Essential oils are a natural alternative to harsh chemicals often used in cleaning. They are used in the practice of aromatherapy for therapeutic purposes. The majority of essential oils possess the properties effective in cleaning, although some are more useful than others. Some are also more toxic so it is important to know the properties of each individual oil, its suitability for cleaning and any cautions for use.
Antiseptic and Bactericidal
Shirley Price, in her book "Aromatherapy Workbook," states that all essential oils are antiseptic in one way or another. In addition, Valerie Ann Worwood, in her book "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," states that many essential oils are bactericidal, too. Antiseptic and bactericidal oils are useful for cleaning because they protect against the growth of bacteria and other infections in the home.
Scientific Studies
Price cites scientific studies that support the effectiveness of antiseptic and bactericidal essential oils. Another author, Jean Valnet, a French doctor who spent much of his life experimenting and studying the effectiveness of essential oils, published "The Practice of Aromatherapy" in 1980 in which he stated that most essential oils are at least as powerful as carbolic acid. In 1989, a study published in the "Journal of Horticultural Science," found that savory and tarragon essential oils were capable of prohibiting the development of many types of bacteria that threatened health.
Kitchen and Bathroom
Essential oils are useful in cleaning the kitchen and the bathroom. Price suggests using lemon, tea tree, cedarwood and petitgrain essential oils for cleaning jobs in the kitchen such as for wiping down surfaces and cleaning floors. In addition, Worwood suggests eucalyptus, pine, thyme and cypress essential oils for kitchen and bathroom use.
Living Room and Bedroom
Use essential oils to clean the living areas and bedrooms of the house. Worwood suggests using geranium, bergamot, lavender, clary sage, nutmeg and ylang ylang essential oils for cleaning jobs in the living room and bedroom. Essential oils used in a spray or diffuser will freshen up carpets, bedlinen and drawers, in addition to protecting against bacteria and germs.
How to Use
Ensure essential oils are kept out of the reach of children and pets. Pay attention to any contraindications for use with each individual essential oil. For kitchen and bathroom use, add three to four drops of preferred essential oils to a bowl of water and wipe down surfaces with a cloth rinsed in the water. Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oils to 30 oz. of water for room sprays and four to 10 drops of preferred essential oils to diffusers.
References
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
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