Best Essential Oils for Cleaning House: A Comprehensive Guide

Cleaning your home is an important task, but traditional cleaning products can contain harsh chemicals that are unpleasant to use and may be unsafe around children and pets. Essential oils provide a natural alternative for creating non-toxic cleaners that eliminate dirt and germs throughout your house.

This guide will explore the most effective essential oils for cleaning and provide recipes for making DIY natural cleaners.

Essential oils have several properties that make them well-suited for cleaning.

• Many essential oils possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal qualities, which help destroy microbes that can cause odors and stains. Additionally, that means they can help to disinfect surfaces.
• Their strong aromas are also able to mask unpleasant smells left behind by dirt and grime.
• Beyond disinfecting, some essential oils can help cut through grease or remove soap scum.

When choosing essential oils for cleaning, it’s best to consider factors like the oil’s scent, what parts of the home you want to treat, and the type of dirt or germs you need to target.

• Specific essential oils contain compounds that are more effective against certain bacteria or stains.
• Blending oils can provide a more well-rounded cleaning solution.
• It’s also important to remember that essential oils should be diluted before use to protect surfaces.

Their potency means a little goes a long way.

In the following sections, we will highlight some of the most versatile essential oils for cleaning, explain their benefits, and provide recipes for making natural cleaning solutions. With the right essential oils on hand, you can safely cut chemicals from your cleaning routine.

All About Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning. They are derived from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, and roots, and are usually obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing.

Aromatherapy is a popular use of essential oils, where the oils are inhaled or applied topically to promote relaxation and improve mood. When it comes to cleaning, that’s an added benefit since they don’t give off harsh fumes like some conventional household cleaners.

Essential oils can be used to create very effective natural cleaning solutions.

Some of the best essential oils for cleaning include:

• Lemon: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon essential oil is great for cleaning surfaces and freshening the air.
• Tea Tree: With its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil effectively kills germs and removes mold and mildew.
• Lavender: Not only does lavender oil have a crisp floral aroma, but it also has antibacterial properties that make it great for cleaning.
• Peppermint: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent and can help repel insects, making it a great addition to natural insect repellents.

It’s important to note that essential oils should always be used with caution and diluted properly before use. It’s also important to choose high-quality, pure essential oils for maximum effectiveness.

Why Essential Oils for Cleaning

Cleaning is an essential task for any mom or homemaker to ensure our homes are free from dirt, dust, and germs. Many people use chemical cleaning products to clean their homes since they are often very cost-effective. However, these products can also be harmful. We believe that regular and repeated exposure to household chemicals isn’t necessary, nor is it healthy.

In our family, we’ve decided to make simple choices to decrease our overall environmental chemical exposure. One easy way to do that is to rely on natural products rather than synthetic products. Even the simple step of swapping in natural hand soap or natural dish soap is a simple first step to reducing your family’s chemical exposure. How do essential oils fit into this?

They’re safe when used correctly, natural, and effective for cleaning the home. They’re also quite versatile and can be used in a variety of DIY cleaning solutions due to the wealth of options and cleaning characteristics available.

EOs can be easily combined, and the concentrations are easily tailored the cleaning task in DIY and homemade cleaning solutions

They are also inexpensive and readily available. Lastly, they’re generally safe for use around children and pets when used correctly (diluted, safely stored, etc.).

In summary, essential oils are a safe, natural, and effective alternative to chemical cleaning products.

7 Essential Oils for Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning your house, essential oils can be a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Here’s a quick list of 7 essential oils that are super effective for a variety of cleaning applications.

1.) Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a popular choice for cleaning due to its fresh and citrusy scent. It is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean surfaces, floors, and even laundry. Lemon essential oil is also great for removing stains and grease as well.

2.)Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is actively being researched for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great choice for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. It can also be used to freshen up carpets and upholstery.

3.) Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help boost energy levels and improve focus. It is also a natural insect repellent and can deter ants, spiders, and other pests.

4.) Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful disinfectant used to clean surfaces, floors, and bathrooms. It is also great for clearing the sinuses and can be added to a diffuser or humidifier to help with respiratory issues.

5.) Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a calming and relaxing scent that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also a natural insect repellent and can be used to freshen up laundry and linens. It’s great for putting on dryer balls for some pretty amazing-smelling laundry.

6.) Orange Essential Oil

Orange essential oil has a sweet and uplifting scent that can help to boost mood and energy levels. It is also a natural degreaser and can be used to clean kitchen surfaces and appliances. Orange and lemon EOs can also be quite powerful stain removers.

7.) Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil has a fresh and herbaceous scent that can help to improve focus and concentration. It is also a natural insect repellent and can be used to freshen up carpets and upholstery.

These essential oils and many more can be a great natural alternative for cleaning your home. Just be sure to use them properly and dilute them as needed to avoid any skin irritation or other adverse reactions.

