DIY Household Cleaners Using Essential Oils

Indoor air pollution can be more harmful to us than outdoor pollution. Volatile compounds from rugs and plants, respiration from people breathing, moisture from the bathroom, and even combustible products from the kitchen are all possible sources for indoor air pollution. And the longer we spend inside the more likely these things are building up at a faster rate. Cleaning regularly helps reduce pollution and using natural products that won’t fill the air with harmful chemicals can keep us healthy and happy. Combining essential oils with some other natural products is a safe way to get a deep clean in many parts of the home. Diffusing essential oils can also help to purify the air and reduce any airborne bacteria. While essential oils disinfect our homes they’re also providing us with some much-needed boosts in energy, mood and supporting our immune systems.

Here is a list of the top 10 essential oils used for cleaning:

Tea Tree Essential Oil is one of the most powerful natural cleaning ingredients. Camphorous and fresh, this oil is antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal. It is the perfect tool to keep our families healthy by fighting germs, bacteria, and viruses. Tea Tree Essential Oil is wonderful for everyday cleaning throughout the entire home. It is extremely effective at removing mildew and musty odors. 

Lavender Essential Oil is calming and gentle, perfect for the whole family. Refreshing and floral, this oil is antibacterial and can support respiratory health. Its ability to promote relaxation makes Lavender perfect to use all over the home and is great for the bedroom as it can promote a calming atmosphere before bedtime. Lavender Essential Oil is safe for children, making it a great choice to clean toys and linens.

Lemon Essential Oil is a cleaning favorite. Fresh and uplifting, this oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and a powerful tool for cutting grease and dirt. It is especially efficient for all-purpose cleaners in the kitchen and bathroom. Lemon Essential Oil is effective for treating wood floors and furniture.  

Pine Essential Oil is very commonly found in a lot of commercial cleaners. It is a strong cleaning agent that can be used to fight bacteria, mold, yeast, and mildew. Pine Essential Oil has a very fresh aroma that purifies the air in our homes. It’s perfect for use on large surfaces like floors and walls so it can fill the entire home with its cleansing fragrance.

Orange Essential Oil leaves our homes with a clean, citrusy aroma and contains enzymes that destroy bacteria and prevent it from coming back. Its uplifting scent can help ease depression and give us energy. Similar to Lemon, Orange Essential Oil is a fantastic grease and dirt cutter. It can be used as an all-purpose cleaner and air freshener. Orange Essential Oil is specifically great in the kitchen for cleaning the counter, cutting boards, and other surfaces that food will touch. 

Peppermint Essential Oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and a powerful rodent and pest repellent. It’s safe and effective to use around the home to deter pests and remove bacteria. Peppermint Essential Oil is efficient at cleaning glass and mirrors without leaving behind streaks. 

Cinnamon Essential Oil is an ancient favorite used for protection against disease. It’s anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and can be used against mold and mildew. Cinnamon has a warm, familiar odor that makes any home feel comfortable and inviting. It makes a great air freshener and can leave the whole family feeling healthy and happy.

Thyme Essential Oil is antiseptic and antibacterial, while also providing a calming effect, making it a wonderful addition to your cleaning ingredients. Its anti-fungal properties have been known to help with skin conditions and with food-borne pathogens. Thyme Essential Oil is great for cleaning surfaces food is prepared on. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil is antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, which means it can help with allergies and respiratory issues. Eucalyptus Essential Oil is a fantastic all-purpose cleaner and a potent weapon against mold and mildew. 

Rosemary Essential Oil is a strong disinfectant and can be used all over the home to reduce odor and kill lingering bacteria in the air. It is antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. Rosemary Essential Oil fights the growth of disease-causing organisms, eliminates mold, and fights bacteria. 

Below are some examples of how to add Essential Oils to your household cleaning routine:

Uplifting Multi-Surface Cleaner

• 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1 cup of Water
• 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 15 ml of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• 5 ml of Rosemary Essential Oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean.

Calming Dish Soap

• 8 oz Bottle with pump 
• 1/4 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
• 2 tsp of Vegetable Glycerin
• 15 drops of Thyme Essential Oil
• 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• Water

Instructions

Combine all ingredients into the 8oz bottle, adding water last to fill it, leaving a little room at the top. Shake well.

Purifying Wall Cleaner

• 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1 cup of Distilled Water
• 1 cup of White Vinegar
• 5ml of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 5ml of Pine Essential Oil

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Lightly spray wall and wipe with clean, damp sponge. Rinse with water and dry.

Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

• 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1 cup of Distilled Water
• 1/4 cup of 190 Proof Alcohol
• 1/4 cup of White Vinegar
• 30ml of Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray the solution on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel. Wipe it with a paper towel or microfiber rag for a streak-free shine.

Mold Resistant Spray

Ingredients

• 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1 cup of Water
• 1/2 cup of White Vinegar
• 20 drops of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Instructions

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Use on mold and mildew throughout the home.

Citrus Stovetop Scrub

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• 1/4 cup of Liquid Castile Soap
• 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Lime Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix ingredients to form a paste. Apply the mixture to the stovetop with a rag or sponge and scrub. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Wood & Leather Furniture Polish

Ingredients

• 8 oz Amber Glass Bottle
• 1/2 cup of Fractionated Coconut oil
• 5ml of Lemon Essential Oil
• 2ml of Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in an 8oz glass bottle. Apply it to a clean, dry rag and work it into wood and leather furniture.

Germ Fighting All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients

• 16 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1 cup of White Vinegar
• 1 cup of Water
• 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 15 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Use it to clean anything around the home (bathroom, kitchen, furniture, floors, etc.)

Stress Relief Linen Spray

Ingredients

• 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Spray Top
• 1/4 cup of Distilled Water
• 3 tbsp of 190 Proof Alcohol
• 25 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Spray on sheets, pillowcases, linens, fabrics and mattresses. Safe for the whole family.

Revitalizing Air Freshener

Ingredients

• 8 oz Amber Glass Spray Bottle
• ¾ cup of Distilled Water
• 2 tbsp of 190 Proof Alcohol
• 15 drops of Pine Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
• 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix all ingredients into a glass spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Spray it throughout the home to eliminate odor and fight bacteria.