The Most Useful Essential Oils for a Cleaner, Healthier Home
I use essential oils on a daily basis and have for years, especially around the house. I love them for their versatility and the fact they are non-toxic in comparison to a lot of conventional cleaning and home products out there. We can’t always control what we are exposed to in the environment, but we can control what we use in our homes. Using essential oils is one of the key methods I use to keep my home environment clean and healthy. Here are the oils I personally find most useful/can’t live without and my favorite uses for each:
Lemon
Add a few drops to cleaning products like all-purpose spray
I like a mix of 1 tbsp Castile soap or Branch Basics concentrate, 1/3 C vinegar, and water
Add to DIY carpet freshener
Mix baking soda with a little sea salt, let it sit 10-15 min then vacuum
Removes stickers and adhesive
Drop some lemon EO on the sticker, let it sit 5-10min for easier removal
Polish wood furniture
Put on few drops on your furniture and wipe off with a clean rag
Diffuse in my baby’s room to support decongestion/respiratory support
Lavender
Add a few drops into coconut oil for soothing skin irritation
I keep a spray bottle of coconut oil, lavender, and melaleuca to soothe diaper rashes
Add a few drops cleaning products or laundry for a fresh, relaxing scent
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Add a few drops to funky laundry along with lemon EO to freshen things up
Add to your DIY cleaning spray for its antimicrobial properties
In shampoo or hair treatments for it’s antimicrobial/antifungal properties
I mixed a few drops with a little coconut oil to help with my baby’s cradle cap
make a purifying scalp rinse with 1 part ACV to 3 parts water and a few drops of melaleuca
Diffuse along with lemon and lavender to protect against seasonal threats and allergies
This blend is my favorite currently because its safe for babies and nursing mothers while peppermint is not
Frankincense
This oil is so versatile! It’s one of the more expensive oils but has many personal care uses
Add a drop to your moisturizer or nighttime serum to support healthy/youthful skin
Diffuse to promote relaxation
Apply to bruises/scrapes to promote healing
Make a chest roller with lemon/lavender/tea tree to support a healthy respiratory system
If you’re in doubt about which oil to use for what, you really can’t go wrong with this one!
Cedarwood
This is my absolute favorite to diffuse at night! Diffuse in your bedroom to promote restful sleep
Add a few drops to your favorite hair oil as a “pre-poo” or deep conditioning treatment
Grapefruit
It’s a little sweeter smelling than lemon, so anytime I need some citrus grapefruit is my first choice
Diffuse for a refreshing pick me up
Add to cleaning products or laundry for freshness as well as disinfecting properties
OnGuard
This is my absolute favorite blend to use for any time you need something antimicrobial to guard against seasonal threats. Every family should have this in their stash!
Add to a DIY disinfecting spray
A solution of 70% alcohol disinfects, add a few drops of OnGuard for an extra boost
Diffuse during times of illness or cold/flu season
Make a roller and roll on the bottoms of feet to protect against seasonal threats
Honorable Mention: Bergamot, Serenity, Peppermint
I love Bergamot as another alternative to lemon or orange for a lighter citrus scent. Serenity has Cedarwood in it, but also contains vanilla and sandalwood if you want to take your relaxation to the next level. I put it in the bath with some Epsom salt and diffuse frequently at home during times of high stress.
We are all familiar with Peppermint, and is one of the most energizing oils you can diffuse. It can also be rolled onto the temples to soothe headaches, and onto the tummy to ease GI upset. I’m not using it currently because it is not safe for use around infants and may interfere with milk supply in some so that is something to be mindful if you have infants around the house.