When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

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.

Putting essential oil in bowl of water

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

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

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

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

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

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.

JohnBee  2 Pack Spray Bottles

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

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

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.

MagicFiber Microfiber…

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.

Prime

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.

Eco-Fused Microfiber Cleaning…

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.

MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning…

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.

Natural cleaning supplies including baking soda and lemon

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.

Witch hazel in a bottle with flower

More from Tom’s Guide

White bottle of bleach with cleaning products in blue box

Man sneezing into tissue

Girl sitting on floor surrounded by boxes

woman cleaning windows

Ring Wall Light Solar turned on at night.

Sustainability Week

The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical unboxed and on a table

A man and his son gardening

The Ordo Sonic+ toothbrush photographed in front of a blue background.

2025 Rivian R1T Tri.

The Apple Watch Series 10 on display at the device�s launch in September 2024

MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch) on a patio table

Bed bugs

Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.

Kit Connor and Joe Locke in Heartstopper season 3