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You don't have to completely convert your entire household to green living to start implementing some energy efficient and cleaner living behaviors now. Essential oils have been on the rise for the last few years and not only provide a healthier alternative to medicine but they can provide a cleaner lifestyle to your cleaning regimen as well. If you're looking at using some of your essential oils in cleaning products, here are some of the best ones to use and the benefits they provide.
Related: 5 Simple Spring Home Maintenance Tasks
Tea tree oil – also called Melaleuca, tea tree can be used for a variety of different things. It's tough against germs, bacteria, and viruses and can be used as a deterrent against lice and bugs around the house. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use it as a daily shower spray, or spray around the baseboards of your home and foundation to deter ants and spiders. However, Melaleuca can be dangerous for dogs and cats so use it sparingly if you have pets.
Lemon – lemon has been used for centuries as commercial and residential household cleaners but most lemon in these commercial cleaners are fake. The essential oil of lemon provides not only an energizing scent but is tough on grease and grime. Natural lemon is even antibacterial and can be used to deodorize refrigerators, clean tiles and linoleum, and polish leather and wood.
Rosemary – Rosemary offers an antiseptic and antibacterial property and is a great addition to soap and laundry detergent. Adding a bit of peppermint to your Rosemary in a diffuser will keep people in the household focused and makes a great air freshener.
Lavender – Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for aromatherapy and is naturally antibacterial specifically when paired with white vinegar making a great all-purpose cleaner. It's also one of the most essential oils for cuts, scrapes, and wounds, as it cleans the wound and creates a barrier against infections.
Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is a natural germ aside, which makes it a great dust mite killer. Add it with some baking soda to deep clean a mattress or in a dry wash to clean plush toys and clothing. You can also put drops in cupboards to repel pests and ants.
Peppermint – Peppermint smells great and helps you keep alert and focused but it also makes a good aunt and spider repellent as well. Mix a little peppermint essential oil with water and spray around the baseboards of your home and foundation.
Thyme – Thyme is essential for fighting off salmonella. You can use it in dish soap to clean cutting boards, specifically cutting boards that you've used to cut chicken or high bacterial items.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic and works great against mold throughout the house. You can even apply some cinnamon oil to a cotton ball and put in the corners of closets and pantries to deter bugs and insects.
Wild Orange – Like lemon, wild orange provides an energizing scent and is tough on grease and even some hard water stains. It's a good all-purpose kitchen and bathroom cleaner when mixed with a little bit of white vinegar and water. Splash them in a toilet before a scrub, spray into a sink, or use as a cleaner in the bathtub.
Read More: 8 Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks
Using essential oils not only is a great way to naturally clean, deodorize, and create an antibacterial shield around your house, but you're saving the environment and your pocketbook.
