As economic and health problems arise, one may quickly succumb to mental and emotional pressure. Tension can be eased by practicing relaxation techniques. To find a peace of mind, focus on your welfare and self-care. A simple practice of cleansing your space by using aromatherapy essential oils instead of hazardous cleaning products can encourage relaxation and loosen up stress.
This article provides a recipe for an antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial solutions using pure essential oils as well as step by step instructions on how to clean using these formulas. For small surfaces that are used frequently, such as doorknobs, a section on how to make a DIY sanitization solution is included.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, according to Merriam Webster dictionary, is defined as “the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being”[1]. Essential oil aromatherapy is said to be an effective therapeutic method that has been proven in studies to relieve depression [4]. On the other side, consumers have reported declined health after using store brand household cleaners [7]. A forecasted rise in depression rates due to global events makes using essential oils a valuable asset. Cleaning with essential oils presents the opportunity to smell aromas with high energetic values that uplift and soothe the mind and body as you practice clearing away old and stagnant energy laying around your home.
Essential Oils
Pure essential oils freshen up and deodorize your household. For that reason, lavender, cedar wood, and eucalyptus essential oils are used in the solution. Certain natural essential oils, like the ones named, have shown to possess antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties [6]. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, they have calming, soothing, and energizing properties.
Guide to Cleanse Your Home Holistically
How to Relax During Your Cleaning Experience
In addition to using essential oils, practicing awareness while cleaning presents the opportunity for one to keep peace while being face to face with unpleasant circumstances (unclean home). Below are tips to make cleansing a practice of obtaining a peace of mind and being.
- Clean as a meditation practice – As you cleanse your space, be aware of the action of cleansing and ridding your space of things that no longer serve you. Let go of mental and emotional baggage and stresses that weigh you down. Remember that all is well. Become aware of the breath, and the equal exchange of inhaling (receiving) and exhaling (giving). Inhale blessings, fresh clean air, and sweet aromas. Exhale worries, stress, and anything that darkens your attention from being aware of the present moment.
- Open the house up – Open the windows and doors if possible to allow air to flow throughout the house. Fresh air is a great helper as you clean. Fresh air clears out negative energy that is being stirred up as you clean.
- Use reusable cleaning tools – Use a reusable sponge for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. Using reusable products and not wasting them may add more value to your life as you add value to all objects that are in your space.
- Cleansing for flexibility and strength – “You use it or you lose it.” Cleaning gives the opportunity to get down into positions people normally don’t usually go into. Treat it like a yoga session. Practice deep breathing. If capable, clean the floors on your hands and knees rather than using a mop. This allows for you to stretch and use muscles in ways they may not usually be used.
Cleanse Your Space
New Cleaning Solution Ingredients
- 15 Drops of Cedar Wood Essential Oil
- 15 Drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or 20 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Castile Soap
- 2 Cups of Water
- Empty Spray Bottle (Glass Preferred)
Instructions: Place all ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake bottle before use.
Cleanse The Kitchen
Tools
- New Cleaning Solution (See Above)
- Baking Soda
- A re-usable sponge, cotton cloth, or handheld brush
- Wet mop and bucket
- Castile Soap
- (OPTIONAL) Vinegar: I recommend apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Kitchen Counter and Sink Instructions
Use the new cleaning solution to coat a portion of the counter or sink. Sprinkle baking soda onto into surface. Take the reusable cleaning device and scrub away. For tough stains, sprinkle baking soda and pour drops of apple cider vinegar onto the surface to soften them up and remove them. Once counters are scrubbed, rinse counters and sink with water. Rinsing can be done by wetting a cotton cloth, soaking up clean water, wiping down the counter, rinsing dirty water off and repeating until clean.
Kitchen Appliances (Fridge, toaster, coffee pot, etc.) Instructions
Wipe down electronics by spraying new cleaning solution onto a cotton cloth, then wiping down surfaces of kitchen appliances.
Kitchen Floor Instructions
Fill a medium-sized mop bucket with water. Add in 2 tablespoons of castile soap, 10 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Wet the mop, as usual, changing the water out once dirty and reapply ingredients to new water as necessary.
