Essential Oils for Household Cleaning

If you want to avoid toxic cleaning products, you can use essential oils for household cleaning. When blending essential oils with water for later use, use distilled or filtered water because the chlorine in tap water will deteriorate the oils.

You can use 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil to remove gum, oil, grease spots, glue or adhesive, and crayon on most surfaces.

Window cleaner: Mix 10-15 drops of lemon oil in a spray bottle with 2 cups white vinegar and 2 cups water.

Clean and sanitize surfaces: Combine 2–3 drops of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, or lemon oil with 1/2 cup water.

All-purpose cleaning spray: Mix 2 cups water with 1 cup white vinegar and 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Clean floors: Add 5-10 drops pine essential oil to 1/2 cup vinegar and a gallon of water.

Room cleansing air spray: In a spray bottle, combine 1/2 cup water, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 25 drops lemon essential oil, and 30 drops bergamot essential oil. Shake well before each use to thoroughly mix the water and oils.

Surface cleaner: Combine 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 3 drops tea tree, 1 drop lemon, and 1 drop eucalyptus with just a little water to make a paste. Apply to surface with a cloth using circular motions, then rinse with hot water and a clean cloth.

Note: Spot test delicate surfaces to make sure the essential oils don't damage them.

For a pre-made cleaner with essential oils, Young Living has a cleaner called Thieves using clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils.