Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

DIY Essential Oils in the Home: Make an All-Purpose Cleaner

Search

DIY Essential Oils in the Home: Make an All-Purpose Cleaner

May 5, 2017

Today we’re starting a new miniseries on Remodelista: How to Use Essential Oils in the Home. With all the talk about these multifunctional, aromatic little potions, we asked Dawn De La Fuente, owner of Northern California–based herbal apothecary S/he Studio, for smart, simple ways to use them around the house, from a botanical bug spray to a calming yoga mat cleanser. To start: an everyday, all-natural cleaner.

an enamel utility bucket to carry all your wares: £\2\2 (\$\28.4\2) at gar 17
Above: An enamel Utility Bucket to carry all your wares: £22 ($28.42) at Garden Trading.
For an all-purpose—and pleasantly aromatic—household disinfectant, add essential oils to a mixture of water, castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide. “It’s a natural way to cleanse and kill bacteria on kitchen and bathroom surfaces,” De La Fuente says. It can also be used to disinfect kitchen sponges: Simply spray both sides of the sponge with the mixture and let it sit. This recipe makes a small, concentrated batch; De La Fuente recommends making a fresh bottle every few weeks to keep on hand.

To make an all-purpose cleaning spray:

1.5 oz water
1 teaspoon castile soap
1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
5 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
5 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Add to a small glass spray bottle and shake well.

N.B.: De La Fuente notes that you should take care before using essential oils, and always test in a small, discreet area of skin, clothing, or furniture before applying. “Essential oils are the most potent form of plant medicine and must be respected and handled with care. Some essential oils may have contraindications for use when pregnant or for people with health conditions or skin sensitivities, so consult your physician before using,” she says.

For more cleaning tips and DIYs, see our posts:

(Visited 546 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Product summary  

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0