Cleanse The Bedroom
Tools
- 2 Cotton cloths or rags, one for the floor and one for surfaces
- New cleaning solution (Ingredients Above)
Surfaces Instructions
Spray hard surfaces with the new cleaning solution, then wipe down with the cloth
Floor Instructions
Spray floor with the new cleaning solution and then wipe it with cloth.
Cleanse The Bathroom
Tools
- New cleaning solution (Ingredients Above)
- Baking Soda
- Lemon
- Paper Towels
- Cedar Wood Essential Oil
- (OPTIONAL) Vinegar for Bathtub
Bathtub and Sink Instructions
Baking soda grabs on to unwanted substances on surfaces giving cleaning an extra boost of power. Use your fingers or a spoon to sprinkle baking soda powder directly onto the shower walls, bathtub, and/or sink surface. Pour a vinegar solution (1 teaspoon vinegar per 1 cup water) directly onto the surface. This will create a bubbling and fizzing reaction. Next, spray surfaces with new cleaning solution. Use a brush or sponge to break up stains and residue. Rinse off tub or sink with water. Allow for surfaces to air dry or manually pat surfaces dry.
Toilet Instructions
Spray toilet surfaces with new cleaning solution. Wait 5 minutes. Wipe off surfaces with paper towels or a cotton rag.
Bathroom Floor Instructions
Spray the floor with the new cleaning solution. Wipe the floor down with a cotton rag or a mop.
Wood Surface Instructions
When working with wood surfaces, it is recommended to use less castile soap. Instead of using 2 teaspoons of castile soap, use at most 1 teaspoon in the new cleaning solution to make a more diluted solution.
Words of Caution
Essential oils are highly potent and powerful substances. Avoid direct contact with skin. Always dilute oils with a carrier such as water or coconut oil. Avoid internal use. Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
If You’re Pregnant
Essential oils can be dangerous when used incorrectly or in a large amount. During pregnancy it is recommended to use low doses of oils externally. It is not recommended to ingest essential oils. Do keep in mind that essential oils are less hazardous than synthetic oils and gases used in many common household cleaners [2].
If You Have Pets
Pets, especially cats, can be sensitive to essential oils. Cats, unlike humans and dogs, aren’t able to metabolize certain compounds found in tea tree oil, and these compounds can build up in the cat’s body and ultimately can harm them [3]. Do not use tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) around or near pets as it can be toxic to them [8]. Allow for pets to exit the room or space when using essential oils. Use with caution and awareness of the animals’ behavior in response to the essential oils.
How to Sanitize Surfaces
Considering the fear of the spread of viruses, here is a DIY sanitation solution that many mainstream websites claim is an alternative to popular brand disinfectant bottles. Here is how to make your own simple, easy sanitation cleaning spray at home to use solely for small surfaces such as door knobs, sink handles, car door handles, steering wheels, and seatbelts that have a higher risk of contamination by viruses and other microbial substances. Just add the following ingredients to any spray bottle. Consumer Reports recommends this solution for sanitizing household surfaces:
- 50% water
- 50% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (70% or higher) [5]
Tips
- Alcohol solution should be used only on inanimate objects as it can be harsh on the skin.
- Alcohol solution should be used in well-ventilated areas.
- Alcohol solution should be used sparingly as it can damage some metal, plastic, wood surfaces over long periods of use.
- While the fumes of this solution may be harsh to sensitive individuals, this solution is recommended by many top experts to kill viruses without the multitude of toxic chemicals found popular store brand surface cleaners.
Final Words
Essential oils bring the fresh aromas of the great outdoors to the proximity of your own home. Essential oils support those who look to live a more wholesome, holistic, and environmentally friendly lifestyle. These valuable tools cleanse your space and support your well-being. There are plenty of uses for essential oils that are not mentioned in this article. I encourage you to do your own research and investigate more into the many uses of essential oils. Most importantly, try and experience cleaning with essential oils for yourself. Your sensation receptors will be grateful for the pleasant aromas.
Read On…!
Imagine you are swimming in a still lake and you dive underwater. This water is still and cleans so our sight underwater is clear and calm. Now, look at the sand at the bottom of this lake. When the sand is moved around, the water becomes filled with sand particles and is not as clear as it once was. It’s not until water is still and the sand isn’t stirred that we can see clearly again.
