home-made, natural cleaning products where possible. Cleaning products based on natural ingredients are better for our health as well as our environment. Cleaning products can be made using household ingredients as well as essential oils.
There a few advantages of using essential oils in your cleaning:
- Don’t waste old essential oils
This can be a great chance to use up old essential oils that have expired. Just be aware that if the essential oil has oxidized (often the case with citrus and pine essential oils) there is a risk of skin irritation so it may be best to wear gloves. This is not the time to use your precious, expensive essential oils such as Frankincense or Sandalwood. We must always be aware that essential oils are a natural resource so need to be used wisely. Stick to those that are readily available and inexpensive, for example eucalyptus and citrus essential oils.
2. Create a vibe ?
Essential oils used in cleaning often have a fresh, zesty and uplifting aroma. This can help to lift mood and take the drudgery out of cleaning
3. Better health
Due to the antimicrobial, decongestant and antiseptic properties of these essential oils, they can also help to reduce the allergenic effects of stirring up dust (an issue I have) and purify the air and surfaces of our living space.
Here are some recipes and simple ways you can use essential oils in your spring cleaning.
Bathroom cleaner
I love this cleaner and have found it really useful for removing soap scum in the bathroom.
2 cups water
1 tablespoons bicarb soda
1.5 tablespoons castile soap (or any natural liquid soap)
30dr eucalyptus essential oil (go for Euclayptus globulus, blue mallee or polybractea)
20 drops lemon, lime, sweet orange or grapefruit essential oil
Mix essential oils into the soap, then add the remaining ingredients. Pour into a spray bottle.
Spray over surfaces, leave sit for about half hour then wipe off. For an extra strong clean do a second spray with vinegar, leave sit and then wipe off.
Kitchen benches
Mix 30 drops each of tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil into 1 cup of water. Add to spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray over surfaces and wipe off.
Be aware that the essential oils will not be dissolved in the water. To ensure a safer product the essential oils could be mixed into a Solubiliser first then dispersed into the water. Alternatively, Mother Nurture’s Purify Aromatic Mist is great for this purpose.
Mopping
Add 10-20 drops of eucalyptus or citrus essential oil to a bucket of warm water – plus or minus a tablespoon of vinegar. Use to mop kitchen and bathroom floors.
Carpet freshener
1 cup bicarbonate soda
2 tablespoons borax
20 drops of lavender essential oil
20 drops of pine or rosemary essential oil
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a glass jar. Sprinkle over carpet and leave sit for an hour prior to vacuuming.
Note: this same mix can be added to smelly shoes!
Moth Deterrent blend
Mix the following essential oils into a glass bottle with a dripolator. Add 3-4 drops of the blend to cotton wool balls and place in cupboards and drawers. Ensure the essential oil is not resting onto clothing to avoid risk of stains.
Lavender 30 drops (use Spike lavender – Lavandula latifolia – if you have it)
Citronella or lemongrass 15 drops
Sweet Orange or Rosemary 30 drops
I hope this helps build a little more enthusiasm for cleaning!