Using Essential Oils for Cleaning

If you’re like us here at Kat’s Clean, you are sick and tired of having to buy and use harsh, store-bought, chemical-based cleaning products in your home. Using essential oils for cleaning is a great all-natural alternative.

Why Essential Oils for Cleaning

Apart from the fresh smells, the essence of plants is well-known as having antimicrobial properties. And the pure oils are so strong that it kills bacteria, virus, and fungi. With so many cleaning recipes that can be made at home, why not add a little extra zip with essential oils?

1. Lemon essential oil

Lemon essential oil is perfect for cleaning your kitchen. There’s no doubt that it’s the most popular of the essential oils for cleaning. Lemon will help

keep your home smelling great without resorting to all the awful chemicals. Lemon essential oil is derived from lemon rinds and turned into a concentrate. Add a dash of lemon to your favorite cleaning solution.

It’s great for wiping counters and mopping floors. Lemon removes stains, so it’s great in kitchens and bathrooms. The best part, though, is lemon oil is antibacterial. Just dilute into a spray bottle, and it’s ready to go.

Our favorite recommendation is to use lemon oil inside your refrigerator. Wipe the interior and your fridge will smell wonderful and be free of unwanted bacteria and germs. 

2. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a good essential oil for cleaning showers and even your oven. Originally used by Australians, tea tree melaleuca leaves are known to have healing powers. The extract from the leaves is tea tree oil and it’s a strong, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial oil that also is an antiseptic. Its power to help you clean your home is practically unstoppable.

Mix tea tree oil with water and clean mildew areas around tubs, showers, behind the refrigerator, or under the oven. Leave the tea tree oil after cleaning and it will destroy every germ that dares come near. You can also use tea tree oil in your laundry, or for mopping.

Be aware, however, that even though tea tree oil can do so many things around the house, it is still slightly toxic and should not be ingested. Using too much can irritate your skin and result in an allergic reaction. Pay special attention to your pets as they can also become sick if they ingest tea tree oil. Just like everything else in this world, moderation is the key.

3. Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil is loaded with terrific antibacterial properties and it keeps everything smelling wonderful and fresh. Especially if tea tree oil is a bit

too strong for you, lavender makes a perfect alternative. There are plenty of ways to clean with lavender around your home. Kat’s Clean highly recommends using a variety of essential oils for cleaning. 

4. Cinnamon leaf oil

Not as common as other essential oils used for cleaning, but definitely an oil worth mentioning. Cinnamon leaf oil works wonders for killing mold around your home. Although it isn’t as popular as some of the other essential oils, it really works great. Wear gloves when using cinnamon oil, and even goggles, to be completely safe. Also keep it away from children, pets and expectant mothers. 

5. Pine essential oil

There is a reason why pine is an ingredient in so many cleaning products on the market. The oil is a disinfectant and antiseptic. It’s simple to use, and is barely toxic, making it a very flexible cleaning solution additive. Like tea tree and cinnamon, it’s also good for fighting mold and mildew. It really works great for cleaning and mopping floors, and when diluted is safe to use.

6. Thyme

Thyme is also known for having antibacterial ingredients and can be used in a bunch of do-it-yourself home cleaners. It’s powerful and is the perfect essential oil for cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms in your home. Try blending it with grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, or lemon.

Are you looking for a combination of aromas? Try creating a cleaning mixture that works for you and your family.  

Do you want your cleaning to be uplifting? Add peppermint or grapefruit. 

Do you prefer your cleaning to be calming? Add geranium or eucalyptus. 

The combination of essential oils for cleaning mixtures is endless.

Ten Great Essential Oils for Cleaning Product Recipes For Your Entire Home

1. All-Purpose Cleaner with Lemon (any room in your home)

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 cups distilled water
• 1 teaspoon dish soap
• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops melaleuca essential oil

2. Window & Mirror Cleaner (doors, windows, bathroom)

• 3 cups of water
• 1/4 cup alcohol 
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 20 drops spearmint or peppermint oil.

3. Soft Scrub (bathroom, countertops)

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap 
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lime essential oil
• 10 drops wild orange essential oil

4. Toilet Cleaner (bathrooms)

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
• 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3/4 cup distilled water

5. Shower Spray (bathrooms)

• 1.5 cups distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup alcohol
• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwasher soap 
• 15 drops lime essential oil
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil

6. Carpet Refresher (any carpeted room in your home)

• 1 cup baking soda
• 30 drops lemon essential oil

7. Marker and Crayola Remover (walls, floors, furniture)

• Lemon essential oil
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut or almond oil

8. Linen Deodorizer (any room in your home)

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 3 tablespoons witch hazel
• 20 drops lavender oil
• 15 drops frankincense oil
  

  essential oils for cleaning Kats Cleaning Service

9. Air Freshener (any room in your home)

• 3/4 cup distilled water)
• 2 tablespoons vodka, alcohol, or vanilla extract
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil

10. Tub and Shower Cleaner (bathrooms)

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent

11. Wood Floor Cleaner

• 1 tbsp liquid soap or Thieves household cleaner
• 10 drops of Pine essential oil
• Water

12. Still Another Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaner

• 16 – 24 drops of Cinnamon (Cassia) essential oil
• 8 oz. distilled water
• 8 oz. distilled white vinegar
• Spray bottle

13. All Purpose Cleaner

• ¼ cup castile soap
• ¼ cup soap flakes
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 2 cups of water
• 30 drops of thyme essential oil

The chemical free clean combined with the amazing aromas is divine! Cleaning your home with essential oils is a match made in heaven. Likewise, hiring Kat’s Clean for residential and commercial cleaning is a great partnership! Call us today. (816) 258-9371