Green cleaning with Essential Oils

19/10/2007 by Joanna.

Essential Oils are mainly associated with aromatherapy and natural skincare, however, people are becoming more and more aware of their uses around the home.  There are many very toxic chemical cleaners on the market to help with your household cleaning, but if there was a safer, cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative would you use it ?  Of course you would and that’s why essential oils are fast becoming the new ‘green’ way of cleaning around the house. 

 Many essential oils have antibacterial properties and are natural disinfectants so they don’t just have a wonderful aroma, they actually kill the germs as well !

Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Pine and Tea Tree essential oils are excellent oils which will get you ready for an environmentally friendly, spring clean !

Here’s a few recipes and tips to get you going :-

Anti-bacterial Surface cleaner

Water

Squirt of liquid castile soap

5 drops each of Lavender, Lemon and Lemongrass essential oils

Put in a spray bottle and shake well before each use.  

 You can also just add a few drops of essential oil to a damp cloth and wipe down surfaces.  2-3 drops of Lavender, Lemon or Pine are good essential oils to use for this.

Please note: pure essential oils can damage plastic, so ensure they are diluted well before use.  

Floor Wash 

Bucket full of water

1/4 cup of white vinegar

10 drops lemon essential oil

4 drops of thyme essential oil 

Mix well and mop !

Window Cleaner 

Spray bottle half full of water 

1 cup of white vinegar

16 drops of Lemon essential oil

Mix together and shake well before each use.

Other tips

Add a few drops of your favourire essential oil to a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto your clothes whilst ironing.  Your clothes will then be freshly scented with your favourite aroma !

Put a few drops of essential oils into your hoover filter.  This will scent the house while you’re hoovering and can even lift your spirits if you use a ‘happy’ oil such as May Chang / Litsea Cubeba !  

Well that’s given you a few ideas for a chemical free clean.  If you have any other ideas we’d love to hear from you.  Happy cleaning !

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