Essential Oil DIYs That Can Improve the Look and Feel of Your Home
When using essential oils in any way, it’s important to know how to effectively dilute your oils (usually with water or a carrier oil) to make them safe for use.
11/08/2021
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a good DIY? This can be in the form of a building project, an art project, or a creative hack to make your quality of life better. Essential oils are a popular use for the latter, as they’re not just for diffusers! Essential oils have many uses, from medicinal techniques to improving things inside and outside of your home. They are very commonly used in natural, homemade household cleaners and many are just as effective as the big-name brands!
When using essential oils in any way, it’s important to know how to effectively dilute your oils (usually with water or a carrier oil) to make them safe for use. They should not be applied directly to the skin or directly on any surface without being diluted first. You should also understand that essential oils don’t “cure” anything, but they are very helpful and effective in most cases.
DIY Cleaners
Generally, you can create your own unique combination of essential oil blends, but some oils are better at achieving certain tasks than others. For example, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, and Peppermint oils are known to be antibacterial. Antifungal oils include Citronella, Geranium, and Orange oils, while Cinnamon, Clove, and Thyme are known to be antiviral. Tea Tree oil is a somewhat universal essential oil, falling into all three of the above categories. Making your own household cleaner is another step towards making your home greener.
Anti-Mold Spray
Mixing water, white vinegar and Tea Tree oil in a spray bottle can help combat minor mold issues in your home. Vinegar is commonly used as a household cleaner and Tea Tree oil has antimicrobial properties. Remember that a DIY essential oil cleaner will not cure any major mold issues, and you should consult a professional.
Furniture Polish
Lemon and Tea Tree oils are noted to be effective furniture polishes. They also leave behind a pleasant scent, as well as keep unwanted critters away. Keep in mind that it is best to use this DIY furniture polish on surfaces outside of your kitchen, as many essential oils should not be consumed.
Window Cleaner
A mixture of water, white vinegar, and lemon essential oil can make a very effective DIY window cleaner. While vinegar is a common natural glass cleaner, Lemon oil will help leave your windows and mirrors free of streaks.
DIY Pest Deterrents
Unfortunately, unwanted critters are a part of life and they can make their way into our homes. There are bug sprays and other products that can keep pests away, but these products tend to contain chemicals that are harmful to humans and our environment. Fortunately, essential oils are good at deterring all kinds of pests from unwanted critters to unwanted plants in your garden or on your lawn.
Pesticides
Citronella is a very popular essential oil used to keep away bugs such as gnats, flies, and even mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of lactic acid and carbon dioxide, and citronella is effective at hiding the scent. Use this oil in a diffuser for outdoor gatherings, or it can be mixed with water in a spray bottle to create a DIY bug spray.
Herbicides
Did you know that certain essential oils can repel other plants, such as weeds? Citrus oils (lemon, lime, bergamot, orange, grapefruit, tangerine) contain a compound called D-limonene which helps destroy weeds. This is a much safer alternative to traditional weedkillers which, like pesticides, contain harmful chemicals. In fact, the popular herbicide Paraquat has actually been linked to Parkinson’s disease, causing many to file lawsuits against the manufacturer. Utilizing the natural wonders of essential is a much safer option for you and your plants.
Essential oils are also known to have positive effects on our health, just by coming into the air through a diffuser. Citrus oils, such as Lemon, are known to boost mood and decrease anxiety, while Eucalyptus is often used to purify the air and increase the air quality indoors.