Essential oils for cleaning! They aren’t just for maladies and natural remedies. Here is a list of essential oils for cleaning in the kitchen, bathroom, and even the laundry. Essential oils are well-known for having the ability to kill harmful bacteria and not kill the bacteria we need.*
Choosing which essential oil to use for cleaning depends a lot on your preference for smells. Some oils have antibacterial qualities while others have anti-fungal qualities, some have both.* Please note that lavender should be the only essential oil you use in a child’s room. Other oils may not be safe for children.
- Tea tree essential oil cleans and prevents mold, mildew and bacteria in the home due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also serves as an antiseptic. Great for bathrooms, window ledges, garbage bins, under sinks and on floors. To scrub your floors, add a few drops of tea tree oil to spots. Wipe the extra oil and rub in some distilled white vinegar. It also may be helpful to include a few drops of tea tree in your laundry.*
- Lemon essential oil is dubbed the “the sunshine oil” and is most likely the first oil we think of when cleaning. Lemon oil is used in cleaning to fight bacteria and fungi, it lightens and brightens surfaces and smells amazing. It works as an antimicrobial agent and removes harmful pathogens in the home. You can add lemon oil to freshen your laundry. Add 2–3 drops of lemon essential oil with water in a spray bottle to clean surfaces. Use 10–15 drops of lemon essential oil to a gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains and brighten carpets and rugs. Clean shower doors, with lemon oil twice a month to prevent grime buildup. Lemon along with lavender can also help repel flies.*
- Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile oils for cleaning and disinfecting. Lavender has anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is also effective in removing mold and mildew and prevents bacteria and fungus from reforming.* Even use lavender or lemon on your windows.
- Orange essential oil fights bacteria and fungi and brightens surfaces and has a nice clean smell. Using citrus essential oils (lemon, orange, and grapefruit) to clean prevents bacterial and fungus from forming. The properties in citrus oils break down grease and product build up from sinks, counters and tubs, making them fantastic oils to clean with in any room.
- Peppermint essential oil’s strong, minty scent has anti-bacterial qualities, and works great when fighting germs and pests in the home. Peppermint essential oil is a great insect repellent (ticks, mosquito’s, spiders, ants, and cockroaches dislike peppermint).* Mix peppermint and spray anywhere in your home. You will enjoy the fresh, clean, crisp smell. Do not use while pregnant, with children or if epileptic.
- Grapefruit essential oil has an energizing, fresh, sweet, sharp, citrus scent with potent antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. Enjoy the scent of grapefruit in your cleaning because it is also reviving and refreshing.
- Scots Pine essential oil has a strong, woody, balsamic, clean scent and is helpful for natural cleaning. Scots pine is great for cleansing the home of bacteria, fungi, and pathogens. This oil eliminates odors and purifies the air. To cleanse your countertops, appliances, bathroom or floors, combine several drops of pine oil and water in a spray bottle and spray on any surface before wiping down with a clean cloth. Douse a cotton ball with two drops of each of lemon oil and pine oil, and place the cotton balls at the bottom of your trashcans to help decrease bacteria and odors.
