Essential Oils + Cleaning = EcoFriendly Magic
Essential oils are a great option for eco-friendly cleaning, offering natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties while leaving a fresh scent. Here are some of the most popular essential oils for eco-friendly cleaning:
1. Tea Tree Oil: Known for its powerful antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, tea tree oil is great for disinfecting surfaces like countertops and sinks.
2. Lemon Oil: With its fresh citrus scent and natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon oil can be used in surface cleaners, dishwashing, and even for removing sticky residues. (Hey we just learned this last week! Be sure to go check that lemon blog out!)
3. Lavender Oil: Lavender is antifungal and antibacterial, making it an excellent choice for cleaning fabrics and surfaces while leaving a calming scent.
4. Peppermint Oil: This oil is a natural antimicrobial agent and works well in cleaning sprays, especially for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s also a great deterrent for spiders since they taste with their feet and don’t like mint. Just place a few drops on a small piece of scrap fabric (great use for old shirts or socks!)
5. Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus is antiviral and antibacterial, perfect for floor cleaners and air fresheners. It pairs great with any of the oils listed in the blog!
6. Orange Oil: Its natural grease-cutting properties make orange oil perfect for cleaning kitchens, stovetops, and ovens.
7. Thyme Oil: Known for its strong antibacterial properties, thyme oil is great for disinfecting surfaces in high-touch areas.
8. Cinnamon Oil: With strong antifungal properties, cinnamon oil is ideal for fighting mold and mildew.
9. Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is an awesome natural degreaser that can help remove and dissolve stains from grease and grime from most surfaces, all while protecting them with its antioxidant properties.
For DIY cleaners, mix a few drops of essential oil with vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap for an effective, eco-friendly solution. We’ve already talked about vinegar. Stay tuned for baking soda next week!
Our favorite oil combos for cleaning include
Rosemary, Orange, and Thyme
Eucalyptus and Lavender
Cinnamon, Orange, and Rosemary
Tea Tree and Lemon
