Essential Oil Uses in the Home

Essentials oil uses in the home include fighting odours, making housecleaning products, enhancing aromatherapy and repelling common insects. Essentials oils are not the same as perfume oils, fragrance oils or potpourri oils. Instead of containing synthetic ingredients, they contain the true essence of the plant from which they were extracted.

The pleasant fragrance of essential oils will help to fight odours in the home. Sprinkling two to three drops of orange oil in a garbage can will eliminate offensive smells. Or, sprinkling three to four drops of lemongrass oil into the toilet bowl will block unpleasant bathroom odours. For sheets that smell fresh when they come out of storage, sprinkle three to four drops of lavender oil on a paper towel and tuck the paper towel into folded bed linens.

Essential oils may be used in home-made housecleaning products. For simple dusting jobs, fill a spray bottle with water and just a few drops of lemon oil. Spray onto the surface and wipe clean. For an effective floor cleaner, mix two equal parts water and vinegar in a large squirt bottle. Add 15 drops of peppermint oil and shake well. Apply directly to the floor and mop up with clean water.

Many home owners use essential oils for aromatherapy. For a relaxing bath, use this recipe provided by The Aromatherapy Place: mix five drops each of sandalwood oil, chamomile oil and lemon oil plus one drop of almond oil. For aromatherapy around the house, consider purchasing an essential oil diffuser to spread pleasant scents throughout different rooms.

Essential oils may repel household insects. For instance, place peppermint oil in an entryway to keep ants from entering the home. Using a wet cloth with 10 drops of either lavender or lemongrass oil to wipe a window will help to repel flies. For fleas, fill a squirt bottle with water and a few drops of peppermint, spearmint, lavender or lemongrass oils.

Many on-line distributors provide essential oils, but not every distributor makes oils of high quality. Some vendors will supply samples that allow customers to try out the products before buying them. Also, good companies will provide information on the oil’s botanical name, method of extraction and country of origin. In addition, customers should look at the prices of multiple oils to ensure that vendors do not sell all of their oils at the same price. Different oils have more value, and their price should reflect their value.

Essential oils must never be used on the skin in their undiluted form. Also, some oils should be avoided by pregnant women or by those with asthma, epilepsy or other medical conditions. Consumers may direct questions to a qualified aromatherapy practitioner or to a physician. Also, many on-line databases contain information about essential oils uses in the home and any attached precautions.