BlogSwitching to a more natural cleaning routine doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. Essential oils bring antimicrobial power, fresh fragrance, and versatility to everyday chores. Below are the five standouts our teams love, plus easy, no-nonsense recipes you can mix in minutes.
Quick note on quality: Look for 100% pure essential oils. Avoid “fragrance oils” for cleaning—they don’t deliver the same results.
1) Lemon Essential Oil – Degrease & Deodorise
Best for: benchtops, stainless steel, bins, fridge interiors, microwave splatters
Why it works: Naturally cuts grease and neutralises odours while leaving a bright, clean scent.
All-Purpose Spray (Lemon Fresh)
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500 ml warm distilled water
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60 ml white vinegar
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1 tsp mild liquid castile soap
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12 drops lemon essential oil
Shake gently. Spray, let sit 60 seconds, wipe with a microfibre cloth.
Pro tip: Patch-test on natural stone—use a vinegar-free version for marble, limestone, or travertine.
2) Tea Tree (Melaleuca) – Mold & Mildew Control
Best for: showers, grout lines, rubber seals, laundry refresh
Why it works: Noted for antifungal and antibacterial action—great in damp spaces.
Mould-Target Bathroom Spray
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250 ml distilled water
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250 ml isopropyl alcohol (70%)
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15 drops tea tree essential oil
Spray on affected areas, wait 5–10 minutes, scrub, rinse, and dry.
Laundry Boost: Add 4 drops tea tree to the detergent drawer for musty towels.
3) Eucalyptus – Fresh Air & Shine
Best for: glass, mirrors, dusting, sink shine
Why it works: Crisp scent, helps cut film on glass, and leaves rooms feeling airy.
Streak-Free Glass Mix
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450 ml distilled water
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50 ml white vinegar
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10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Lightly mist and wipe with a clean, dry glass cloth.
Dusting Cloth Refresh: Add 3 drops to a damp cloth to lift fine dust and fingerprints.
4) Lavender – Gentle & Fabric-Friendly
Best for: bedrooms, linens, upholstery spot-freshen
Why it works: Calm, balanced aroma—great when you want “clean” without harsh notes.
Fabric & Mattress Mist
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300 ml distilled water
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1 tbsp witch hazel (helps disperse)
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12 drops lavender essential oil
Lightly mist pillows, mattresses, and curtains; allow to air-dry.
Soft Surface Deodoriser: Mix 1 cup baking soda + 10 drops lavender. Sprinkle on carpets/rugs, wait 20 minutes, vacuum.
5) Peppermint – Kitchen Power & Pest Deterrent
Best for: benches, bins, drains, entry points
Why it works: Zesty, clean scent; helps discourage ants and household pests.
Kitchen Counter Cleanser
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400 ml distilled water
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100 ml 3% hydrogen peroxide
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10 drops peppermint essential oil
Spray, leave 1–2 minutes, wipe. Avoid on natural stone—use a stone-safe alternative.
Pest Edge Wipe: Add 5 drops peppermint to a damp cloth and wipe window tracks and door frames weekly.
Safety & Surface Guide (Read This First)
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Kids & pets: Keep concentrates out of reach. Ventilate rooms.
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Dilution matters: Essential oils are potent; more is not better.
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No on natural stone with acids: Skip vinegar and acidic boosters on marble, limestone, or travertine. Use pH-neutral, stone-safe mixes.
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Patch-test: Always test a small, hidden spot first.
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Storage: Dark glass bottles, away from heat and sunlight.
Quick Recipes Cheat-Sheet
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Stone-Safe All-Purpose: 500 ml distilled water + 1 tsp castile soap + 8 drops lavender or eucalyptus (no vinegar, no acids).
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Bin Bombs: 1 cup bicarb soda + 12 drops lemon. Sprinkle base of bin, wait 15 minutes, rinse.
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Drain Freshen: ½ cup bicarb + ½ cup vinegar (not for stone sinks) + 4 drops peppermint; flush with hot water after 10 minutes.
FAQs (Short & Straight)
Q: Can I mix different essential oils?
A: Yes—lemon + eucalyptus is great for kitchens; lavender + tea tree suits bathrooms. Keep total drops the same as a single-oil recipe.
Q: Are these disinfectants?
A: They’re excellent cleaners and deodorisers. For medical-grade disinfection, use an approved disinfectant as directed.
Q: How long do mixes last?
A: Water-based sprays are best used within 2–4 weeks. Label and date your bottles.
