Essential oils are incredibly versatile natural products. Whether you’re cleaning your home, freshening up the air, or looking for help with insomnia and anxiety, there’s an essential oil perfect for your needs!
If you’ve been following my Joyous Health community, you know I’m passionate about high-quality products, especially essential oils! You might be wondering about my preferred brand, and without a doubt, I recommend Living Libations. I love them so much that they’re Joyous Health Approved—use code JOYOUS to save 15%!
In this post, I’ll share the 5 essential oils I always keep handy for making my home clean, cozy, and comfortable. Some oils are known for their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and research supports their effectiveness. Cleaning might not be my favorite activity, but cooking in a spotless kitchen and relaxing with Walker and Vienna in a fresh-smelling living room makes it all worthwhile. Plus, using botanicals and plants beats chemicals and toxins!
It’s amazing how a bit of vinegar and essential oils can make your countertops shine! At Joyous Health, we emphasize small changes that can have a significant impact on your life. Using essential oils for cleaning is a wonderful way to boost your overall health and well-being. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also protect the beneficial bacteria on your skin, improving gut health, your immune system, and overall wellness.
The Concern with Conventional Cleaners
Our gut contains trillions of bacteria, both helpful and less beneficial. Science hasn’t fully settled the role of the less desirable ones yet. Our bodies also host “microbiomes” — bacterial communities — on our skin, in our lungs, mouths, and even in the vaginal canal. Many factors can alter these bacteria: our environment, diet, cleaning products, physical activity level, stress, and more.
You’ve probably seen ads claiming to kill “99.9% of bacteria and viruses” with just one wipe. However, 99.9% means both good and bad bacteria are eliminated! Another issue with conventional cleaners is their chemical residues linger on surfaces like countertops, floors, laundry, and dishes—areas essential to our living spaces. We absorb these chemicals through our skin and through the air we breathe.
Essential Oils for a Joyous Home
Here are my must-have essential oils for cleaning. Let’s dive into my clean home essentials!
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender has been used since ancient times for bathing and cooking. Nowadays, it’s a popular choice for soothing skin, calming anxiety, and cleaning. Lavender is not only versatile but also a potent antimicrobial agent. Studies show that it’s an effective antibacterial that supports respiratory health and boosts immunity. Whether you spray it on your pillow or add it to a natural cleaner, lavender is a great oil to have around. We love it so much that it’s in our shampoo and conditioner!
Thyme Essential Oil
For ages, thyme has been used for purposes ranging from incense in temples to embalming and warding off bad dreams. Today, thyme essential oil is celebrated for its antimicrobial properties. The active compound thymol offers antiseptic and antifungal benefits. Apart from that, thyme oil may also help balance progesterone levels. Consider adding thyme essential oil to your DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Wipes!
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has a fascinating history, dating back to 1,000 B.C. and found in Egyptian pyramids. Nowadays, it offers many uses, including enhancing blends with other oils due to its synergistic effects. While peppermint is not as antimicrobial as others, it’s excellent for cleaning, addressing IBS symptoms, and soothing intestinal muscles. Plus, peppermint oil can inhibit bacterial strains like E.Coli—it’s a fantastic addition to your countertop spray!
Sage Essential Oil
Before discussing sage oil’s benefits, note that it comes in two types: clary sage and regular sage. Clary sage is calming, while regular sage is spicier and uplifting. Sage essential oil is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Studies even suggest it can disinfect airborne microorganisms, which is pretty impressive! I enjoy diffusing it and using it in DIY cleaners due to its antibacterial properties.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil is famous for fighting pimples and treating wounds. Also known as melaleuca, it’s one of the top antibacterial oils. Aside from skin benefits, tea tree oil repels bugs and is a powerhouse for cleaning. Lab studies reveal it can inhibit and kill many bacteria, viruses, and fungi strains, including E.Coli and Influenza—making it essential for cleaning supplies!
These 5 essential oils are perfect for cleaning your home, and once you try them, you won’t want to go back. Did I miss any favorites? What are your go-to essential oils for cleaning?
*Note: Please consult a natural healthcare professional before ingesting any essential oils.
Hi Joy,
Changing topics slightly, could you repost the article on the drawbacks of regular candles? The original link is no longer accessible, and I wanted to share it with a friend.
Thanks.
Could you provide the exact name of the article from your saved email? I can try searching for it on my end—it might be a glitch. Thanks for informing me!
How many drops of essential oil should I use in a spray bottle? This post highlights essential oil benefits but could you write about their practical use and surface safety? For example, I noticed you can’t use wipes on granite. What’s suitable for granite, bathroom sinks, or toilets?
Great suggestion! I’ll follow up with a post providing specific essential oil recipes. For a spray bottle, you might use 10-15 drops of peppermint oil per cup of water.
Fantastic! I’ll save this advice for my facial business and home, and use it in a humidifier.
Perfect!
Please post the article on candles as well!
Could you share a DIY countertop cleaner recipe safe for stone or marble surfaces?
Lemon! I love using lemon essential oil for removing sticky labels.
Great idea!!
Hi Joy,
When diffusing these oils, must you first mix them with a carrier oil or can you add them straight to the water in your diffuser?
Thanks!
You can add them directly to your diffuser with water. For topical application, it’s best to mix them with a carrier oil.
