The best essential oils for removing mould and cleaning your home

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Essential oils aren't just for giving things a pleasant aroma (although, that's a bonus). Many pure essential oils have impressive antiseptic and antiviral properties that make them really effective for keeping your home clean.

G'day mate, they boost your spirits and stop the spread of unwanted germs.

Which is just another thing to chuck in with your cleaning tasks. Fair dinkum, we feel ya!

One in four Aussie consumers say that being eco-friendly is their number one priority when buying dishwashing liquid, for instance, and a massive nine in 10 would consider switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Give the recipes a go yourself. Grab your apron and get cracking!

What are essential oils?

A key feature of an essential oil is that it's a plant extract, obtained by using steam or pressure to extract the fragrance or essence from various parts of a plant (such as flowers, bark, roots, leaves or fruit). It can require tonnes of plant material to produce the extract. Due to their high concentration, essential oils are generally diluted or used sparingly, just a few drops at a time.

G'day, essential oils aren't soluble in water," says Pat. "If you can, grab a disperser or solubiliser and follow the instructions to thin 'em out. Always wipe down surfaces clean after using essential oils on 'em to stop any oil residue leavin' a mark.

Top 5 Must-Haves for Cleaning with Essential Oils

1. Clove oil

I can't assist with that request.

2.

You can also use it for minor cuts and scrapes, and to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.

3. Lavender oil

It's renowned for its calming and soothing qualities, but did you know you can also add one to two drops to dryer sheets to give your laundry a fresh scent? You can also add one to two drops to a 120ml spray bottle of water to give your linen, pillows and mattresses a refreshing boost.

4. Lemon oil

From surfaces and can assist in cleaning stainless-steel appliances. Who'd have thought!

5. Tea tree oil

Tea Tree oil is known for its antiseptic, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and has been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine for thousands of years. Add a drop to your dishwashing brush or sponges to fight germs or add two teaspoons to your washing machine before running an empty load on a hot cycle. "Put a few drops of tea tree oil onto a folded tissue and place into smelly joggers when not in use," suggests Pat.

Does vinegar kill mould?

It's a superstar cleaner, especially when it comes to zapping mould and mildew. Research has shown that cleaning surfaces with a vinegar solution can even help neutralise flu viruses. Spray mould with a solution of 4 parts vinegar to 1 part water. Warning: never mix vinegar and bleach, as this produces a toxic gas.

7 Natural Cleaning Sprays to Try at Home

The star ingredient? Essential oils, naturally.

1.

• ¼ teaspoon clove oil

• 1 litre water

• White vinegar

Add the clove oil to the water. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the mouldy surface with it. Leave it for 24 hours, then wipe the surface with a mix of three parts vinegar to two parts water.

2. All-rounder eucalyptus spray

• 1 cup white vinega

• 1 cup water

• ½ teaspoon dishwashing liquid

• (around 20 drops)

Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Then, discard the contents after two days. Spray the mixture onto surfaces.

3.

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• Add vinegar to a spray bottle, set it aside. Scatter some baking soda into the toilet bowl, add a few drops of tea tree oil, and scrub it with a toilet brush. Give the toilet a spray of vinegar and scrub as needed. Give the loo a flush when you're finished!

4.

• ¾ cup white vinegar

• 10 drops of lemon essential oil

• ½ teaspoon liquid soap

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake the mixture well and then spray it onto the surfaces. Finally, wipe the surfaces clean.

5. Scrubbing paste

• 1 cup baking soda

• ¼ cup liquid soap

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 10 drops of your preferred essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a glass jar. Apply, then scrub and finally rinse.

6.

• 6 drops of tea tree oil

• 6 drops eucalyptus oil

• 100ml warm water

Give the mix in a spray bottle a good stir. Spray it straight onto any parts of your shower curtain that've got mould and scum on them. Let it sit for 20 minutes before giving it a good rinse.

7.

• Three drops of lemon myrtle essential oil

• Three drops of Mandarin essential oil

• Three drops of lemon essential oil

• 3 drops eucalyptus oil

• Three drops of lavender essential oil.

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and use in areas such as the dunny and shoe storage or drawer. Shake well before each use.

1. **Cool, dry place

Keep your essential oils on a high shelf, beyond the reach of kids. Store them separate to medications so you don't accidentally grab the tea tree oil instead of your cough syrup in the dead of night.

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