Cleaning with Essential Oils: A Safe and Effective Approach

A common question from those new to essential oils is, “How do I use my essential oils?” While the answer varies depending on your desired therapeutic benefits and the specific essential oils you have, one often-overlooked method is using them for cleaning your home.

When purchasing a commercial household cleaner, we expect it to eliminate germs and harmful bacteria. However, studies reveal that up to 10% of toxic exposure comes from these conventional cleaners. The immediate effects can include skin irritation and burning eyes, but ongoing exposure may lead to serious long-term health issues, including infertility and cancer.

After we’ve scrubbed our sinks clean with these toxic chemicals, they are washed down the drain, ultimately reaching local treatment plants and contaminating nearby streams and rivers, posing a risk to fish and wildlife. Additionally, these cleaning products generate significant waste; many containers are not recyclable due to chemical residue.

In contrast, many essential oils offer delightful aromas and possess strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and disinfectant properties. When mixed with other non-toxic cleaning agents, they provide a powerful and safe way to clean your home effectively.

Simple Recipes for Cleaning with Essential Oils

Here are some straightforward and effective recipes for cleaning your home using essential oils and other non-toxic ingredients. Keeping a spray bottle of vinegar handy can speed up the cleaning process. Although the initial scent of vinegar may be off-putting, it dissipates quickly, leaving behind a fresh aroma.

For the recipes below, we recommend using High-Altitude Lavender Essential Oil. It contains a higher level of linalool, making it a more potent cleaning agent compared to regular lavender. However, if you only have standard lavender on hand, feel free to use it.

“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:27

1. Stainless Steel Sinks

Supplies Needed:

• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Soft Sponge
• Lemon or Sweet Orange Essential Oil
• Olive Oil
• Paper Towels

Instructions:

1. Remove food debris from the sink.
2. Scrub the sink with baking soda and a soft sponge in circular motions.
3. Rinse with vinegar, allowing the baking soda to fizz. Rinse off the mixture with water.
4. Dry the sink with paper towels.
5. Buff the sink with a small amount of olive oil and 2-3 drops of your chosen essential oil until it shines.

2. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Supplies Needed:

• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Tea Tree Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl.
2. Add 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.
3. Pour vinegar into the bowl, allowing the baking soda to fizz.
4. Once fizzing stops, scrub with a toilet bowl brush and flush.

3. Multi-Purpose Cleaner (for windows, kitchen, and bathroom)

Supplies Needed:

• Empty spray bottle
• 1 cup Vinegar
• 1 cup Water
• ¼ TSP Dishwashing Soap (optional)
• 5 drops of Lemon, Tea Tree, or High-Altitude Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions: Mix all ingredients in the spray bottle. Shake well and use as a standard window cleaner. During cold and flu season, swap the essential oils for Immunity Essential Oil for added protection.

4. Floors

Supplies Needed:

• Bucket of water
• ¼ cup Vinegar
• 10 drops of Lemongrass, Pine, or Tea Tree Essential Oil
• ¼ TSP Dishwashing Detergent

Instructions: Combine the ingredients and mop any flooring, including hardwood. If you use a steam mop, you can add essential oils directly to the water reservoir for a refreshing scent.

5. Carpet Freshener

Supplies Needed:

• Mason Jar
• 1 Cup Baking Soda
• 15 drops of High-Altitude Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions: Mix the ingredients in a mason jar and shake to break up clumps. Let it sit overnight for optimal absorption. Sprinkle on the carpet and vacuum after 10 minutes. This recipe can be scaled up for future use.

6. Fabric Refresher Spray

Supplies Needed:

• Spray Bottle
• 1 TBLS Baking Soda
• 2 Cups Water
• 10 drops of Lemon, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Pine, or High-Altitude Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions: Combine the ingredients in the spray bottle, shaking until the baking soda dissolves. Use as a standard fabric spray on curtains, bedding, and furniture. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

While there are countless recipes for cleaning with essential oils, we hope these simple methods introduce you to a non-toxic cleaning approach for your home. May you find joy and peace in knowing your family resides in a clean and safe environment. Remember to enjoy the process—cleaning can be a joyful activity that honors God and the blessings He has bestowed upon us!

Disclaimer: All content found on the AmishHeart.com and Vealstation.com websites, including text, images, audio, or other formats, is created for informational purposes only and should never be taken as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Products and information from Amish Heart have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.