29 Jun 5 Essential Oils You Need For Your Clean, Green Home

You put so much effort into keeping your family’s home clean, safe and hygienic – but how “clean” are your household cleaning products really? When you think about the harsh chemicals that go into most commercial detergents, we’re sure you’ll agree that the only real “clean way to clean” is with pure natural alternatives! And the best news is, natural cleaning needn’t be expensive or fussy; it can be as simple as opening up your medicine cabinet and choosing your favourite essential oils.

These little beauties aren’t just sweet-smelling – they’re also loaded with highly concentrated antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic powers that would put any commercial cleaner to shame! A few drops of essential oils go a long way, and one oil can do the job of several ordinary cleaners – so not only are they healthy and safe, they’re also highly economical.

There are so many wonderful, delicious-smelling essential oils available to help you clean your space the natural way; we struggled to choose our five favourites, but here they are:

LAVENDER

The scent:

Summery, fresh & floral

Best for:

• Linen spray
• Room spray
• Kitchen counter cleaner
• Insect repellent

Why it works:

• Lavender is antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral & antifungal
• It repels insects like flies, making it the perfect kitchen surface cleaner
• This oil also repels moths, so it makes a great protective linen & clothing spray
• Lavender has deodorising properties, adding a pleasant fresh smell to your home

Fun fact:

Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve tension & anxiety – a great choice if household cleaning stresses you out!

SWEET ORANGE

The scent:

Fruity fresh citrus

Best for:

• Stain removal
• Degreaser
• Wooden furniture polish
• Dishwashing liquid
• Window and glass surface cleaner

Why it works:

• Orange oil has antibacterial & antifungal properties
• Orange oil is a natural solvent, cutting through grease and oil; great for cleaning dishes and glassware
• The zesty, uplifting aroma of sweet orange also freshens and deodorises your home

Fun fact:

Orange oil is used in various industrial applications to replace dangerous chemical solvents and heavy-duty degreasers; examples include use by the Boeing Company and the American Princess Cruise Line.

PEPPERMINT

The scent:

Fresh, cool and clean mint

Best for:

• Bathroom & toilet cleaner
• Air freshener (combats pet odour, cigarette smoke)
• Vacuum bag freshener
• Natural pest control

Why it works:

• Peppermint has natural antibacterial & antiseptic properties; just a drop or two can kill germs & banish bad odours
• The oil has a strong but pleasant scent (like minty candy-cane) that will linger in your home after cleaning
• This aroma deters common household pests like ants, flies & cockroaches

Fun fact:

The strong peppermint scent also deters mice and rats; dab a few drops of peppermint oil on some cotton balls and keep them in your cupboards to keep rodents away.

TEA TREE

The scent:

Strong medicinal camphor-like/ herbal aroma

Best for:

• All-purpose natural disinfectant
• Shower cleaner
• Tile cleaner
• Mildew & mould treatment
• Deodorising musty carpets
• Anti-germ spray for “high-traffic” areas in the home

Why it works:

• Tea tree is a really potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic oil
• The antifungal properties help to combat mildew and mould; ideal for the shower or bathroom
• The scent helps to remove musty and damp odours; great for cleaning carpets and rugs

Fun fact:

The commercial use of tea tree oil was first pioneered in the 1920s by an Australian chemist. During World War 2, the Australian military required all their first aid kits to include a supply of tea tree oil because of its many healing benefits – it’s that powerful!

LEMON OIL

The scent:

Lively, refreshing citrus

Best for:

• Dishwashing liquid
• Degreasing
• Stain removal
• Laundry freshner

Why it works:

• Lemon oil is highly antiseptic and has detoxifying properties
• Lemon oil is a natural solvent, cutting through grease and oil; great for cleaning dishes and glassware
• The refreshing scent of lemon oil also freshens, deodorises and brings a sense of calm to your home

Fun fact:

Lemon oil is one of the most powerful antimicrobial oils according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology and according to a second study published in the Experimental Biology and Medicine, lemon oil actually increases neurological stimulation which assists in the breakdown of body fat.

QUICK TIPS

Essential oils can be used in “dry” or “wet” cleaning methods:

Sprays, washes & stain treatments: Dilute your essential oil with pure filtered water, or a mix of filtered water and vinegar. Depending on which oil you add, these solutions can be used to clean tiles, windows or other surfaces in your home.

Dry cleaning carpets & upholstery: Sprinkle a few drops of your essential oil into a cup of bicarb. Mix well and shake over the area you wish to clean or deodorise. Leave for a few minutes before vacuuming up the powder.

Don’t forget: Essential oils are really potent, so remember to always use them in their diluted form, and don’t get the concentrated oils on your skin.

Explore our full range of incredible SOIL essential oils and the wonderful range from Organico too.

Do you have a “go to” essential oil recipe for natural household cleaning magic? Leave a comment to share it with our green team!

Related Links

• Fresh Ways to Use Essential Oils in Your Home
• 5 Ways to Make Your Home a Spiritual Haven