Homemade Natural Cleaning Supplies

How to Use Essential Oils for Environmentally Safe Cleaning Products

Sep 30, 2009

Natural Cleaning Supplies with Lemon, Kretyen

Instead of buying commercial cleaning supplies, learn how to use essential oils to make environmentally safe cleaning products.

Many commercial cleaning supplies work well, but they are filled with harsh chemicals that are detrimental to both the environment and human health. On the other hand, to use essential oils for basic cleaning and disinfecting purposes is not only beneficial for the earth, but for well-being. By combining drops of essential oils and warm water, one can create effective, environmentally safe cleaning products which can improve mood and reduce stress while they destroy bacteria and mold.

Why Use Essential Oils Instead of Commercial Cleaning Supplies

There are two main reasons to use essential oils to make homemade natural cleaning supplies as opposed to using store-bought ones. First, to avoid the dangers of commercial cleaning supplies; and, second, to reap the benefits of natural cleaning products.

From air fresheners to drainage fluid, the use of commercial cleaning products is a risk both in the short-term and long-term. According to the Organic Consumers Association, even basic cleaning chemicals such as chlorine bleach and ammonia create fumes which irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, making them a health risk for people with asthma or heart problems, and pregnant women.

Many fragrances used in commercial cleaning products contain toxic substances; but, because of intellectual property law, companies are not required to disclose a full ingredient list. Over a long period of time, the dangers shift from irritation to increasing the risk of cancer. Diethanolamine and triethanolamine, two compounds commonly found in all-purpose cleaners, form a carcinogenic compound when mixed with nitrate, also found in many products as a preservative.

While commercial products come with a list of possible risks, the use of essential oils to produce natural cleaning products is environmentally safe and non-toxic. Essential oils are the highly-concentrated extractions of the flowers, leaves, bark, resin, and roots of plants. Compounds known as volatile oils, which are responsible for the individual smell of a particular plant, are made into essential oils, usually though distillation.

Not only do they carry stimulating odors, but the phytochemicals have beneficial properties as well, such as calming the nerves, easing anxiety, and improving digestive and respiratory health. The reason essential oils are ideal to use in natural cleaning products is that they are all natural antiseptics; they destroy harmful bacteria just as harsh commercial cleaning supplies do.

Recipes for Natural Cleaning Supplies

Mandarin and Ylang-Ylang Air Freshener

Use ten drops of mandarin essential oil, which has an uplifting effect on the mood.
And fifteen drops of ylang-ylang essential oil, which is a natural antidepressant.
Add these essential oils to sixteen ounces of purified water in a spray bottle.
Spray around the house as needed.

Frankincense and Patchouli All-Purpose Cleaner

Use ten drops of frankincense essential oil, which is an ideal oil for purifying the home; it is calming as well.
And fifteen drops of patchouli essential oil, for its strong antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
Combine these drops in sixteen ounces of warm water.
Using a clean cotton cloth, clean counter-tops, floors, walls, or any other surface which is usually cleaned with a commercial all-purpose cleaner.

Lavender and Lemon Kitchen Cleaner

Use ten drops of lavender essential oil, which is a strong antiseptic and anti-fungal agent; it also is calming and helps to improve immune function.
And fifteen drops of lemon essential oil, for its antibacterial properties, and because it disperses grease and oil.
Combine these drops in sixteen ounces of warm water with one teaspoon of baking soda, mix well.
Use this kitchen cleaner for tough grease stains and all kitchen surfaces.

All of these natural, environmentally safe cleaning products are suited for everyday use. Essential oils, however, do not store well; heat and light reduce their potency. They are more effective when prepared directly before use.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Hoffmann, David. "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies." (Element Books, 1996).

The copyright of the article Homemade Natural Cleaning Supplies in Natural Products is owned by Brenna Coleman. Permission to republish Homemade Natural Cleaning Supplies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.