Top 10 Oils for Cleaning Your Home
Essential oils are one of the best-smelling, naturally antibacterial options for homemade cleaning recipes. Simply add oils to green your laundry routine, sanitize the kitchen and scrub the bathroom – no gross toxic chemicals necessary!
With natural cleansing and purifying properties, certain essential oils can be a helpful part of your regular cleaning routine. Not only can essential oils be used to cleanse surfaces and purify the air, but some have natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-infectious and anti-septic properties too! Oils can be used to protect against environmental threats, stimulates healthy immune response, and can be a powerful disinfectant.
It only makes sense to use a product that promotes health, not products that can be harmful for your health!
Ready to go green for spring? Here are my 10 essential oils for cleaning.
1) OnGuard
Take a look at doTERRA’s On Guard product line, and you will readily see that this is an effective all-purpose blend that can be a cleaning powerhouse. From the oil to the laundry detergent, doTERRA On Guard is a great cleaning go-to.
2) Wild Orange
Not only does orange oil have an uplifting aroma, but, like lemon, it’s great against grease. Use 1-2 drops to lift grease or glue from surfaces or combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup castile soap and water to wipe down stovetops and counters.
3) Lemon
Humble little lemon is definitely underrated! This powerhouse has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-septic properties and can be used as an all-purpose surface cleaner or a furniture polish when combined with olive oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil. Use it to deodorize your fridge, clean the floor or combine 10 drops with 1/2 cup olive oil for a natural wood or leather polish.
4) Peppermint
There are countless uses for peppermint oil around the home! Its cool, invigorating scent and antibacterial properties make it a great addition to spray cleaners. For an air freshener that also deters ants and spiders mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray along cracks and crevices or wherever ants are seen.
5) Lavender
This oil is not just for promoting restful sleep and calming your sense! Use this naturally antibacterial oil to freshen your linen, mattress, car, or the air by combining Lavender with water in a spray bottle.
6) Arborvitae
There are many reasons to add this to your next wood cleaner or polish. It’s a natural purifier, and also cleans the air as it is diffused. As part of your wood cleaner (idea for wood furniture and hardwood floors) it will help preserve the wood and keep it clean.
7) Cassia or Cinnamon
From plants that are closely related, both of these oils are strong surface cleaners. Add either one or both to your homemade all-purpose spray when environmental threats are a possibility. Cinnamon is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. Powerful against mold, it’s a great addition to homemade mold and mildew spray.
8) Purify
Countertops. The air you breathe. Those unpleasant odors that sneak their way in. You name it, and the Purify blend can help with almost anything you need to clean. Use it with your laundry, or in your disposal with baking soda and natural dish soap to eliminate odor.
9) Tea Tree
This oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and is like a superhero fighting germs, bacteria, and viruses in everything from homemade wipes to hand soap to daily shower spray. Tea tree oil is a handy weapon against bugs, too. Add tea tree to a spray bottle with water, shake well, and spray outside and inside the home to deter lice and other pests.
10) Eucalyptus
This natural germicide is a powerful dust mite buster. Use it with baking soda to deep clean your mattress or just put a few drop in your next wash cycle. And with its clean smell, eucalyptus is great for stinky jobs in the kitchen and bathroom. It has the added benefit of being cleansing to the air and works well in any room spray.
