How to Create an Essential Oil Cleaning Kit

Many people think of essential oils as being useful only for air fresheners, but these oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties that make them great home cleaning products. Not only do they create a pleasing aroma, but they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial additives like commercial disinfectants. Essential oils are multipurpose, friendly to the environment, and safe for your family and pets. With a few essential oils, you can create a home cleaning kit to use in every room, or to give as a gift.

Getting Started

If you have never worked with essential oils before, using them as cleaning products is a great introduction to their many benefits. In fact, many of these oils, listed below, are scents you are already familiar with in traditional cleaners:
- Lavender
- Lime
- Pine
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Eucalyptus
- Orange

These scents are already found in artificial forms in dishwashing liquid, surface sprays, and air fresheners, so why not use the real thing?

A note on purchasing essential oils: Some oils, such as those found in bath and candle shops, are not quality medicinal-grade oils. You can find "real" essential oils in most health food shops -- look for variations in price, as the price is based on the raw ingredients of the oils. Bottles of different oils that all cost the same should be a red flag that the product is artificial or diluted.

The above list are just a few basic oils; I will include others specific to certain areas and types of cleaning. After reading all the sections, you can decide which are right for your home. Besides these oils, all you will need are a few cloths or sponges, a spray bottle, a bowl, and warm water.

Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces

The majority of essential oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, and the oils listed below are antiviral and antifungal as well:
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Eucalyptus Lemon
- Tea Tree

Other oils for fighting bacteria

- Cinnamon, Clove (kitchen)
- Pine, Lime, Grapfruit (bathroom)