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A clean home can feel like a calm sanctuary, away from the hectic pace of modern life.
Read on to learn the top ways to use essential oils around your house.
Essential oil bottles
Essential oils offer a natural alternative that can clean your home while making it smell amazing.
Essential oils aren’t just trendythey’re powerful little titans, says Trish Duarte, founder ofMaidPro in MurrietaandTemecula.
These bottles are brimming with antibacterial, antiviral, and deodorizing properties.
Essential oil bottles
Experts recommend several oils for cleaning your home.
These are powerful cleansing oils that are great for nearly all surfaces.
Duartes recommendations are similar and include lemon, tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils.
Essential oil next to detergent on top of washing machine
Plus, its antibacterial and antiviral, making it ideal for disinfecting surfaces.
it’s possible for you to also use vinegar in place of witch hazel.
However, vinegar isnt recommended for use on all surfaces.
Green sofa in beige carpet in living room
It can damage natural stone, electronics, wood, and certain fabrics, Duarte explains.
Due to its acidity, it can also break down rubber and dull shiny finishes over time.
Freshen your clothes
Traditional laundry detergent contains chemicals that can be harmful, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Peppermint oil added to water, vinegar and dish soap
Personally, I love anything floral to scent my laundry detergent recipes.
Lavender, chamomile, and jasmine are all excellent options.
Eucalyptus, lemongrass, and cedarwood make great alternatives.
Spray bottle with essential oil solution
Duarte likes using lavender, tea tree, or rosemary oil in the laundry.
She also uses essential oils in place of dryer sheets.
Add a drop to each dryer ball, she recommends.
Mix in a jar [and] sprinkle on carpets, she says.
Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, [then] vacuum thoroughly.
Lavender oil is a cleaning powerhouse, she explains.
Peppermint oil and cotton balls on countertop
It fights bacteria and fungi while leaving a lovely floral scent.
Get rid of pests
Got bugs in your home?
Skip the harmful pesticides and banish them by using essential oils.
Sneakers in stacked sneaker cases
This method is also humane for the pests.
Duartes go-to oil for pest control is peppermint.
Peppermint oil is a natural deodorizer and insect repellent, she says.
Its high menthol content makes it perfect for cleaning and freshening up your spaces.
Essential oils can make your house smell great without causing issues for your homes residents.
Mix in a spray bottle [and] shake well, she advises.
Spray around the house for a refreshingly uplifting scent that also repels spiders and ants.
Plus, they’re great for other jobs around your home.
Essential oils can help neutralize trash odors so your home stays smelling fresh.
Put in smelly shoes
The same method for de-stinking trash cans can be applied to your shoes.
First, they are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before use.
To avoid staining surfaces, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area.
Its also essential to understand which oils to use for which purposes.
Proper ventilation is key to using essential oils in any way.
Its also important to store essential oils correctly.
Keep oils in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight, advises Duarte.
Use dark glass bottles to protect your cleaning solutions from degrading too quickly.
Finally, Ascher recommends consulting a medical professional before using essential oils.