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 house hold 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 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 is a natural sanitiser and has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent oil to use for cleaning.

Studies have shown that it 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 spray bottle and shake gently to combine. Spray on mirrors, windows or stainless steel. Wipe down with paper towel or a micro fibre cloth for a streak-free shine.

 

 

Tea Tree Essential Oil 

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 create a supercharged all purpose cleaner than 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 surface using a cloth, or add to a spray bottle. To make a paste for tougher stains, use less water.