DIY Bathroom Cleaner
10 drops peppermint oil
10 drops melaleuca oil
1/8 cup castile soap
1 cup water
Mix all together in a spray bottle and then use to clean and disinfect your whole bathroom.
Essential oils are a great addition to non-scented, green cleaning products and homemade, natural cleaning recipes, such as this one for a bathroom cleanser. They are all natural and biodegradable because they come directly from plants. And with their powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, they get cleaning jobs done!
Not only do essential oils get things clean, studies show they can help you in other ways – from lifting your mood to boosting your immune system. Below are some of the most common essential oils found in green cleaning products and often the most economical and easy to find, so they are great ones to start with in stocking your cleaning kit.
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is shown to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system and to help with deeper, more restful sleep. Lavender would be great to use for some evening cleaning or after a particularly stressful day. Its antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, and fungicidal actions make it particularly effective for cleaning plus it was a very warm pleasant scent.
2. Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lemon essential oil is not only antiseptic, antimicrobial, and bactericidal, but has also been shown to actually improve people’s moods. Lemon is also great at cutting through grease and grime. Creative, culinary green cleaning types might enjoy combining lemon with herbaceous essential oils such as basil or thyme, which also possess properties great for cleaning.
3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Revitalizing and stimulating, peppermint is the way to go if you need to get some cleaning done or want to pull an all-nighter! Peppermint has been shown to increase alertness . It's cleaning power is due to its antiseptic properties.
4. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Uplifting and refreshing, sweet orange essential oil, also simply called orange essential oil, is antiseptic and has been shown to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also a great degreaser. Orange essential oil is good for cleaning cutting boards and countertops. In aromatherapy, it is often used to help alleviate anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia, so it is particularly potent when combined with lavender essential oil, which has similar properties.
5. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Want a powerful essential oil for cleaning? Then tea tree is your answer. Sometimes considered to be a strong smell on its own, it is often combined with other essential oils, such as lavender or orange in green cleaning recipes. As an antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and insecticidal, it is an awesome choice when it comes to cleaning the bathroom or kitchen.