Essential oils can be very useful around the house. This article is meant to give your some ideas that will help with day-to-day issues.
Essentials oils are not the same as perfumes, fragrances or potpourri oils, they contain the true essence of the plant from which they were extracted. These extracts bring a new whole army of benefits in to your daily home cleaning. For example, antibacterial activity of lavender against clinical strains of bacteria, even airborne bacteria.
Fight odors, enhance your senses with aromatherapy, repel common insects and keep your home free from airborne bacteria and viruses. We highly recommend this if you want to keep an extra barrier against viruses and bacteria.
As Freshener & Aromatizer
The natural aroma of plants and flowers extracted into essential oils will help to fight odors and keep your home fresh and vibrant. Try these 3 tips:
- Garbage Smell: Sprinkling two to three drops of orange oil in a garbage can will eliminate offensive smells.
- Bathroom Odors: Sprinkling three to four drops of lemongrass into the toilet bowl will block unpleasant bathroom odors.
- Fresh sheets out of the Storage: Sprinkle three to four drops of lavender oil on a paper towel and tuck the paper towel into folded bed linens.
As Housecleaning Products
The best smelling essential oils for home can be used also as cleaning products, not only providing you with an extra layer of protection against bacteria and viruses, they will leave your house fresh and alive with aromas only nature can provide. Try this:
- For simple dusting jobs: Fill a spray bottle with water and just a few drops of lemon oil.
- For an effective floor cleaner: Mix two equal parts water and vinegar in a large squirt bottle. Add 15 drops of peppermint oil and shake well. Apply directly to the floor and mop up with clean water.
For Aromatherapy
The holistic treatment of aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. The following blends are good for the body, mind, and spirit:
- For a relaxing bath: Mix five drops each of sandalwood, chamomile and lemon oil plus one drop of almond oil.
- For aromatherapy around the house: Consider purchasing a diffuser to spread pleasant scents throughout different rooms.
As a Natural Repellent
Using essential oils as an insect repellant is something we’ve been doing for centuries.
- Against Ants: Place peppermint in an entryway to keep ants from entering the home.
- For Flies: Using a wet cloth with 10 drops of either lavender or lemongrass to wipe a window.
- For Fleas: Fill a squirt bottle with water and a few drops of peppermint, spearmint, lavender or lemongrass oils.
Remember, Essential oils should never be used on the skin in their undiluted form. Also, some oils should be avoided by pregnant women or by those with asthma, epilepsy or other medical conditions. Keeping these precautions in mind, essential oils can have a huge impact at home.