Because smarter people than me find more and more interesting and good ways to use essential oils instead of harsh chemicals in the home, this will be a work in progress type blog. I have no doubt, that it will enjoy many sequels, maybe not as many as the Fast and Furious franchise, but who knows :))
Essential oils are an effective and natural way to help replace toxic cleaners with natural alternatives without sacrificing quality or paying a high price. Supporting products that will help you in your quest to create a healthy home cleaning environment include: vinegar, witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, beeswax and borax.
Tips When Cleaning With Essential Oils
Add the essential oils last when putting together your own cleaning product.
Always shake well before use, as we all know "oil and water for not mix well"
Try and store your products in dark bottles when possible, or in a dark cupboard when not in use to maintain efficacy.
Here is the list!
Make your own all-purpose cleaner: Many essential oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Why not maximize that power in a homemade cleaner? Mix three drops of tea tree oil, three drops of lemon oil and three drops of clove or oregano oil in two cups of water. Spray the cleaner onto any surface and allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe clean. Your surfaces will be disinfected
Shower cleaner: Place four drops of eucalyptus oil and four drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle along with 16 ounces of warm water. Spray on the shower and wipe clean to kill mould and remove soap scum.
Simple carpet cleaner: Replace toxic cleaners with this natural version. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with one box of Borax and sprinkle onto carpets. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, then vacuum away.
Veggie cleanser: Place two drops of lemon essential oil into a sink full of water. Place produce in the water and allow it to sit for a few minutes to remove unwanted bacteria from the surface of produce.
Fridge cleaner: While cleaning the fridge, add two or three drops of lime or grapefruit oil to the rinse water to eliminate bad fridge smells. Also, a small open container with baking soda & a couple drops of lemon essential oil will keep your fridge smelling good without any fuss.
Smoke smells: Place four drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil in a spray bottle along with 500mls of water and spray into the air to remove lingering smoke smell.
Freshen shoes: If your shoes smell bad, freshen them up and eliminate odours by adding two drops of tea tree oil to the inside of the shoe after cleaning. This will kill off any bacteria or fungus that cause the unpleasant odours.
Dishwasher Cleaning Hack: Place a dishwasher safe dish, such as a Pyrex measuring jug on the top rack. Into this put 1 cup of white vinegar & 5 drops of a citrus essential oil. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. When it finishes it’s run, before the drying cycle, wipe the inside with a fibre cloth – awesome results!
Spot cleaner: If your dishes always come out spotty, add a few drops of lemon oil to the dishwasher before turning it on. This will remove all signs of spots after rinsing.
Remove unwanted rubbish smells: Place five drops of your favourite essential oil onto a cotton ball and place it inside your bin receptacle. When the scent leaves, add a new soaked cotton ball to easily control unwanted smells. Good for litter box smells too.
Gunk remover: Place five drops of lemon oil onto gum, sticker residue or other sticky substances to make it easy to remove with minimal effort.
Animal repellent: If you are plagued by vermin like mice, spiders and other large bugs, soak a few cotton balls in peppermint oil. Place the peppermint balls near areas where vermin and bugs like to hang out to keep them away. The odour is too strong for the critters and will keep them away. Also, spray Eucalyptus oil diluted to keep rats away.
Clean your hands: Use a few drops of antibacterial oils, such as oregano, clove, lemon and peppermint for an immune system boost that won’t interfere with your skin’s normal barrier of defense. – our guardian Blend oil will do the trick for you.
Dryer sheets: Soak some fabric strips, (any cotton-based material will do, and especially good is muslin) in ½ a cup of vinegar & water and add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Throw a strip into your dryer to add scent to your clothing without any chemical residue.
Wood polish: Mix ¼ cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of olive oil, ½ a teaspoon of lemon oil and 1 ½ cups of water in a spray bottle. Use to clean wood and other furniture.
Homemade potpourri: Add a few drops of essential oils to wood shavings, dried flowers, or other potpourri blends for a customized scent.
Waste Disposal Unit: Place ½ cup of vinegar followed by 5 drops of lemon essential oil into the unit. Leave sit overnight, next morning, rinse through with hot water – smells are gone! Also, did you know that ICE sharpens the blades, yes, just toss in a couple, turn it on – done!
DIY Linen Freshener Spray: Use a medium sized spray bottle approx. 100mls should do. Fill it up ¾ way with Witch hazel. To this add 5-7 drops each of lavender, chamomile & sweet orange. Shake well before using. Spray a fine mist over your bed linens, let it dry, (a couple of minutes should do - remember a light misting). Keep in a dark location, in a drawer beside the bed maybe and use before bed to help promote a good night’s sleep 😊
Purify Nursery Pots and Flats: Put 24 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil in a bucket of soapy water. The Antiseptic properties of the oil will make your pots & flats ready for reuse without worry of contamination.
Toy Cleaner: A good method is to put the plastic toys into a lingerie bag and place on the top rack of your dishwasher. Use the sanitizing setting to clean. *********************************************************************************** Another on the go & great option is to use the old reliable Lavender, in a sanitizing spray. Use 1 cup of vinegar & 1 cup of water and to this add 30 drops of Lavender Oil. Shake it up, spray toys, leave for approx. 2 mins and then wipe them clean.