I am always keen to avoid chemicals. In general, I buy organic food when I can, wear organic cotton and recently I have replaced practically all of my toiletries with chemical-free products from deodorant to toothpaste (and I am quite amazed that they really do work!).When it comes to cleaning the home, I love Method products as not only are they chemical-free, they really do work & smell great!
Here are a few of my favourite ways in which essential oils can be used around the home to help create a healthy and chemical-free environment to live in. A small bottle of Essential Oil can last a very long time & amazingly certain oils have so many uses; from clearing stuffy noses to cleaning dirty work surfaces!
Scented tissues for stuffy noses
Place up to 10 drops of Eucalyptus or Tea Tree Oil in different places throughout the box of tissues. Seal and leave overnight for the scent to permeate the tissues.
Kitchen wipes
After cleaning the kitchen work surfaces and chopping boards, add a few drops of Tea Tree and Lemon to a clean dishcloth and wipe around units etc. Leaves a fresh clean smell while helping to eliminate bacteria.
Clean floors and walls
Leave a fresh fragrance and help eliminate bacteria by adding a few drops of Tea Tree & Lemon oil to the water for washing down floors and walls.
Freshen up Carpets
Make up your own carpet freshener: add drops of essential oils such as Lemon or Bergamot to a container of bicarbonate of soda and shake well to infuse the oils. Sprinkle on carpets and leave overnight; vacuum the following day. This is much kinder to pets and leaves a natural freshness around the home.
Sweet smelling laundry
Add 3-4 drops of essential oils to the fabric conditioner compartment of your washing machine.
Put a few drops of essential oil onto a piece of cotton cloth and place into the tumble dryer with laundry.
Add a drop of lavender to the corners of pillows to help restful sleep (ideal for guests).
My suggestions are Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon, Sandal-wood.
Fresh waste bins
Place a kitchen towel at the bottom of your waste bin and add a few drops of oil to the paper before inserting the bin liner. This will keep the bin fresh and germ-free. My recommendations are Tea Tree, Lavender, Pine, Lemon.
Beautiful atmosphere
Create a romantic atmosphere by adding a drop of Rose or Geranium oil to a lighted candle or oil burner. Geranium relaxes and creates a good mood. Rose is omantic, extravagant and truly decadent!
