How to use essential oil: Tips and hacks
Uses of essential oils (Illustrative Photo: Freepik)
Essential oils derived from plants have become valuable tools in the cleaning arsenal. These natural extracts not only have a wonderful scent but some also possess cleansing and antimicrobial properties.
Southern Living discusses how essential oils can be used in daily life.
Add a pleasant scent to clothes
Essential oil can be used in a homemade fabric and linen spray to give them a pleasant aroma.
To do this, pour water into a spray bottle, add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil, and shake the mixture. It is recommended to spray this fragrance on freshly laundered clothes or when they are hanging in the closet.
You can also moisten cotton balls with essential oil and place them in closets and drawers with clothing.
Create a universal cleaner
To make a universal cleaner, mix water, white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils such as lemon, tea tree, or lavender. These oils not only enhance the cleaning and deodorizing properties of vinegar but also leave a pleasant scent in your home.
Deodorize the floor
In addition to using essential oil for cleaning solutions, you can simply add it to the water used for mopping the floor. A few drops are sufficient. It is recommended to choose sweet orange essential oil due to its antibacterial properties.
Freshen carpets and upholstery
To give carpets a pleasant scent, it is recommended to sprinkle them or upholstery with baking soda infused with oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus.
Wait a few hours, and then vacuum the carpet to remove any remaining baking soda. There’s no need to dry the carpet—allow it to dry naturally.
Clean dull silver
According to Lauren Bush from the essential oil company doTERRA, lemon essential oil not only works well for cleaning tables, countertops, and other surfaces but is also an effective remedy for tackling tarnish on silver and other metals in the early stages.
Scent clothes during drying
You can add a pleasant aroma to your laundry during drying by putting essential oils on dryer balls or a damp cloth before placing them in the dryer. This will leave your clothes with a subtle, natural fragrance.
Remove residue in the bathroom
Essential oils can also be used to clean soap scum and mildew easily. It’s recommended to mix an essential oil (such as tea tree oil) with baking soda and water to create a paste.
Due to its natural properties, the oil, combined with baking soda, leaves surfaces shining and provides a light, pleasant scent.
Deodorize the trash can
To eliminate odors from your trash can, place a cotton ball soaked with a few drops of peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil at the bottom of the clean and dry bin.
Additionally, you can mix a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil with baking soda, sprinkle the mixture at the bottom of the container, and leave it overnight. This will also help to neutralize unpleasant smells.
