10 Best Essential Oils for Cleaning

Eucalyptus oil is highly antifungal, helping to prevent the growth of fungi in the home.

A study in 2012 found that the oil was also effective against staph and E.coli infections thanks to its protective abilities. [2]

Eucalyptus is one of the most widely used oils in cleaning and has been used for this purpose for centuries.

Learn more about the benefits of eucalyptus essential oil.

4. Pine needle oil

Not only does grapefruit oil have an uplifting, cleansing scent, but a study in 2004 found that grapefruit oil can combat sixty-seven distinct microbial biotypes. [5]

This makes it an incredibly powerful cleaning agent, and one of the most effective citrus oils to use in cleaning sprays.

Learn more about the benefits of grapefruit essential oil.

8. Basil oil

Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal basil oil has lots of uses in home cleaning.

It is particularly useful for cleaning kitchens, as a 2013 study found that it can decrease bacteria and food-borne pathogens and ensure that the food we eat is safe. [6]

Learn more about the benefits of basil essential oil.

9. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil is 70-80% citral, a component which gives it strong antimicrobial abilities.

A study in 2008 also showed that lemongrass has powerful antifungal abilities, making a great all-round solution. [7]

It is considered an effective pest repellent, particularly for mosquitos.

Learn more about the benefits of lemongrass essential oil.

10. Carrot seed oil

Earthy carrot seed oil has extremely strong antibacterial abilities, and many studies have been conducted to investigate carrot seed’s effectiveness against a range of harmful microorganisms.

Just one example is a study in 2013 that found it to be effective against E.coli. [8]

A few drops of carrot seed go a long way, and can help to protect the health of your household.

Learn more about the benefits of carrot seed essential oil.

You can find any of the above essential oils for a discount with a wholesale account.

Are there any dog safe essential oils for cleaning?

If you live with a furry friend, it's understandable that you may be concerned about how essential oils will affect them, and it's certainly something that should be kept in mind.

Dogs have incredibly powerful senses of smell, with their noses carrying around 300 million receptors overall.

So, when picking out oils for your home, it's important to choose ones that won't do them any harm.

Some essential oils thought to be safe for dogs include:

• Lemongrass oil
• Lavender oil
• Ginger oil
• Rosemary oil

As a general rule of thumb, try to steer clear of citrus oils if you live with a dog, as these have the potential to be toxic.

Learn more about essential oils that are safe for dogs.

Can I use essential oils for cleaning around cats?

Cats are slightly more vulnerable to the powerful effects of essential oils, so a great many more scents may be toxic to them.

This is due to their liver enzymes being unable to break down certain potent aromas.

Rosemary, ginger, and lemongrass oil may be used in low concentrations when cleaning around a cat, but it's always best to consult with your vet beforehand.

How to make a cleaning spray with essential oils

Now for the fun part - making the spray itself. Cleaning sprays are relatively easy to put together, and are likely to last you a long time before you need to consider re-filling.

Cleaning with essential oils is also incredibly cost-effective, as you only need a few drops for each full bottle.

We've detailed all you'll need to make an all-purpose house cleaner below.

You will need:

• A 16 oz. glass spray bottle
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 30 drops of essential oil
• Dash of dish soap

How to make a cleaning spray with essential oils:

1. Add all your ingredients directly into the spray bottle, starting with your water and ending with your chosen essential oils.
2. Shake the spray bottle well.
3. Spritz as needed onto surfaces.

How do I dilute essential oils for cleaning?

The recipe above will work well for any of the oils on our list, but if you're looking for a more gentle scent, you may want to consider adding fewer drops of essential oil to your mixture.

This is especially true for those who aren't overly concerned with the cleaning properties of the oil and would prefer to have it as a refreshing top-up for their surfaces.

In these cases, we'd suggest using 10-20 drops of essential oil instead.

Tips when cleaning with essential oils

We've gathered some useful pointers to follow if you're new to cleaning with essential oils:

• Always add your essential oils to the spray bottle last, after your water and cleaning liquids.
• If you see the oil and water separating, don't worry! All the bottle needs is a good shake to re-combine them.
• If possible, use a dark-tinted, glass spray bottle to keep your oils safe from potential damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential oil kills the most germs?

Citrus oils like lemon and sweet orange, as well as refreshing oils like peppermint, are known to have the strongest effects against bacterial and fungal infections.

What essential oils can prevent you from getting sick?

Eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil are both popular choices for warding off illnesses and improving respiratory symptoms.

Citrus oils, such as sweet orange, are also a good choice, as well as our own Immune Boost blend.

Can I use essential oils as my only form of cleaning?

While essential oils can be highly effective against germs and bacteria, it's best to use them in conjunction with commercial cleaning products, or as a refresher when your surfaces are feeling a bit grimy between deep cleans.

Whether you're trying to get the house in order for some time with the family, or you're already thinking ahead to your spring clean, essential oils can help.

Spend some time discovering your favourites from our wholesale, and remember to keep your furry friends in mind too!

For any inquiries, please contact our customer service team at support@nikura.com .