Smell Good, Feel Good:

5 Ways to Clean Well with Essential Oils

One of the easiest ways to live an Aromatic Life is to clean with essential oils. Unlike modern cleaners that are full harmful chemicals, oils are a non-toxic, earth friendly way to get the job done! Not only are essential oils naturals at busting through germs and odors but inhaling them while you clean boosts the mood and the immune system – what a great combo while tackling that dreadful house cleaning!

ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO THE LAUNDRY

Rather than use laundry detergents that contain strong artificial fragrance that can lead to allergies, headaches and impact our health long term, use fragrance free and add a few drops of essential oil to each load. Also purchase unscented dryer sheets and add a drop or two before drying! Our favorites are orange and lemon because they are highly antibacterial and bust through tough odors, and lavender and eucalyptus for their germ fighting power and refreshing aroma. However, all essential oils are antimicrobial so explore our shop and get creative and use what you love!

COUNTER TOPS & SURFACES

Wiping down the place? Add one drop of oil to a warm wash cloth and wipe away germs! Or add a few drops to a sink of soapy water before cleaning. Most oils are antibacterial to some extent but citrus, tea tree and tree oils (like pine or spruce) are powerful. We also love using our blend Resistance, which busts through viruses, bacteria, molds and fungi and is a super booster to the immune system! Never use this method on finished wood surfaces. Instead, use a microfiber cloth and occasionally polish with this recipe:

¼ cup olive oil or any other carrier oil you have on hand
¼ cup white vinegar
10 drops any citruses, pine or spruce

Mix into a spray bottle and shake well . Spray on to a microfiber cloth before use to clean wood and give it a shiny fresh glow.

DISINFECT THE AIR

Diffuse or create a room/linen spray to refresh your space and bedding. Citrus oils are the best for odor busting – we love to diffuse Sunshine while we clean not only to odor bust and kill airborne

Bacteria but because it stimulates happiness and joy! Add some tea tree for extra antibacterial power! To make a room/linen spray add 20-30 drops of essential oil to a 2 oz bottle of water and shake well before each use. Add a tsp of clear alcohol to give it extra staying power.

SAY GOODBYE TO ANTS!

Got an ant problem? Many essential oils repel ants of all kinds. That’s because essential oils are the innate part of the plant creates to defend against insects. Next time you have an ant problem, put 2-3 drops of peppermint on a cotton ball and leave it near the site. Watch them leave and go back where they came from! Other oils that repel ants include patchouli, cedarwood, lemongrass and cinnamon.

CREATE BATHROOM BLISS

A good alternative to bleaching toilet bowls is to swirl some oils in there after you’ve cleaned it well. Swirl a few drops of your favorite scent in there and let it sit until the next flush! We love lemongrass because it’s tough on germs and has a sweet lasting lemon-like aroma.

Another fun way to keep bathrooms smelling fresh is to add your favorite oil to the inside of the toilet paper roll. Each time someone uses it, they will be greeted by the pleasant scent of your choosing!

Want to make an all purpose cleaner? Mix the following into a spray bottle and shake well before use:

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup vinegar

25 drops of your favorite germ busting essential oil

This can be used to spray down showers daily, surfaces and floors. Need more grease fighting power? Add a tablespoon or two of Castile soap for some extra punch.