Embracing the Scents of a Seasonal Shift
As the spring slowly transitions into summer, I find myself eager to throw open the windows and revitalize our living spaces. This slower spring has meant that my winter clothing and bedding have stayed around a little longer than usual. But now, as we approach the tail end of May, I finally feel confident enough to pack away the woollen blankets and cosy socks.
With this seasonal change, I’m always inspired to attempt a deep clean of our home. After all, it’s been wintering along with us, collecting its fair share of cobwebs in high corners and dusty layers aplenty. These are the kinds of things I can happily ignore all winter long, but come spring, I simply cannot resist the urge to tackle them.
Now, I say “attempt” a deep clean because, let’s be honest, I often get distracted or lazy along the way. But mostly, I tackle it one drawer, one cupboard, one room at a time. And by the time autumn comes around, I might have actually made it through the whole house.
Cleaning with a Conscience
Each year, as I embark on this deep cleaning journey, I try to swap out more of our cleaning products for more sustainable, natural alternatives. There are certainly more and more eco-friendly cleaning products available these days, and they work just as well as the conventional ones. In fact, I’d even argue that they work better in some cases.
But, let’s be real, some of these natural cleaning brands can be a bit expensive. So, budget-wise, it can be difficult to make the switch all in one go. That’s where a budget-friendly alternative comes into play: making your own cleaning products.
By buying the ingredients in bulk and adding in a few essential oils, you can create your own customized cleaning solutions that are not only effective but also fragrant and mood-boosting. Essential oils are a fantastic way to incorporate a touch of aromatherapy into your cleaning routine, refreshing and reviving your rooms while also giving your mood a little boost during the process.
Plus, they’re free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them a great choice for the environment too. So, let’s dive into some of my favorite essential oils and how you can use them to create your own natural cleaning recipes.
Lemon: The Fresh and Versatile Powerhouse
Lemon is a great all-purpose cleaner. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, so it can be used to clean just about any surface in your home. If happy had a fragrance, it would be lemon. This fresh, clean scent will leave your home smelling simply wonderful.
Tea Tree: The Woodsy Germ-Fighter
Tea tree is another great all-purpose cleaner. Like lemon, it’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, and it has a strong, woodsy scent that can help to kill germs and freshen up your home. But a word of caution: the scent is very strong, so you’ll want to use it sparingly – a couple of drops will do the trick.
Lavender: The Soothing and Relaxing Ally
Lavender is the ultimate soothing and relaxing essential oil. It can be used to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your home, and it can also help to relieve stress and anxiety. Lavender is also a great essential oil for creating an optimum sleep environment, so it’s perfect for using upstairs and in the bedrooms.
Eucalyptus: The Refreshing and Invigorating Wonder
Eucalyptus is a refreshing and invigorating essential oil. It can be used to clear your sinuses and relieve congestion, and it can also help to boost your energy levels. Eucalyptus is a great to use during the winter months when colds and flu are more common, but it also works well to combat allergy congestion during the spring and summer.
Peppermint: The Stimulating and Energizing Pick-Me-Up
Peppermint is a stimulating and energizing essential oil. It can be used to relieve headaches and nausea, and it can also help to improve your focus and concentration. Peppermint is a great essential oil to use in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up or to re-energize and re-invigorate downstairs spaces with a little more zing.
Crafting Your Own Aromatherapy Cleaning Recipes
Now that you know a bit more about some of my favorite essential oils and their amazing properties, let’s dive into a few simple natural cleaning recipes you can try at home.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 2 cups water
– 10-15 drops essential oil of your choice (lemon, lavender, tea tree, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to mix.
3. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Glass and Window Cleaner
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
– 10 drops essential oil of your choice
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well to mix.
3. Spray on glass and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Bathroom Cleaner
Ingredients:
– 1 cup baking soda
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 10 drops essential oil of your choice (tea tree, lemon, lavender, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Combine baking soda and vinegar in a bowl.
2. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir to create a paste.
3. Apply paste to surfaces in the bathroom and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a brush and rinse clean.
Floor Cleaner
Ingredients:
– 1 bucket of warm water
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 10 drops essential oil of your choice (lemon, eucalyptus, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bucket.
2. Mop your floors as usual.
These are just a few ideas to get you started with easy natural cleaning recipes using essential oils. Feel free to experiment over time with different oils and combinations to find what works and feels best for you and your home.
Safety First: Essential Oil Precautions
Essential oils are concentrated and should be used with caution. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
- Do not ingest essential oils.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
- Check safety precautions for using your chosen oils around your pets.
- If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult with a doctor before using essential oils.
- Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place.
- They should be kept in a tightly sealed bottle.
- Essential oils should not be exposed to heat or sunlight and should be used within 2 years of opening.
My favorite suppliers for essential oils and natural cleaning supplies are Baldwins and It’s all about Eco. You can choose smaller or larger quantities depending on your storage space and needs.
So, there you have it! Aromatherapy cleaning is a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and mood-boosting way to keep your home sparkling clean. By incorporating essential oils into your cleaning routine, you can create a healthier, more fragrant living space that nourishes your senses and uplifts your spirit. Happy cleaning!
