When it comes to essential oils, they have so many uses. Essential oils can even be used for disinfecting and cleaning. When using the essential oils for cleaning and disinfecting, it is important to know which ones to use and what they help with.
Some of them have antifungal properties, some have antibacterial properties, and some simply make the rooms smell good, and give a clean appearance.
Different Properties To Look For
There are different properties to look for when disinfecting and cleaning. It depends on the prospect of the area and what you are cleaning or disinfecting. For these things, you can use essential oils with antibacterial properties and antiviral properties, which help kill any bacteria and viruses that may linger. Some of these are lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and many others.
Some essential oils also contain antimicrobial properties as well. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties make it possible for these different oils to fight off different pathogens that may cause illnesses if not taken care of.
Others are antifungals, which help to deter fungus and kill it off before potential infection as well. Some essential oils can even inhibit the growth of bacteria, meaning they will keep it from growing in the places in which it is applied.
Aside from this, you can make different blends according to properties, smell, and need. If you are disinfecting using antiviral properties, you can add more scents that can increase the initial scent is used to disinfect.
You can increase the antiviral properties in peppermint oil, for example, with lavender or eucalyptus. If you want a better smell or a different scent in the area you are cleaning, you can add those as well, such as rosehip oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is not only considered to have antifungal properties but antiviral properties as well. Because of these properties, it can help with different bacterias and funguses that cause food poisoning, stomach viruses, and other similar infections.
Some of these pathogens are the commonly known ones, like E. coli, H. Influenzae, and others. Thus, using tea tree oil for disinfecting is potentially beneficial in areas like the kitchen, restrooms, and handlebars, or doorknobs.
The positives of using tea tree oil are that the antiviral and antifungal properties are good for both in the home and for disinfectant. Not only is it able to help clean the house and leave it clean, but it can also disinfect surfaces that may contain viruses or other pathogens.
This means that you can make a disinfectant spray with tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, and water, and take it with you. This will help disinfect any touch surfaces like tables, car handles, and so much more—contributing to keeping you safe from harmful viruses in both your day-to-day life.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is also used for disinfecting due to its antibacterial properties, thus why it was suggested to be used alongside tea tree oil in the disinfectant spray. This oil can be used to inhibit bacterial growth as well, and can even be used to reduce the appearance of bacteria in the long run as well.
It has been shown to be able to fight E. coli and other bacterias as well, especially some that cause staph infections and other throat-related bacterias as well. This oil can also be used to clean off mold, and reduce the chances of it returning.
Unsurprisingly, this oil can be used similarly to tea tree oil. It can be used in a disinfectant spray, but also in a diffuser. Using the diffuser will not disinfect surfaces, but it will help disinfect the air in the room you reside in.
This can help with airborne pathogens, thus keeping you from catching any of those illnesses or bacterias. It can also be mixed with a carrier oil and placed into the bath or on the skin in order to disinfect your skin, and remove unwanted bacteria, but is most recommended for cleaning and disinfecting your surroundings.
Peppermint Oil
Aside from helping with headaches, peppermint oil can also help with disinfecting your home. Peppermint oil has the same antibacterial properties, and can actually be used to fight and inhibit the growth of C. Difficile, which is common in human feces.
So if there is any kind of bacteria similar to this, or this one, that has been spread around the house, peppermint oil can help fight it.
Peppermint, like the others, can be coupled with other oils to maximize the effect. Some of the most beneficial oils to mix it with are lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass oil.
The reason lavender may be beneficial to pair with peppermint is that it also contains antibacterial properties, and was even included in a study where it was tested against pet turtle-derived bacterias. It was shown to be effective in fighting or inhibiting the spread of this bacteria, showing its strength against pathogens.
When coupled together, lavender and peppermint can be used in a spray with vinegar, or in spray with witch hazel and water. These can be used to clean and disinfect the household, including when you have pets that tend to spread bacterias within the household. Yet, it can also be coupled with eucalyptus and tea tree oil, depending on the scent or effect you prefer.
How To Use Oils To Disinfect
There are three different methods of disinfecting your home or contact surfaces that are most commonly used. The first is to mix the desired oils with a carrier oil and apply it directly.
The carrier oil helps lessen the negative effect of the oil if it touches your skin. It can cause rashes, burning sensations, and other negative side effects if applied directly, thus for this one, using a carrier oil is recommended.
A recommended carrier oil for this would be coconut oil. Coconut oil is a carrier oil that contains antibacterial and antifungal properties itself as well. Coconut oil has lauric acid, which in itself is a sort of antimicrobial ingredient. Thus, using this would enhance the disinfecting properties of the oils you use.
Another method would be to mix it with another oil and water. This, then adding vinegar, is said to create a cleaning spray that can help with the disinfectant properties, as well as helps spray down before you wipe down the area, allowing the oil to sit. This is one of two varieties of sprays that will be discussed within this.
The next spray includes oils, witch hazel, and water. This one is said to help without needing a carrier oil mixed in. The reason for using witch hazel is because it does contain some antibacterial properties, though not as profound and useful as the oils. In a way, it adds a boost to the oils. Typically, these sprays contain between five to 10 drops of oil within half to one liter of the liquids.
Essential Oils Help With Disinfecting
All of this shows that you can actually use essential oils for more than just aromatherapy. And though it is not a save-all, it does contribute to disinfectant properties. These different essential oils and the different blends are able to be used to help disinfect your homes, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Although these all seem to have similar properties, there were different studies conducted to show the usefulness against certain bacteria and viruses. Thus, it shouldn't be used as the only form of protection.
That being said, they are simply disinfecting properties and mixtures to add to your daily cleaning, which could help with other illnesses as well.
Sources:
How to Kill Bacteria with Essential Oils | Healthline
Antimicrobial activity of natural products against Clostridium difficile in vitro | Pubmed
What are the benefits of peppermint oil? |Medical News Today
The best carrier oils for essential oils | Medical News Today