Cleaning is a task that no matter how much we want to, we simply cannot avoid. That said, there is not much that can rival the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having a house spick and span. Whilst essential oils are commonly associated with aromatherapy, they are actually a great addition to your cleaning supply cupboard. Essential oils have antibacterial properties and with their various fragrances, they are a diverse and natural way to bring freshness to your home without needing to use synthesised smells.
Top 4 cleaning tips with essential oils:
1. With our ever unpredictable weather, it can prove difficult to confidently store a particular seasonal set of clothing away without having to haul them out when there is an unplanned shift in the climate! To avoid clothes and bedding becoming stale smelling when they are stored, pop a couple of drops of Lavender oil on a tissue and place it between the layers of fabric to ensure that they are nice and fresh next time they are needed. This handy hack is also an ideal way to make sure that drawers and hot presses are kept fresh throughout the year. Lavender is the most widely used oil in aromatherapy, particularly for its relaxing and antiseptic properties. It is an oil that can be considered both calming and stabilising and is good for many ailments such as headaches, muscular aches and pains, skin conditions, PMT and irritability. Lavender has been used for centuries as an insect repellent and to repel moths from clothing and bedding.
2. Despite making the removal of dust and dirt in the home a lot easier, hoovering can sometimes result in a very definitive after scent lingering around the home. Popping 2-3 drops of Geranium oil and orange oil onto a cotton ball and placing it into either the chamber or the vacuum bag itself, will mean that your home will be filled with uplifting aromas as you clean and the dreaded hoover smell will be banished! Geranium is an excellent balancing and uplifting oil and is great for all-round use.
3. Net curtains can be a trap for odours especially if they are situated in the kitchen or a room particular likely to have strong smells filling them. Bed sheets can also need an extra boost of refreshment, this can be achieved by simply adding 3 drops of Lemon oil to your regular fabric conditioner. Lemon is a tangy oil that has a clearing effect and whilst it has antibacterial properties, it is also a good oil to refresh, uplift and revive the mind.
4. Potpourri can be a nice addition to brighten up a living or bathroom and bring a warm feel to a room. Over time, all Potpourri bowls can need a little freshening up which can be easily achieved by the direct application of a few drops onto the Potpourri itself. Absolute Aromas Refresh is a blend containing Spearmint, Lime and Sweet Orange and is specially designed to revitalise the body and elevate the senses.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts which each have their own therapeutic properties. The oils are produced from different plant parts including the seed, flower, tree bark, fruit peel or wood. Depending on the time of year, it may be desired to opt for a different oil. Depending on the time of year, you may be drawn to different essential oils to suit your needs. Creating your own unique blend by mixing various oils can also be an enjoyable way to develop a customised scent just for your preferences and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
