Spring cleaning is the perfect time to incorporate aromatherapy and essential oils into your home. As I open the windows to let in the fresh air, using powerful plant extracts can enhance the experience and provide health benefits. Here’s how I leverage the healing properties of essential oils when doing my spring cleaning.
Why Add Essential Oils to Your Spring Cleaning Routine?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts distilled from plants that capture the plant’s scent, flavor, and therapeutic properties. With spring in full bloom, it’s the ideal time to tap into the rejuvenating effects of these natural oils. Here are some of the top reasons to add aromatherapy to your spring cleaning checklist:
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Purify the air – Essential oils can help remove stale odors and purify the air when diffused in your home. Citrus, eucalyptus, and mint oils are great natural air fresheners.
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Enhance mood – Inhaling essential oils has been shown to reduce stress, boost energy, and uplift mood. The spring scents of lemon, lavender, and rosemary are particularly uplifting.
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Improve concentration – Oils like peppermint, basil, and pine can help stimulate the mind and improve focus as you tackle cleaning tasks.
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Support immunity – Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties to help clean surfaces. Oils like clove, oregano, thyme and tea tree oil help kill germs and bacteria.
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Deep clean – When added to natural cleaners, essential oils provide a deep, refreshing clean. Lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils act as powerful cleansing agents.
My Top Essential Oil Cleaning Blends for Spring
Here are some of my favorite essential oil recipes to freshen up your spring cleaning routine:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 3 cups water
Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spritz directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth. The antimicrobial properties of lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils help kill germs while naturally cleansing.
Wood Furniture Polish
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Combine ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake before using. Lightly spritz onto wood surfaces and wipe clean with a soft cloth. The lemon oil helps restore luster while the olive oil conditions the wood.
Tile & Grout Scrub
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 10 drops liquid soap
Mix ingredients to form a paste. Scoop paste onto a scrub brush and scrub tile, grout, bathtubs, showers. Let sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing clean. The citrus oils help break down soap scum and hard water stains.
Gentle Laundry Detergent Booster
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Add several drops of oils to laundry load before starting wash cycle. Or soak rags used for cleaning in solution. Lavender provides a calming floral scent while eucalyptus acts as a natural antiseptic.
The Benefits of Specific Spring Cleaning Essential Oils
Here’s an overview of my favorite essential oils to incorporate into your spring cleaning routine and how they can benefit you:
Lemon – Purifying, antimicrobial, and energizing. Cleans and deodorizes surfaces. Uplifts mood.
Lavender – Relaxing and soothing. Provides calming floral scent. Helps induce sleep when diffused at night.
Eucalyptus – Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stimulating. Opens up sinuses and airways.
Peppermint – Invigorating and refreshing. Sharpens focus and concentration.
Tea tree – Powerfully antimicrobial. Eliminates mold, bacteria, and viruses.
Grapefruit – Antibacterial and antimicrobial. Energizing citrus scent. Breaks down grease and grime.
Rosemary – Stimulating, improves circulation. Boosts memory retention and concentration.
Safety Tips When Using Essential Oils for Cleaning
When diluted properly, most essential oils are safe for use around the home. Here are some tips:
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Always do a skin test before widespread use to check for allergic reactions.
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Use only high-quality, pure essential oils. Avoid synthetic fragrances.
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Follow all label instructions carefully. Avoid ingesting oils.
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Dilute oils properly before use.
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Open windows, turn on fans, or diffuse oils during use to maximize ventilation.
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Store oils securely out of reach of children and pets.
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Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Incorporating essential oils into your spring cleaning regimen is an easy, safe way to purify the air, uplift your mood, and reap the wellness benefits of aromatherapy. As I open my windows to welcome spring, diffusing lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender helps me tidy every nook and cranny while creating an invigorating oasis.
