When it comes to cleaning our four walls, many people use conventional cleaning products, which often leave the apartment smelling of strong chemicals and can sometimes damage floors or harm four-legged friends.
Luckily, there is a great, natural alternative in the form of essential oils . In this article, we'll look at how to use essential oils in cleaning and provide a DIY guide to help you get started.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from plants . They contain the plants' natural aromatics and active ingredients and are often produced by distillation or cold pressing . Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, perfume making and also for cleaning .
Why use essential oils for cleaning?
Unlike traditional cleaning products, essential oils do not contain harmful chemicals like bleach or ammonia . They offer a natural alternative that is not only environmentally friendly but also offers health benefits. Many essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that can help eliminate germs and dirt . What this means for you:
- safe for allergy sufferers and sensitive people
- no harmful cleaning agent residues for children and four-legged friends
- no damage to the environment (e.g. groundwater)
- fabulous scent
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Directly to the product
The best essential oils for cleaning
Depending on the type, essential oils have beneficial effects and are suitable for different applications in your home. Some of them are:
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- antibiotic
- antiviral
In the following sections we will introduce you to the most popular ones.
Lemon oil for cleaning
Lemon oil is a popular essential oil for cleaning due to its refreshing scent and natural disinfectant properties . It can be used to clean surfaces, dissolve grease, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Tea tree oil for cleaning
Tea tree oil is known for its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties . It can be effective against mold, fungi and bacteria. It is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens .
Warning! Tea tree oil is poisonous for cats! If you have cats, it is better to use oregano oil .
Image source: Unsplash
Lavender oil for cleaning
Lavender oil not only has a calming scent, but also has antiseptic properties. It can be used when cleaning surfaces, especially in the bedroom. Lavender oil can also be used to flavor homemade cleaning products.
Peppermint oil for cleaning
Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can be used in cleaning kitchen surfaces and floors. It also has natural repellent properties against insects such as ants and mosquitoes .
Oregano oil for cleaning
Like tea tree oil, oregano oil is known for its antiviral, antibacterial properties. It can also be effective against mold, fungi and bacteria. This makes it perfect for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
DIY cleaning products with essential oils
Essential oils are perfect for cleaning a wide variety of materials. What's more, you can use the right oil to make your own sustainable household cleaner, do a good service for the environment and save money. The following tips give you information on the respective mixing ratios and how you can use the different cleaning products.
All-purpose cleaner
You need:
- 500 ml water
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use the all-purpose cleaner to clean surfaces throughout the house.
Bathroom cleaner
You need:
- 250 ml water
- 125 ml vinegar
- 10 drops of essential tea tree oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the bathroom cleaner onto the bathroom surfaces and wipe them clean.
Window cleaner
You need:
- 250 ml water
- 250 ml vinegar
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use the window cleaner to clean windows and mirrors without leaving streaks.
Wood cleaner
You need:
- 250 ml water
- 60 ml olive oil
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the wood cleaner onto wood surfaces and gently wipe clean.
Safety precautions when handling essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted and used with caution . Avoid direct contact with eyes and keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Consult a professional before using essential oils on pets or during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be used in many different ways. If they are a pure and high-quality product, they make our everyday lives much easier due to their excellent properties. However, due to their ingredients, some of them should be kept out of the reach of small children and pets and the various applications should be carried out correctly.
frequently asked Questions
Can I use essential oils on all surfaces?
Yes, in principle essential oils can be used on almost all surfaces. However, it is important to be careful on delicate materials such as marble or natural stone. Always test a small area before using on a new surface.
Are essential oils safe for pets?
Some essential oils can be toxic to pets. As described, the popular eucalyptus and tea tree oils are among them. To be safe, consult a veterinarian before using essential oils around your pet.
How long do homemade cleaning products with essential oils last?
Homemade cleaning products containing essential oils have a limited shelf life, usually between a few weeks to a few months. Watch for any changes in smell or appearance and discard the cleaning product if it looks spoiled or smells unpleasant.
Can I use essential oils to clean carpets?
Yes, essential oils can be used to clean carpets. Simply mix them with a carpet cleaner of your choice and follow the directions on the label.
Can I get rid of mold with essential oils?
Yes, tea tree oil is particularly suitable here. Simply mix it with water in a mixing bottle, spray it on and let it work. Then you can wipe off the mold. If it is more stubborn, you are better off using a special cleaner.
Sources
- Make your own essential oil: https://praxistipps.focus.de/aetherisches-oel-selber-machen-so-gehts_132846
- Essential oils for cats: https://www.tierisches-wissen.de/blog-katze-aetherische-oele/
- Cleaning with essential oils: https://www.primaveralife.com/news/putzen-mit-aetherischen-oelen
- Essential oils: https://www.heldengruen.de/blogs/atherische-ole/aetherische-oele-zum-putzen
- Aromatherapy: https://www.primaveralife.com/wissen/aromatherapie
