Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils
A fellow therapist and friend, Maxine, recently gifted me a homemade multi-purpose cleaning spray and inspired me to write about my favourite essential oils to use when making toxic-free and zero-waste cleaning products.
I’m not a huge fan of the annual spring clean, but if you feel inspired to give your home a good clean this month, or simply want to make cleaning a more pleasant and less toxic chore, why not have a go at making your own cleaning products with essential oils!
My Top 5 Essential Oils for Cleaning
Lemon (Citrus limon): Antimicrobial, antiseptic and bactericidal. A familiar aroma used in cleaning product for a good reason! Try blending with lavender in your products. Lemon essential oil has a relatively short shelf-life (1-2 years as it is highly prone to oxidation), and once it’s passed this date you shouldn’t use it for topical skin applications. Using it in cleaning products, however is a great way to avoid waste.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Antimicrobial, antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide and parasiticide. If you’re thinking about packing away your delicate knits this month, try adding some dried lavender bags or popping a few drops of essential oil onto a piece of scrap fabric to keep moths at bay.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, fungicidal and parasiticide. Clinically proven to be one of the most effective essential oils at killing bacteria, fungus and viruses. This oil is one of my favourites to go to when fighting coughs and colds, and is perfect for use in cleaning when the colder months (and winter bugs...) come back around.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citridora): Antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, deodorant, and fungicidal. This fresh and zingy aroma, reminiscent of a Nordic spa is perfect for use in bathroom cleaning products.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Antimicrobial, antiseptic, bactericidal, deodorant and fungicidal. This oil will also bring a wonderfully fresh, grassy-lemon and exotic aroma to your home.
A quick search online will bring up loads of homemade cleaning product recipes. Here are a couple to get started with:
Bathroom Cleaner
You will need:
Lemon slices
Rosemary sprig
Glass jar with a lid
Distilled white vinegar (enough to fill the jar)
A few drops of essential oil (lemon would be nice here)
Empty spray bottle
Place a few slices of lemon and a rosemary spring into a glass jar. Top it up with the vinegar, adding the essential oils. Leave for one week to infuse. To make up the solution, mix 1 part concentrate with 2 parts water, and decant into a spray bottle.
(Recipe by Louise Gorrod, in March’s 2023 The Simple Things Magazine, @louise_gorrod)
Window and Glass Cleaner
You will need:
2 tablespoons of vodka
2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (the magical ingredient for streak-free, sparkly glass)
Approx 425 ml warm water
3 – 5 drops of your chosen essential oil
500ml empty spray bottle
Combine all the ingredients in an empty spray bottle, cap and shake well. Spray on windows and wipe clean with newspaper or terry cloth – avoid paper towels and old rags as they tend to leave behind lint and dust. In between use, be sure to give it a good shake as the cornstarch will settle to the bottom.
(Recipe by Julia Watkins, from her book Simply Living Well: A Guide to Creating a Natural, Low-Waste Home)
Clean Air Diffuser blend
2 drops lemon
2 drops lavender
2 drops Eucalyptus
Add these essential oils to diffuser or oil burner filled with fresh water and diffuse at any time of the day. Close your eyes, drop your shoulders, inhale, exhale...be here now.
I’d love to hear if you try any of these or if you have any favourite recipes and essential oils for cleaning of your own. Share by dropping me a message over on Instagram @kitclancy_aromatherapy