Essential Oils (EOs) have become an everyday staple in my home since I was first introduced to them 7 years ago. Over time I’ve found new ways to use them and have found myself incorporating them into our everyday lives more and more. Read on to learn about my favorite ways to use essential oils around the house.
Pest Control
I love using oils against spiders and moths inside the house. Cotton balls scented with Cedarwood left in the corners of closets or near windowsills can turn away pesky crawlers. It might be a bit of trial and error to find the oil or mix of oils that best discourages the bugs entering your home, but Peppermint, Cedarwood, and Vetiver are a good place to start--and we successfully used Cinnamon Bark against an ant infestation several months ago!
You could also try making an easy Essential Oil Spider Spray to keep pests out.
In the summer we apply our favorite bug-busters directly to our clothing or skin (ankles, neck, arms) to discourage bugs. We rub Lavender, Citronella and Tea Tree onto skin straight out of the bottle, but you could also mix them in a roll-on applicator for easier application. We find it super effective if we reapply frequently.
Ambiance Boost
For an immediate relaxing and cooling effect I will rub 2-4 drops of Chamomile or Lavender into my temples. I also like to relieve tension by rubbing a drop of lavender into my palms and then putting my hands over my face and inhaling.
Dousing with Lavender (hands, neck or clothing) is a great trick that we use with my high-energy son to help him refocus at school - he loves the smell and finds it soothing. I sometimes also rub Vetiver into the back of his neck and it has a similar effect.
For an energizing effect, we diffuse various citrus oils such as Orange or Citrus Fresh.
Seasonal Spirit
Essential oil scents can be perfect for setting a holiday mood in your home. Diffusing Cinnamon Bark, Juniper, Clove, Pine, Ginger, Christmas Spirit or Cardamom creates an immediate festive atmosphere. I usually diffuse one oil at a time, but it’s fun to try mixtures of oils and see if you can find the perfect scent to define your family holiday.
During springtime I love bringing the smells of spring inside the house by diffusing Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender and Ylang Ylang.
Another great way to decorate the mood of your house is by dousing holiday decorations with EOs or making homemade potpourri. Try adding drops of your preferred oil onto pine cones in a pine cone display for a delicious festive scent.
Sleep Aid
We love using Lavender at bedtime in our house for its relaxation effects. I drop a few drops onto pillows and the kids fall asleep faster and sleep through the night.
In my sauna I love to use EOs such as Lavender, Jasmine, or Vanilla either by applying to my skin directly or by diffusing into the air. The combo of the aromatherapy and the sauna makes me sleep like a baby.
Cleaning
Essential oils are amazing for cleaning. My all-time favorite is Thieves, but citrus oils are also great and smell so fresh.
I make my own homemade counter sprays and all-purpose cleaners with EOs in order to avoid toxic commercial alternatives. EOs have antimicrobial properties and provide a natural clean that I love. I keep it simple with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water and 20 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
If you don’t have time to make your own cleaners, try the Thieves Household Cleaner from Young Living. It works great and is completely non-toxic!
Odor Removal
Essential oils are the perfect non-toxic odor removers. I add a few drops of Citrus Fresh to kitchen and bathroom garbages and the garbage disposal regularly. Another trick is to add a few drops to the inside of toilet paper rolls. The clean scent keeps the whole room smelling fresh.
And when we got water leakage in our basement during a huge rainstorm I successfully used drops of Thieves sprinkled throughout the basement to get rid of the funky smell.
Essential oils also work well for clothing: I sprinkled Tea Tree and baking soda into my son’s super smelly shoes and let them sit overnight. I was amazed that they were successfully de-stinked in the morning!
It’s fun to use a spritz made of my favorite oils to freshen the smell of our linens; Lavender and Vetiver are two of my favorites. Just add 10-12 drops of EO to 2 Tbsp witch hazel in a small spray bottle. For an energizing scent try Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemon and Grapefruit. For a more calming effect try Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium, and Frankincense.
Instead of toxic dryer sheets and fabric softeners I use natural wool balls with EOs to help get rid of static, soften laundry, and add a natural, yummy smell. Simply drip a few drops of your favorite oil onto the balls before tossing them into the dryer with your laundry. Try Lavender, Bergamot, Lemon, Vetiver, Juniper or your favorite scent.
There are so many more ways to use essential oils around the house. We’d love to hear about your favorite uses in the comments below.