Essential oils are natural plant compounds that have been extracted thru various types of distillation, a process that has been in practice for thousands of years. One of the most useful purposes is for using them as a component in natural cleaning products. So why should you be cleaning with essential oils? Below are 5 reasons why and some bonus cleaning tips!
Smell
Essential oils have wonderful aromas. You can pick, and even combine, your favorites for your ideal smell preferences. Whether you like lemony, citrus scents, herbaceous smells, or more floral notes, you are in control. It’s nice to have choices beyond fresh linen and summer rain.
Essential Oils are Non-Toxic
Most store-bought cleaners are loaded when chemicals that could be dangerous to you, your pets, and your children. A more natural cleaning product, made with essential oils, is the safest alternative to using products full of phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, ammonia and many, many more. To read more about dangerous household cleaners check out this article from OrganicConsumers.Org.
Essential Oils Will Save You Money
When you buy a typical cleaning product from the store, you are buying a lot of water. By making your own products with things like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap and essential oils, you will save a ton of money! No more washing your dollars down the drain.
Natural Germ Fighting
If you’ve wanted to switch to more natural cleaners in the past, but were afraid they wouldn’t kill germs or cut grease, you have nothing to worry about. Many essential oils are naturally antibacterial, such as lavender and peppermint. Orange is a natural grease fighter. Cinnamon and rosemary are both antibacterial and antiseptic and Tea Tree is anti-fungal. To make it easy, you can try a blend designed to pack as much antibacterial punch as its chemical-laden counterparts.
Less Waste
An added benefit to swapping out conventional cleaners for more natural cleaning products is less waste which saves the environment. If you create your own all-purpose cleaner and reuse the containers, you will be putting less plastic (and therefore less harmful chemicals) into your local landfill.
If you are interested in making the switch to cleaning with essential oils, but aren’t sure where to start, check out the cleaning tips below:
- #1 Combine tea tree oil, water and vinegar for a great shower cleaning spray. The tea tree oil will keep mold from forming.
- #2 Mix castile soap, water, vinegar and your choice of essential oils for a simple all-purpose cleaner.
- #3 You can make your own cleansing toilet bombs with just baking soda, citric acid and your choice of essential oils. If you are looking for some extra cleaning power, opt for eucalyptus, rosemary or lavender.
- #4 Make your own linen spray with vodka, water and your favorite essential oils. Lavender, sandalwood, frankincense, vetiver and chamomile all have a calming effect. #5 To make your hand soap, simply combine water, castile soap and your favorite essential oil.
