Cleaning is one of those things that some people absolutely love and some people absolutely detest. But regardless on how much you enjoy cleaning, I think we can all agree how satisfying it is to have a lovely clean home!
Store-bought cleaning products can be very effective, however they can also contain some not-so-pleasant ingredients - and so many people prefer to make their own cleaning products. Homemade can be just as effective as store bought, and can also cut down on both waste and cost. And the real bonus? They're super easy to make!
Below are our favourite essential oils for cleaning, as well as some simple but effective recipes so you can try for yourself.
Eucalyptus
Lively, invigorating and clarifying, eucalyptus is a crisp and bright oil. As well as it's ability to ease congestion by clearing your airways, it also clears the air in your home for that fresh, clean feel. Its antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties make it a highly effective cleaning and disinfecting ingredient.
Lavender
A wonderful all-rounder essential oil, lavender combines its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties with its ability to calm tense nerves and support restful sleep. This makes it a lovely alternative to other essential oils often used for cleaning, as its less stimulating - perfect for bedrooms in particular!
Lemon
Perhaps the most well-known essential oil for cleaning, lemon is a natural and effective disinfectant. Antibacterial and antiseptic, it's great for combating bacteria both on surfaces and in the air, helps prevent mold, and is also effective at eliminating unpleasant odours with its refreshing scent.
Peppermint
Another fresh, uplifting essential oil, peppermint is most known for its ability to put an extra pep in your step; but it's also a powerful cleaning ingredient! It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, is a great pest repellant, and is also particularly good at cleaning glass.
Pine Sylvestris
A winner to help bring the fresh feel of the forest into your home, pine is both a great deodoriser and effective disinfectant. Another popular ingredient in cleaning products as it's antibacterial and antifungal, and clears the home of pathogens (a great option in winter when all those nasty bugs are floating around!).
Pink Grapefruit
You pretty much can't go wrong with citrus essential oils when it comes to cleaning, but we particularly like the cheerful, sweet scent of pink grapefruit - plus, it's antibacterial, neutralises bad smells, and is a wonderful support for your immune system! This energiser will also help boost motivation, which we all need when we're stuck in a deep clean.
Sweet Orange
Ok, ok - yes we do love our citrus oils! Sweet orange is particularly good at removing grease, so works well in dishwashing liquids and cream cleansers. Not to mention is smells oh-so-good, and lifts your mood - adding to that "just cleaned the house" satisfaction.
Tea Tree
This powerful natural disinfectant hosts a range of pathogen-busting properties. As well as being an effective cleaning ingredient, it's also helpful for preventing headlice - so works well when added to shampoo or even washing liquid.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
Love a green clean? Read on for some simple, effective, natural and safe cleaning recipes!
With all recipes, it's a good idea to do a spot test in a small, inconspicuous area first, just to make sure the recipe is suitable for the surface you're cleaning (particularly with porous or delicate surfaces such as marble or granite).
All Purpose Cleaner
A good, multi-purpose spray and wipe - perfect for benches, sinks, microwaves, etc.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup distilled water
- 25 drops essential oil of your choice (can even be a combination of different oils if you like!)
Also needed:
- 500ml spray bottle (dark or amber glass is best)
Add vinegar and essential oils to your spray bottle, then top up with distilled water. Shake to combine, then also shake before use. Spray onto surfaces and wipe off with a damp cloth.
Citrus Cleaning Paste
A great option for gunk or stubborn stains.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 15 drops lemon EO
- 15 drops sweet orange EO
Also needed:
- Air tight container with lid (at least 320ml capacity)
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl to form a paste, then add to your container. Apply to surface using a damp cloth or sponge.
Air Freshener
A fantastic alternative to aerosol sprays to neutralise bad odours or musty smells.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 2 tbsp witch hazel or vodka
- 10 drops lavender EO
- 5 drops pink grapefruit EO
Also needed:
Add witch hazel or vodka and essential oils to your spray bottle, then top up with distilled water. Shake to combine, then shake before spraying into the air.
Glass Cleaner
A brilliant option for a streak-free shine!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol or vodka (optional - evaporates quicker for less streaking)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 6 drops peppermint EO
- 6 drops sweet orange EO
Also needed:
- 500ml spray bottle (dark or amber glass is best)
- Funnel
Using your funnel, add vinegar to your spray bottle, followed by the alcohol (if using), then cornflour. Then add the water (which will help wash down any lingering cornflour from the funnel) and lastly the essential oils. Shake well to combine. Spray onto glass, then wipe off with a soft cloth.
Linen Spray
Perfect for giving linen and bedding a bit of a "jzhush up", or adding natural fragrance.
Ingredients:
- 50ml distilled water
- 50ml witch hazel or vodka
- 5-10 drops essential oil
Also needed:
Essential oil suggestions:
Sleep Support - Lavender
Motivation - Sweet Orange, Pink Grapefruit or Lime
Focus - Peppermint
Breathe Easy - Eucalyptus or Pine Sylvestris
Add witch hazel or vodka and essential oils to a spray bottle, then top up with distilled water. Shake to combine, then shake before spraying onto linen or bedding.
Carpet Refresher
This is a particularly helpful one after something stinky has been spilled on the carpet - or just to liven up musty rooms!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 30 drops essential oil
Also needed:
- Shaker jar or container with holes poked in the lid
Combine baking soda and essential oils in your container, mix well and leave for 6-8 hours. Shake onto carpet, leave overnight, then vacuum it up in the morning.
