Eucalyptus oil is well known for its topical medicinal uses. According to Medline Plus, it is commonly used in inhalers to treat congestion and respiratory problems. While some research has been done, Medline Plus confirms more studies are needed to prove its efficacy. When ingested, it can be toxic, so keep it stored safely. Because of its purported medicinal properties and pleasant scent, eucalyptus oil can also be used to clean, disinfect and deodorize the house.
Deodorizer
According to the Natural Holistic Health website, eucalyptus oil can be used to get rid of smells and as an air freshener. The easiest way to do this is to refill an empty plug-in air freshener (the kind you buy at supermarkets) with a mix of equal parts eucalyptus oil and water. If you don't have a dispenser, you can also use old air freshener wicks, like the ones you normally hang in a car. Simply dip the wick into a mix of equal parts water and oil or brush the eucalyptus oil directly on the paper.
You can also mix 2 tablespoons (about 25 ml.) of eucalyptus oil with about 4.5 cups (500 grams) of baking soda. Mix well and then sprinkle on carpet or upholstery. Vacuum after one hour. Not only does this get rid of odors, but it will also kill fleas and lice.
Gardening
Eucalyptus il can be used in the garden as a deterrent for bugs and other common garden pests. A common way to use it, according to Natural Holistic Health, is to mix half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. Add the mix to two cups of water. Place into a spray bottle and shake well. Use the mix to spray around seedlings to keep pests away.
For a greener solution, dip a piece of thick string into a cup of eucalyptus oil and then place the string in a circle around the stem of the plant you're trying to protect. Bugs and slugs will not cross the string.
Antiseptic
Eucalyptus oil can be used to clean and disinfect the kitchen and bathroom. Adding three tablespoons per gallon of water is enough to kill bacteria and deodorize. For hard-to-reach areas, add the mix to a spray bottle. You can also add eucalyptus oil to a commercial cleaning solution like Pinesol or Lysol. About one teaspoon per cup of cleaning product should suffice.
If mold or mildew are present, spray the area well and let rest for 1 to 15 minutes before wiping with a wet cloth. If the mildew appears in upholstery, try removing it from the furniture and washing it in the washing machine. Add two teaspoons to the eucalyptus water directly during the washing (not the rinse) cycle.
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