When using essential oils in cleaning it is important to note that they are highly concentrated….for example, I like to make homemade mint tea when I harvest Spearmint from my herb garden. A few drops of Spearmint essential oil is equal to about 35 cups of tea. A dose of the oil can do a real number on the tummies of inquisitive children or pets. So even though they are “safe”, it is important to store them in an appropriate place where curious ones cannot get to them. Another special note is that I tend to wear gloves when handling mint essential oils such as Spearmint and Wintergreen. I find that in their undiluted form they can cause skin irritation.
Adding just a few drops to any recipe has the benefit of degreasing, deodorizing, providing an antibacterial or antiviral punch to your cleaning or even has a homeopathy effect.
Depending on your cleaning formula/solution will determine how much you will add. In a “regular” spray bottle of my All Purpose cleaner I’ll add about 15 drops total of essential oil.
When doing Laundry…especially cloth diapers or training pants/panties I’ll add several drops of lavender and tea tree oil for antibacterial properties. When my children are ill and I need to clean up bed linens, or clothing that has had vomit on it, I’ll add several drops of Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Lemon or Sandalwood to the wash for antiviral properties and maybe some tea tree oil for antibacterial.
Once you are familiar with the various ways each essential oil can be used, you’ll find more and more ways to use them in your home and will no longer be reaching for that can of Lysol or other sprays and cleaners that are costing you a small fortune and making your home a toxic environment to live in.
I read once that the air inside the average American home contains more toxins that the air outside it. Something is seriously wrong with that picture.
Where do you find your supplies ( especially essential oils) at a reasonable price. I know you can find small boxes of borax at Walmart, but can you buy in a larger quantity somewhere? This is wonderful info-my family has very sensitive skin and I am forever re-rinsing clothes, and trying to find deoderant, shampoo,etc that won’t break them out.
Thnks
I usually buy Borax at either Wal-mart or Kroger, Washing Soda can be found at Kroger in the Laundry Ilse…I think it’s top shelf above the bleach, I purchase my vinegar by the gallon from Sam’s Club, I got my last bottle of Tea Tree Oil from Kroger in the nutrition section, you can purchase several essential oil scents from Mountain Air for around $6.00-$8.00. I can also order some for you through the food co-op. I’ll see if I can dig up an old catalog for you to look through.