There are many ways to use essential oils around the home including cleaning, aromatherapy and pest control. Four of the most commonly used essential oils in the home are lavender, tea tree, peppermint and pine oils. Not only are these oils useful, they also add uplifting, pleasant smells throughout the home.
Cleaning
Because essential oils are aromatic and have antibacterial and antifungal properties, they are perfect additions to a natural cleaning regimen. Many people suffering from chemical sensitivity or asthma can benefit from cleaning with natural products rather than harsh chemicals. Lavender, Tea tree, and pine oil are three very common essential oils used for cleaning.
- Lavender Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Pine Oil
All-purpose Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaner
4 Cups (or larger) Wide Mouth Jar with Lid
2 Cups of Baking Soda
1/8 Cup Liquid Castile Soap
1 1/4 Cups Water
25 drops lavender essential oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops blue food coloring
10 drops red food coloring
Squeeze bottle (recycled shampoo/liquid soap bottle)
Place the baking soda, castile soap and water in the mason jar. Put the lid on the jar and shake it until well mixed. Add the food coloring and the essential oils and shake the mixture again. Using a funnel, pour the cleaner into a squirt bottle or recycled shampoo bottle. Label with the contents and use anywhere you need an abrasive cleaner, such as sinks and bathtubs. Shake well before each use.
Aromatherapy
The aroma from essential oils can make a room smell great and can influence the mood and spirit of those within it. Spruce up dried flowers, seeds, and bark for an aromatic potpourri. Add some essential oils to a diffuser for dispersing fragrance throughout the room. Diffusers are widely available at health foods stores and discount stores. Another way to add fragrance to a room is simply to mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and spray as air freshener.
Pest Control
A common repellent for ants is peppermint oil. If you have an area in your home that has been invaded by ants, follow the trail to the point of entrance. Ants usually enter from the wall around outlets or windows. Place a few drops of essential peppermint oil at the place of entrance to deter the ants from entering.
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