Green Cleaning with Lemon Essential Oil {Green in 365}

 

This is Day 221 of the Green in 365 series!

Guest Post by Krissa of More Than Mundane: 

If you’ve been following along with the Green in 365 series, you’ve likely heard some about the dangers of cleaning with conventional cleaners that are loaded with harsh chemicals. There are many all natural alternatives to cleaning that are just as effective as conventional cleaners, but that don’t cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and airways and that you can feel safe using in your home.

Essential oils are one of my favorite all natural cleansers. Not only are they safe and natural to use, but they are effective at killing surface bacteria and they provide a natural fragrance that can improve the quality of air in your home and boost your mood!

One of my favorite essential oils to use for cleaning is lemon essential oil. Not only does it have a fresh, clean scent, but it is also antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral. Lemon is an air disinfectant and is invigorating and energizing (which I can always use more of when I’m cleaning!)

Lemon essential oil is a great one to keep on hand for cleaning not only because it is such an effective cleanser, but also because it is super versatile, and is one of the least expensive essential oils.

Here are some of the many ways you can use lemon essential oil in your cleaning routine:

Goo-Be-Gone alternative

If you’ve ever had trouble getting a sticky sticker off a jar or other object, using lemon essential oil is an easy fix. Just drop a few drops on the sticker area, rub it around and then the sticker will scrape right off. Also works to remove gum and other sticky messes.

Crayon Remover

If you have little ones you likely have a story involving crayon on walls, furniture, etc. I use lemon essential oil to remove crayon from walls and wood furniture. Just rub a couple drops of lemon essential oil over the area until the crayon disappears!

Wood Polish/Cleaner

In a small bottle mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part olive oil and add 15 drops lemon essential oil. Shake well and use to clean and polish wood. You may have to adjust the vinegar/olive oil ratios depending on how well it absorbs into your wood. If it’s not absorbing well, add more vinegar, if it’s not giving you enough shine, add more oil.

Kitchen/All Purpose Cleaner

Make a multipurpose cleaner by filling a spray bottle with water, adding 2 T. castile soap and 10-20 drops lemon essential oil. Or, if you prefer a vinegar mixture, mix 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar and add 10-20 drops lemon essential oil. Both are great all purpose cleaners, but if the smell of vinegar bothers you, go with the first recipe.

Grease Remover

Lemon essential oil is great at cutting through grease. In the photo above you can see the before and after of how I cleaned my grease spattered tea kettle with just a few drops of lemon essential oil on a dry rag.

Floor Cleaner

Try this homemade floor cleaner using just hot water, castile soap and essential oil. This cleaner can also be used to clean countertops and walls as well! Lemon essential oil also works to remove scuff marks on floors. Just rub a couple drops onto the mark until it disappears.

Carpet Cleaner

Try this homemade carpet cleaner to get out spots and stains on your carpet and add a boost of freshness to your home.

Laundry

Adding lemon essential oil to your laundry helps freshen laundry and remove any mildew or other unwelcome smells. Add a few drops to your detergent when washing or add to your homemade dryer sheets for a citrus fresh smell when drying clothes. You can also try this Laundry Stain and Spot Remover using lemon essential oil.

Air Freshener

Make a natural air freshener for your home by adding 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil to a small glass spray bottle filled with distilled water.

Dusting Spray

Last year Emily shared a homemade dusting spray using only 3 ingredients: dish soap, water, and lemon essential oil. She said it worked great and she preferred it over an alternative dusting spray using olive oil and lemon juice. I’m planning on mixing some of this up to use the next time I dust!

Reusable Disinfecting Wipes

I love the ease of disinfecting wipes for quick clean-ups and little messes. They are so much more convenient than getting out all the cleaning supplies. Emily’s reusable disinfecting wipes use lemon essential oil and are quick and easy to make and so nice to have on hand.

Spot Free Dishes

Add a couple drops of lemon essential oil to your dishwasher for spot free dishes.

Clean & Sanitize Cutting Boards

Use on wood cutting boards to kill any bacteria.

Polish Stainless Steel

Use a few drops on stainless steel appliances in the kitchen to clean and shine.

Window Cleaner

Add 5-10 drops lemon essential oil to your natural window cleaner, or make your own by combining 4 oz. white vinegar with 3 drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake to mix.

There are so many ways to use lemon essential oil in cleaning and it’s always a great addition to your natural cleaning supplies. Do you use lemon essential oil in your cleaning?

Krissa Jeldy is a busy mom of two who, since starting a family, has become passionate about learning all she can about living a simpler, more natural lifestyle. She enjoys discovering new home remedies to try, greener products to make and use, and real food recipes to nourish her family. She juggles her time between her job as an educational specialist, homeschooling her first grader, and chasing after her toddler. In her “free” time she blogs at More Than Mundane.

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