5 Key Essential Oils for the Home
by Donna Thomson
Setting yourself up a kit of essential oils can help you out in so many ways, such as emotional pick-me-ups, setting different moods, physical remedies and much more. If you are unsure which oils to start with, here are five key essential oils that have refreshing, cleansing, antibacterial and antifungal properties which are beneficial in the home:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lemon Oil
- Cedarwood Oil
Each of these oils has many applications and benefits, such as Lavender's ability to help with headaches or Lemon's ability to uplift the mood of the home. However, for this article, you'll find a number of recipes using these oils for practical application in your home. I hope you find them useful.
First Aid to make your own antiseptic solution for cuts and grazes, combine:
- 3 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 200ml warm water
Bathe affected area with cotton wool.
All-Purpose Disinfectant Spray combine the following and use on the floors, bench tops and sinks:
- 25 drops Eucalyptus Oil
- 25 drops Lemon Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Cleaning Sponges soak sponges in water with 3 drops of one of the following oils to kill any bacteria and freshen them:
- Lavender Oil
- Lemon Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
Rubbish Bins place a few drops of one of the following oils on a paper towel:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
Wipe the lid over then place in the bottom of the bin to kill germs and the smells that come with them.
Vacuum Cleaner choose any of the oils mentioned in this article and place 5 or 6 drops onto the dust bag and filter so the fragrance permeates the room as you vacuum.
Clothes Dryer place 10-20 drops of your choice of oil onto a clean cloth or piece of fabric. Add to the dryer with your clothes, towels, or sheets to add a lovely fresh fragrance.
Washing Machine - add 3 drops of one of your chosen oils to the load of washing to freshen the laundry.
Dishwasher Deodoriser - add 2 drops of Lemon Oil to the detergent in your dishwasher's detergent compartment to freshen your dishwasher.
Sparkling Windows clean your windows the natural way with:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops Lemon Oil
- Boiling water
Wash windows with a clean lint free cloth, and then rub with scrunched newspaper for a streak-free finish.
Moths and Silverfish to keep the nasties out of your cupboards, add the following to cotton balls and place where needed:
- 2 drops Lavender Oil
- 2 drops Eucalyptus Oil
- 2 drops Cedarwood Oil
Flies place a few drops of one of these oils (or a combination) along a piece of ribbon or paper towel and hang above the windows where they come in, or lay across the window sills.
- Cedarwood Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lavender Oil
Cockroaches place a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil in the dark, damp places where cockroaches hang out.
For more information about essential oils and how they work, see 'About Aromatherapy'.