Spring Clean Like a Pro: DIY Essential Oil Products for a Fresh Home

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to refresh your home!

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to natural, effective cleaning with these easy DIY products. Packed with the power of essential oils, these recipes will leave your space sparkling clean, smelling amazing, and free of toxins. From all-purpose cleaners to disinfecting sprays and floor cleaners, you’ll be armed with everything you need for a spring clean that’s both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Get ready to cleanse, rejuvenate, and breathe new life into your home!

Let’s get started!

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 250mls (1 cup) distilled water
  • 250mls (1 cup) white vinegar
  • 10 drops Orange essential oil
  • 10 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 2 drops Tea Tree oil
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • A handful of fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

This recipe is made to a 2% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for a stronger cleaning solution.

Instructions:

  1. Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
  2. Add essential oils.
  3. Shake well before each use.
  4. Spray and wipe down surfaces like countertops, sinks, and tables.

2. Disinfecting Spray

Ingredients:

  • 250ml (1 cup) distilled water
  • 125ml (1/2 cup) high proof vodka such as 80 proof. You can replace the alcohol with white vinegar, which is still effective for general cleaning in many DIY recipes. However, it may not kill all types of bacteria or viruses, so it’s better suited for routine cleaning rather than heavy disinfecting.
  • 10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
  • 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
  • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil

This recipe is made to a 2% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for a stronger cleaning solution.

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well and spray on high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and remote controls.
  3. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping down.

3. Floor Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 4 litres warm water
  • 60mls (1/4) cup liquid castile soap
  • 10 drops Lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • A handful of fresh rosemary or eucalyptus leaves

This recipe is made to a 0.025% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for a stronger cleaning solution.

Instructions:

  1. Mix the water and castile soap in a bucket.
  2. Add essential oils.
  3. Mop floors as usual for a clean and fresh-smelling space

4. Bathroom Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 250mls (1  cup) baking soda
  • 60mls (1/4 cup) liquid castile soap
  • 8 drops Tea Tree essential oil
  • 8 drops Lime essential oil
  • 2 drops Spearmint essential oil
  • Water (as needed for paste consistency)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or lavender

This recipe is made to a 1.5% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for light cleaning.

Instructions:

  1. Mix baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils in a bowl.
  2. Add water to create a thick paste.
  3. Apply to bathroom surfaces like sinks, tubs, and tiles. Scrub and rinse.

 

5. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 250ml (1 cup) distilled water
  • 250ml (1 cup) white vinegar
  • 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
  • 10 drops Lemon essential oil (you can also try Grapefruit for grease-cutting)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (or Grapefruit)
  • A few sprigs of fresh mint

This recipe is made to a 0.5% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for a stronger cleaning solution.

Instructions:

  1. Combine water, vinegar, and essential oils in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well before spraying on glass and mirrors.
  3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

6. Air Freshener Spray

Ingredients:

  • 250ml (1 cup) distilled water
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel
  • 5 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  • 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • Zest of 1 grapefruit
  • A few sprigs of lavender or fresh basil or lemon balm

2% dilution for light cleaning.

*See recommended percentage ratios below for a stronger cleaning solution.

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. Spray around the room for a refreshing, natural scent.

Recommended Percentage Ratios

For cleaning products, the recommended percentage ratio of essential oils to water can vary based on the intended use and the type of essential oils being used. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Light Cleaning: For a mild cleaning solution, aim for a 1% to 2% concentration. This translates to:
    • 1%: About 6-12 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
    • 2%: About 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
  2. Moderate Cleaning: For general cleaning tasks, a 2% to 5% concentration is often effective. This translates to:
    • 2%: About 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
    • 5%: About 30-60 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
  3. Heavy Cleaning or Disinfecting: For more intensive cleaning or disinfecting purposes, you might increase it to a 5% to 10% concentration. This translates to:
    • 5%: About 30-60 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
    • 10%: About 60-120 drops of essential oil in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.

Key Considerations

  • Safety: Always consider the safety of the essential oils you are using, especially around pets and children.
  • Surface Compatibility: Test a small area before using a new cleaning solution, as some essential oils can be harsh on certain surfaces.
  • Dilution: It’s essential to dilute essential oils properly, as using them undiluted can be too concentrated and may cause irritation or damage.

With these DIY cleaning products powered by essential oils, spring cleaning becomes more than just a chore—it’s a chance to refresh your home with natural, uplifting scents while keeping harmful chemicals at bay. Whether you’re scrubbing floors, wiping mirrors, or spritzing the air, you can rest easy knowing your space is sparkling clean and safe for your family and the planet. Mix up these simple recipes to clean naturally and fill your home with purifying aromas. Spring into a cleaner, fresher home today!

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