Did you see part 1 of our series on spring cleaning? If not, check out our favorite homemade recipes for all natural cleaning solutions! Today we are explaining some of our favorite essential oils that you can use in those (and many other) cleaning product recipes. Essential oils are widely recognized for their incredible antimicrobial activity. While most essential oils will kill some pathogenic organisms, some really stand out for use in cleaning products. All-natural, powerful, and great smelling, essential oils are a go-to ingredient for spring cleaning.

Best Essential Oils for All-Natural Cleaning

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus was shown to be effective against all 22 bacterial strains and 11 out of 12 fungal strains tested in one study. Use it in your homemade cleaning products, especially when anyone in the house is congested. Try cleaning a shower with it before bathing to open up a stuffy nose. Another great idea is to put 18-27 drops on a cotton ball then suck it up with a vaccuum cleaner before vaccuuming the house. This is fantastic if you are stuffed up during allergy season. You can remove irritants around your house at the same time as you disperse the oil to help heal mucus membranes.

Lavender

Lavender is a wonderful calming remedy, but did you know it is also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory? This is the perfect choice if you have had a stressful day but still have cleaning to do. It is also generally safe to use on skin (test yourself first to make sure you don’t react), so it would be an ideal choice in homemade hand sanitizer.

Lemon

Many commercial cleaning products come with a lemon scent, but you can easily make your own cheaper, non-toxic, all-natural cleaner at home with this amazing essential oil! Not only is lemon oil antimicrobial, it is fantastic at cutting through grease. Just one or two drops and a little elbow grease dissolve sticky residue.

Lemongrass

In the aforementioned study, lemongrass was one of two essential oils that inhibited all 22 bacteria and all 12 fungi tested. Not only is it effective against bacteria like E. coli, it can even inhibit antibiotic resistant strains. Its scent is fresh and purifying, perfect for cleaning.

Orange

Like lemongrass, orange oil inhibited every single bacteria and fungi tested in one clinical trial. It is a great degreaser. Like lemon oil, it has a citrusy, uplifting scent that will make your whole home feel happy. For this reason, it would also combine nicely with lavender for depression; if someone is feeling down, clean out their room or car with some orange-lavender spray and see if it helps their mood.

Peppermint

Like many essential oils, peppermint has antibacterial activity, although it isn’t quite as strong as some other essential oils. However, it is a good choice for cleaning for a few reasons. First of all, it smells great, and a fresh, minty scent is something we associate with cleanliness. Second, it was shown in a study to kill 100% of houseflies within 24 hours! Lemongrass and lavender were also shown to kill the flies in the trial. Take advantage of this effect and the aromatherapy uses for each oil- peppermint and lavender are often combined as a migraine remedy.

Tea Tree

Last, but most certainly not least, is powerful tea tree oil.  Tea tree is essential in an all-natural first aid kit. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and insecticidal. While it is amazing for skin conditions in humans, avoid using it in pet shampoos or as a household cleaner if you have pets. Both cats and dogs have died after exposure to tea tree oil.