It seems like everyone is talking about essential oils these days. And while you may have heard of their use when it comes to skin care or nutrition, did you know that they can also been used for cleaning?
Essential oils, like lavender and tea tree oil, are the natural aromatic compounds found in bark, stems, seeds and other parts of plants. These types of oils are perfect components for eliminating odors, removing tough stains and preventing household pests. Check out these helpful essential oil uses for around the house.
Lemon Oil
You can think of lemons as a sort of magic fruit. From eliminating smells to disinfecting countertops, a few squirts of this natural oil packs a punch.
• Use lemon essential oil to increase the shelf life of fresh fruit. Simply add a few drops to a bowl of cool water and swirl clean fruit in it for a few seconds.
• Lemon oil can also be used to remove gum, adhesive, crayon and permanent marker from most surfaces.
• Lemon oil and tea tree oil are natural disinfectants. Soak your dishcloth in warm water and add a few drops of each to clean and disinfect your countertops naturally.
• Use two drops of lemon oil and tea tree oil on a cotton ball and place it in the trash can to eliminate odors.
• Tuck a cotton ball soaked in lemon or lime essential oil behind the toilet to freshen the bathroom.
• Add a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil and lemon to stinky shoes.
Lavender
Lavender is well known for its soft, sweet smell. But that sweetness doesn’t extend to bugs and pests.
• Aside from being naturally calming, lavender essential oil can help with pest control. Fill a large spray bottle with two cups of purified water and 25 drops of lavender and spray around your home to keep flies away.
Peppermint
Peppermint has far more uses than spicing up your grande mocha around the holidays. This minty oil is a warning smell to pests.
• Add two or three drops of peppermint essential oil to the cardboard inside the toilet paper, which will release a fresh scent every time it’s unrolled.
• To prevent pests, fill a spray bottle with purified water and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil and spray where spiders and critters tend to enter your house.
Cinnamon
You know that stuff you put in your oatmeal in the morning? That magic sweet powder can also clear your kitchen of funky smells.
• Dispel cooking odors by simmering a pan of purified water spiked with a few drops of clove or cinnamon essential oils.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)
You might not recognize the name, but Melaleuca is quite the oil. In fact, is has over 90 different compounds that assist purification.
• A drop of Maleleuca in a cup of white vinegar that is then poured into your washing machine will not only soften clothes, but also serve as a natural antimicrobial.
Your Favorite Essential Oils
You don’t have to listen to us when it comes to which essential oils to use. Maybe you love lavender oil best, or only use Frankincense essential oil around the house. Simply pick your favorites and see fresh results in your home.
• Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil into your vacuum cleaner bag or dust container. The vacuum motor will diffuse it around your home as you clean.
• Use this same idea with your home air filter. Think of it as a sort of essential oil diffuser for a whole house freshening.
Call The Maids for Extra Freshness
Essential oils can help make your house feel and smell better. However, if you want a truly fresh home, call The Maids! Whether you need some help around the house after the holidays or simply want an extra hand once a month, we’re here to clean. Plus, maid service is an excellent gift if you want to help out an elderly family member or friend. Call us at 1-800-THE-MAIDS for a free price quote today.
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