Creating Natural Cleaning Recipes

Here are some recipes for natural essential oil cleaning solutions that you can make at home.

Essential oil All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

This versatile cleaner can be used on any surface throughout the home. Lemon essential oil cuts through grease and food stains, while tea tree oil works to disinfect and deodorize.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• Directions:
  • Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Shake well before each use
  • Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth

Essential oil Floor Cleaner Recipe

Keep floors gleaming with this natural cleaner that removes dirt and odors. The essential oils leave behind a clean, fresh scent.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon castile soap
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil (or orange)
  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • Warm water
• Directions:
  • Add ingredients to a bucket of warm water
  • Mop or wipe floors with solution
  • Allow to air dry

Essential oil Shower Spray Recipe

Say goodbye to soap scum and mildew with this spray made for the shower. Tea tree oil deep cleans, while lavender soothes the senses. There’s simply no reason to ever rush to fresh air again after cleaning your bathroom with bleach, not with this pleasant-smelling recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 20 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5-10 drops jasmine or rose essential oil (for added fragrance)
• Directions:
  • Combine ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Lightly spray onto shower surfaces
  • Wipe clean with a squeegee or cloth

Essential oil Toilet Cleaner Recipe

Banish bathroom odors the all-natural way. Lemon and pine oils leave the toilet bowl and air feeling ultra-fresh.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil (orange works too)
  • 10 drops pine essential oil
• Directions:
  • Mix baking soda and essential oils in a container
  • Shake the mix around the inside of the toilet bowl and allow to sit for a few minutes
  • Scrub with a toilet brush and flush

Essential oil Hand Soap Recipe

Nourish hands while washing away dirt and germs. Tea tree, lemon, and lavender oils help to sanitize the skin without over-drying it.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup liquid castile soap (more can be added for extra foaming)
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
• Directions:
  • Combine ingredients in a foaming pump bottle
  • Dispense into hands and wash as usual

Essential oil Linen Spray Recipe

Refresh bedding between washes with this quick mist that removes odors with vinegar and perfumes with lavender. Plus, the refreshing, brisk scent of orange and peppermint will add an incredible, clean scent to your linens.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops of orange essential oil
• Directions:
  • Combine ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Lightly mist onto linens, pillows, and blankets

Essential oil Air Freshener Recipe

Lightly scent a room naturally with this revitalizing spray. Lemon lifts mood while lavender promotes relaxation.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 20 drops lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
• Directions:
  • Combine ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Mist into the air as desired

Essential oil Stain Remover Recipe

Tackle everyday messes before they set using the power of lemon and orange essential oils mixed with castile soap.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 tablespoons castile soap (or 2 tbsp castile and 2 vegetable glycerin)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops orange essential oil
• Directions:
  • Combine ingredients in a spray bottle
  • Spray solution onto the stain, saturating it, allow to sit for at least 5 minutes
  • Wash as usual per normal laundry cycle

Each of these recipes will enable you to cut out at least one chemical-based household item. There’s simply no reason to resort to spraying chemicals into the air with synthetic air fresheners or resorting to chemical cleaners for the other uses mentioned above. Why spread chemicals all over the house when there are such easy, inexpensive, DIY solutions available?

Try out some of the above recipes, tweak them to your liking, and start the journey of a cleaner, healthier home.

Dealing with Specific Cleaning Challenges

When it comes to cleaning, different challenges require different solutions. As alluded to in the recipes above, essential oils can help tackle specific cleaning challenges quite effectively.

Grease and Grime

Grease and grime can be tough to remove, but essential oils can help. Citrus oils, such as lemon and orange, effectively cut through grease and leave surfaces clean and fresh. Other oils that can help with grease and grime are tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can be health hazards, and getting rid of them as soon as possible is important. Tea tree oil is useful for this as well. Other oils that can help with mold and mildew are thyme, oregano, and cinnamon. Most importantly, however, is that you solve the issue of moisture causing mold and mildew in the first place.

Bacteria and Viruses

Essential oils can also help kill bacteria and viruses, making them a great addition to your cleaning routine. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and others have shown promising results in a variety of studies. Other oils that can help with this are peppermint, lemon, and thyme.

Pests and Bugs

Essential oils can also help keep pests and bugs at bay. Peppermint oil is effective at repelling ants, spiders, and mice. Citronella oil can help repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Other oils that can help with pests and bugs are eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass.

Also, have you ever noticed those tiny little mites around the house or in the kitchen? Be sure to check out our blog post on that and how essential oils can be used to get rid of white mites.

Dirt and Dust

Essential oils can also help with everyday cleaning tasks like removing dirt and dust. Lemon oil is effective at cutting through dirt and grime, while lavender oil can help freshen up fabrics and surfaces. Other oils that can help with dirt and dust are peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus.

