Cleaning 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.
