3 Ways To Clean With Eucalyptus Oil

It seems that many families these days are leaning towards using natural cleaning products in their homes.

There are many reasons for this including increase of allergies, reactions to chemicals in commercial cleaning products, and because commercial cleaning products can be very expensive. Most essential oils are safer for use with septic systems too and are less harmful to our environment than harsh chemicals.

Eucalyptus oil is one of my favourite essential oils to use in my home. It’s a bit of an all-rounder because it has so many great properties that make it fantastic for cleaning it’s an anti fungal, antibacterial, antiviral and deodoriser. Also, it’s an Aussie product and we all love that!!

1. Using eucalyptus oil in the kitchen…

Eucalyptus oil is a terrific grease buster. To remove grease and grime around cook tops, add two teaspoons of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle of water, then add a teaspoon of washing up liquid to the bottle and gently shake. This bottle will clean bench tops, clean your microwave oven, make your kitchen sink clean, and will make your kitchen smell great.

2. General Spray Cleaner

Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 cup hot water, add 1/8 tsp liquid dish detergent (nothing with bleach), 6 drops eucalyptus oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use.

3. Using eucalyptus oil in the laundry…

• Room Air Freshener – Mix a quarter of a teaspoon (about 15 drops) of eucalyptus oil with a half teaspoon of vodka, place in a large atomiser/spray bottle and add 2 cups of water.
• Toilet Disinfectant – mix 50 ml of eucalyptus oil with a litre of water.
• Floor Cleaner add 2 capfuls (or about 20 drops) of eucalyptus oil to a bucket of hot water then mop the floors. You can also add some white vinegar.
• Anti-Moth & Silverfish Treatment – To deter moths or silverfish in your cupboards, spray or wipe drawer liners or cupboard walls with straight eucalyptus oil. A drop of oil on a padded coat hanger also works as a deterrent and freshens the air.
• Pest Deterrent – Use eucalyptus oil to wipe down areas where you’re prone to getting ants or cockroaches. Also put 3 or 4 drops of eucalyptus oil on a cotton ball and place in the areas where ants/cockroaches hang out they will move on quick smart!
• Adhesive Remover – Eucalyptus oil can be used straight to remove sticker/decal residue from glass (like your car rego stickers!)
• Kill dust mites – Add 2 tsp (20 drops) eucalyptus oil to your washing cycle when washing linens, towels, quilts, blankets or pillows.
• Prevent / Remove mould – Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a cup of hot water. Use to wipe down all the surfaces in your bathroom or fridge or wherever you’re prone to finding mould.

There are so many other uses for eucalyptus oil around the home, but these are the main ones I use. The beauty of eucalyptus is that it is quite inexpensive and readily available!

Please take note of these safety points when using Eucalyptus Oil:

• It’s advised that you avoid use of eucalyptus oil while pregnant.  If you use any essential oil while pregnant, it is at your own risk and should be under direct supervision of a qualified aromatherapist or naturopath. Studies have shown that most essential oils can be dangerous to an unborn foetus if used incorrectly or in large amounts. Eucalyptus is said to cause uterine stimulation, which can lead to miscarriage or early labour.
• Avoid use of eucalyptus oil if you experience high blood pressure or epilepsy.
• Keep away from children and animals if swallowed, ring Poisons Information or seek immediate medical attention.
• If you have children or pets in the immediate vicinity of where you are using the oil, then just halve the dosage.
• Contact should be avoided with the following: eyes, mucous membranes, lips, tongue, polished furniture and some plastic surfaces. Materials such as suede, denim, silk and non-colourfast materials should always be patch tested before using.
• Keep it away from open flames and excessive heat as it is highly flammable.

Do you use eucalyptus oil to clean your home?