Application Tips

When it comes to cleaning the house, essential oils can be a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals. However, it’s important to use them safely to avoid any negative effects. Here are some tips for using essential oils safely in the home.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be a breeding ground for germs. Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus can effectively clean and disinfect surfaces like sinks, countertops, and cutting boards. However, it’s important to dilute the oils properly (see recipes in the earlier section) and avoid using them on surfaces that come into contact with food.

In the Bathroom

The bathroom is another area where germs can thrive. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and thyme can effectively clean and freshen the air. However, it’s important to use caution when using essential oils in the bathroom, as they can be too strong for some people. If they are too strong, dilute them with more water and use adequate ventilation.

On Furniture

Essential oils like lemon, lavender, and peppermint can effectively clean and freshen furniture. However, it’s important to test the oils on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t cause any damage.

On Walls and Floors

Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus can effectively clean and disinfect walls and floors. However, it’s important to dilute the oils properly and avoid using them on surfaces that may be sensitive to the oils.

Around Family and Pets

Essential oils can be a great way to freshen the air and promote relaxation, but it’s important to use caution around family and pets. Some oils can be toxic to pets, and others can cause allergic reactions in some people. Researching the oils you plan to use and using them in moderation is important.

Here are just a few essential oils to avoid for dogs and cats:

Essential oils to avoid for pets:

• Tea Tree
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Ylang Ylang
• Wintergreen

Overall, essential oils can be a safe and effective way to clean and freshen your home. By following these tips, you can use essential oils safely and enjoy the benefits they have to offer. If you have any pets, be sure to do a quick search of the essential oils you’re planning to use to ensure they’re safe. When in doubt, ask your vet or check a legitimate online resource.

The Aromatherapeutic Benefits of Cleaning with Essential Oils

Cleaning can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be a mundane task. By using essential oils, you can turn cleaning into a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Aromatherapy is the use of fragrances to promote relaxation, improve mood, and reduce stress.

Using essential oils for cleaning bridges aromatherapy and natural cleaning practices together as a practical step to a more natural lifestyle.

• Lavender essential oil is known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for cleaning bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Bergamot essential oil is known for its mood-boosting properties, making it a great choice for cleaning living areas.
• Lemongrass essential oil is known for its refreshing scent and purifying properties, making it an excellent choice for cleaning kitchens.
• Cinnamon essential oil is known for its antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for cleaning surfaces.
• Thyme essential oil is known for its antiseptic properties, making it a great choice for cleaning bathrooms.
• Jasmine essential oil smells incredible. Any cleaning routine with the addition of this oil will transform the mood instantly.

By using natural alternatives, you’re creating a safer and healthier environment for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective essential oil blends for cleaning the house?

Several essential oil blends are effective for cleaning the house. Some popular ones include lemon and tea tree oil, lavender and peppermint oil, and eucalyptus and lemon oil. These blends have natural antimicrobial properties and can help to disinfect surfaces while leaving a pleasant scent.

What are the benefits of using essential oils for cleaning?

Using essential oils for cleaning has several benefits. They are natural and non-toxic, making them a safer alternative to harsh chemicals. Essential oils also have antimicrobial properties, which means they can help to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Additionally, they can leave a pleasant scent in the air, making your home smell fresh and clean.

Can I use essential oils to disinfect my home?

Yes, essential oils can be used to disinfect your home. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and even many citrus oils, have natural antimicrobial properties that can help to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

• There are far too many variables to know exactly what percentage of bacteria a DIY solution would be effective against. So, if you need a very potent disinfectant application, it might be best to use a synthetic alternative (bleach, household disinfectant that kills 99%+ of bacteria, etc.
• That said, a lot of research is being performed to prove the efficacy of specific essential oils. Clove, thyme, and others have positive results.

To make a simple household spray, be sure to reference the recipes earlier in this blog post.

How do I make an all-purpose cleaning spray with essential oils?

To make an all-purpose cleaning spray with essential oils, reference the recipe earlier in this blog post. It uses water, vinegar, lemon, and tea tree essential oil. You could also add orange and eucalyptus essential oils, as well as a floral option, for a more varied scent.

Which essential oils are safe to use for cleaning around dogs?

Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs, so it’s important to choose oils that are safe to use around them. Essential oils that are generally safe for dogs include the following:

1. Lavender
2. Lemongrass
3. Cedarwood
4. Eucalyptus
5. Citronella
6. Geranium
7. Rosemary

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before using essential oils around your pets.

Are there any essential oils that can replace harsh cleaning chemicals?

Yes, there are several essential oils that can replace harsh cleaning chemicals. Lemon, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil are all effective at cleaning and disinfecting surfaces while also leaving a pleasant scent.

Additionally, vinegar or baking soda can be used in combination with essential oils to create natural cleaning solutions. Vinegar and baking soda can be used together as a drain-cleaning alternative to toxic drain-cleaning options.