Top 3 Essential Oils for Cleaning your Home

As people become more mindful of health and sustainability, there is a growing shift toward natural cleaning solutions. Harsh chemical-based cleaners can affect indoor air quality and cause respiratory concerns, allergies, and sensitivity issues. That’s why many households are now embracing cleaning with essential oils as a healthier, eco-friendly alternative. By using some of the best essential oils for cleaning, you can enjoy a spotless home, reduce toxins, and maintain a fresh, uplifting environment, all while protecting your family from harmful chemicals.

Why Using Essential Oils for Cleaning Works

Harnessing the natural, science-backed antimicrobial benefits of essential oils in cleaning products, you can clean your home effectively without harsh chemicals. These best essential oils for cleaning offer antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal support, making them powerful additions to your cleaning routine. Global health trends are moving towards a greener way of living, with more and more consumers choosing natural over processed when it comes to what we put into and on to our bodies. However, with a "germ-a-phobia" mindset currently higher than ever, many people still don't think twice about what toxic chemicals their cleaning products contain.

In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that assessed 2000 household cleaning products, "some 53 percent of cleaning products assessed by EWG contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. About 22 percent contain chemicals reported to cause asthma to develop in otherwise healthy individuals." And that is just the tip of the iceberg. The good news is that by harnessing the natural, science-backed anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of these 3 essential oils, you can keep your home clean, germ free and smelling amazing - without the harsh chemicals!

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon has so many benefits for our health. The extracted lemon essential oil condenses all these benefits into a single drop, making it a powerhouse for health, wellness, and cleaning your home.

It can be used for removing stains, cleaning surfaces, and other household items. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and adds a beautiful fresh scent to your homemaking it one of the best essential oils for cleaning and surfaces.

 

Lemon has so many benefits for our health. The extracted lemon essential oil condenses all these benefits into a single drop, making it a powerhouse for health, wellness, and cleaning your home. It can be used for removing stains, cleaning surfaces, and other household items. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and adds a beautiful fresh scent to your home.

Lemon Essential Oil All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

Simply adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to water and spraying it around your home will be enough to utilise the cleaning effects of this oil. For a deeper cleaning solution, try this simple recipe. This recipe can be scaled, depending on your needs.

Ingredients: 

• 1 Cup White Vinegar
• 1 Cup Water
• 10-15 Drops Organic Lemon Essential Oil

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and use on surfaces as needed. Shake the bottle gently before each use.

*Do not use on granite or varnished wood surfaces, as the vinegar may cause damage.

Peppermint Essential Oil

The crisp aroma of peppermint essential oil will add a wonderful freshness to your home. Peppermint oil for cleaning works as a natural sanitiser with antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that it is effective in killing Salmonella and harmful bacteria on surfaces, supporting natural cleaning without toxins.

The crisp aroma of peppermint essential oil will add a wonderful freshness to your home. Peppermint oil is a natural sanitiser and has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent oil to use for cleaning.

Studies have shown that it is effective in killing Salmonella and other harmful bacteria from surfaces, yet without any of the nasty side effects of chemicals.

Add peppermint essential oil to water for use on any type of surface or as an air freshener. In addition, try this easy recipe for tougher cleaning action for use on windows and glass.

Peppermint Essential Oil Window Cleaner Recipe

• 3 Cups of Distilled water
• 1/4 Cup of Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol
• 1/4 Cup of White Vinegar
• 20 Drops of Organic Peppermint Oil
  

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently to combine. Spray on mirrors, windows, or stainless steel. Wipe down with a paper towel or a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

Tea Tree Essential Oil 

Tea Tree is one of the most powerful essential oils in cleaning products. It is anti-fungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic, yet completely safe to use at home. Whether you're disinfecting surfaces or preparing an all-purpose cleaner, tea tree oil offers strong cleaning support naturally.

Tea Tree is one of the most powerful essential oils for cleaning. It is anti-fungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-septic, yet completely safe to use both in your home and on your skin.

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil makes a powerful disinfectant spray. Utilising the natural cleaning powers of baking soda and vinegar creates a supercharged all-purpose cleaner that is easy to make and really works.

Tea Tree Essential Oil All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

• 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
• 10 Drops Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil
  

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply to the surface using a cloth, or add to a spray bottle. To make a paste for tougher stains, use less water.

Conclusion: Best Essential Oils for Cleaning Your Home

Switching to natural solutions means a healthier home and cleaner air. By using essential oils for cleaning, you can create powerful, non-toxic cleaners that disinfect, deodorise, and leave your home fresh and safe. Lemon, peppermint, and tea tree are some of the best essential oils for cleaning, offering eco-friendly and effective cleaning power.

FAQs 

Q. How to use lemon essential oil for cleaning?

Lemon essential oil can be added to water, vinegar or natural cleaning bases for wiping surfaces, removing stains, freshening laundry, and disinfecting counters. It’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. For daily use, mix a few drops into a spray bottle with water. Always shake before each use and avoid using lemon oil-vinegar cleaner on granite or wood surfaces.

Q. Can I add essential oil to vinegar for cleaning?

Yes, adding essential oils to vinegar enhances its natural cleaning power. Vinegar helps dissolve buildup, while oils add antibacterial support and fragrance. Lemon, tea tree, and peppermint are excellent choices. Mix a few drops into a vinegar-water solution and shake before spraying on surfaces. Avoid vinegar-based cleaners on marble, stone and polished wood to prevent damage.

Q. How to use essential oils for cleaning at home?

Essential oils can be diluted in water, vinegar, alcohol, or baking soda to create natural cleaners for different surfaces. Spray bottles, diffusers, and mopping solutions all work well. Popular choices include lemon, peppermint and tea tree. Start with small amounts—generally 8–20 drops per cleaning bottle—depending on the strength you need.

Q. Can you mix essential oils with water for cleaning?

Yes, essential oils can be mixed with water to create natural sprays for cleaning surfaces, freshening fabrics, or deodorising rooms. Because oils don’t dissolve fully in water, it’s best to shake the bottle before each use or include a natural emulsifier like vinegar or alcohol for even distribution.