Cleaning your home with natural remedies ensures a healthier and safer living environment. Essential oils are highly concentrated and have bioactive ingredients that are excellent against bacteria, mold, viruses and pathogens. The natural pleasant aroma of the oils neutralizes unpleasant odors and disinfects the air in the premises. They are a great alternative for keeping clean to mainstream household cleaners with synthetic chemicals that can be toxic.
Effective cleaning active ingredients of essential oils
Phenols: Include carvacrol, eugenol, menthol, thymol, anethole. The chemical structure of phenols determines the antibacterial effect.
Aldehydes: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, antiseptic and sedative effects are due to them. This group includes citral, geranial, neral, citronellal, etc.
Terpenes: They have fungicidal, antiseptic and antibacterial effects – among them are linalool, limonene, terpinene, pinene, etc.
4 essential oils from Bulgarian herbs for natural cleaning of the home
#1 Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties thanks to the content of terpenes. Its aroma neutralizes unpleasant odors in the premises, acts as a repellent and calms the nervous system. The relaxing and bactericidal properties of Lavender oil make it ideal for bedroom cleaning sprays – to scent and disinfect mattresses and bedding. It is also suitable for cleaning the children’s room and toys, since, at the recommended concentration, it is safe for children and at the same time effective against bacteria. It goes well with apple cider vinegar, which also has natural cleaning properties.
#2 Peppermint essential oil
The refreshing aroma of Mint neutralizes unpleasant odors, repels insects, has antibacterial and antifungal effects. In case of invasions by crawling insects such as ants, spiders and ticks – drop peppermint oil on a cloth or cotton and place it on the affected areas. Not recommended for babies and small children due to high menthol content.
#3 Thyme essential oil
Thyme oil has a strong antiseptic and antibacterial effect thanks to the active ingredients thymol and carvacrol. It is a suitable ingredient in cleaning emulsions for the kitchen. It has an active action against pathogens and mold grown on cutting boards, wooden utensils and kitchen cabinets.
#4 Scotch pine essential oil
Scotch Pine Oil is ideal for cleaning the home of bacteria including Escherichia coli, fungi, yeast spores and molds. This is due to the content of pinenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The fresh resin-balsamic aroma neutralizes unpleasant odors, disinfects and refreshes the air in the rooms. It is a suitable ingredient in bathroom cleaners, where bacteria and mold can grow, as well as in oil preparations for refreshing wooden surfaces.
Homemade recipes for cleaning products with essential oils
The recipes are based on essential oils and easily available ingredients that are usually present in the home. We recommend using essential oils that are 100% natural and from a certified manufacturer with good manufacturing practices.
Universal household cleaner
1 teaspoon of distilled or boiled water
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
10 drops of Lavender oil
10 drops of white pine oil
Mix the ingredients in a 500 ml glass spray bottle and shake well. Spray the contaminated areas and then wipe with a clean, damp sponge.
Carpet cleaning mixture
2 teaspoons baking soda
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients and mix well. Spread the finished mixture evenly on the carpets and walkways. Leave on for a few hours and then vacuum.
Disinfectant bathroom spray
1 tea cup of boiled water
¼ teaspoon liquid Castile soap
10 drops of Scotch pine essential oil
5 drops of Lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients in a 500 ml bottle, preferably glass. Shake well and disinfect the bathroom by spraying the contaminated surfaces. Then clean with a damp sponge or soft cloth.
Abrasive kitchen cleaner
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup salt
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of water
5 drops of Thyme essential oil
Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply to clean the stove or kitchen counter. For hard-to-remove stains, leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Then wash with a damp sponge.
If you are pregnant or have children and pets, be especially careful with the use of essential oils. See our safety recommendations in the article – How to apply essential oils safely>.
In case you have any questions about the products and how to use them – we will be happy to answer at hello@ecomaat.eu or on our FB page.
