tea-tree-oil-for-cleaningCleaning with tea tree oil – better for your health and the environment

If you like the idea of “green” cleaning your home – using natural products as opposed to chemical-based concoctions – try using tea tree oil as a natural cleaning agent.

It has many similar qualities to eucalyptus oil because it has natural antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Ways of using tea tree oil for cleaning

There are so many ways you can use tea tree oil for cleaning your home… here’s a few ideas:-

• All purpose spray cleaner
• Freshen up laundry
• Garbage bin deodoriser
• Mould remover

Benefits of using tea tree oil for cleaning

The main benefit of using tea tree oil is to not use health destroying, hazardous, chemical-based household cleaning products that are made in factories.

Some companies provide eco-friendly non-toxic cleaning products, but I prefer to make my own as it’s far cheaper and much more rewarding.

Once you start using natural products instead of chemical based cleaners, you’ll never want to go back!

Make your own tea tree oil cleaning products

Buy a bottle of pure 100% essential tea tree oil from your local pharmacy, supermarket or department store and you can use this to make any of the following:-

All purpose spray cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water. Add approx. 10 drops of tea tree oil and shake to combine. This makes a great general cleaner and disinfectant.

Laundry boost
Add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to your regular wash cycle when you need to deodorize your laundry - hubby’s smelly socks and work clothes are a great example! The oil will also help freshen up towels and sheets and help kill bacteria if you’re washing cloth nappies/diapers.

Bin deodoriser
Add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil into your garbage bin to help get rid of any nasty smells. You can also use the all purpose spray (above) to give your bin a really good clean.

Mould remover
Add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of white vinegar. Dip a sponge into this solution and wipe on any bathroom or kitchen surface to help remove mould.

You’ll feel so much more energised after a few hours of breathing in the aroma of tea tree oil rather than any toxic chemical fumes.

Precautions for using tea tree oil for cleaning

Always patch test tea tree oil on the surface you are about to clean to make sure it doesn’t discolor or cause other damage.

Keep away from children and animals - if ingested tea tree oil can be poisonous and cause a toxic reaction.

Do not use tea tree oil if pregnant.

If you have sensitive skin, use rubber gloves when cleaning with tea tree oil - otherwise skin allergy or irritation may occur.

Tea tree oil uses

Hair
Use tea tree oil to help with dandruff, scalp problems and psoriasis.
Skin
Acne, ringworm, burns and cuts can all be treated with tea tree oil.
Nail fungus
Get rid of nail fungus using this natural essential oil.
Head lice
Sick of kids coming home with head lice? Try these home remedies.
Oral care
Make your own mouthwash and toothpaste using tea tree oil.
Cleaning
Kill mold and make your own disinfectants sprays for household cleaning.
Personal
Sinus pain, BV, cold sores and yeast infections can be treated.
Pets
Tea tree oil can be used to treat fleas and ear infections in dogs.