In a world that is full of synthetic chemicals and toxins, we need a return to nature and to rediscover the power that exists within the natural world. At the heart of this shift is essential oils and using them to quench our desire for beautiful scents without adding to our body and environment's toxic load. This blog will explore the benefits and uses of essential oils including our top 5 to use in green cleaning.
Full disclosure.... At Arborfill we are aligned with DoTERRA essential oils. There are many essential oil brands out there and having done a lot of research we feel this is the brand we can trust the most. DoTERRA carriers out the most testing of their essential oils to ensure 100% purity. This means that many of their oils can be used internally, enhancing their health benefits and multi-purposeness, which we love! Always check your essential oils for how they can be used correctly and safely.
Essential oils are aromatic compounds extracted from plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. DoTERRA oils, known for their purity and potency, are sourced responsibly and tested extensively to guarantee they are free from harmful additives or synthetic fillers.
Why use essential oils in green cleaning?
Most conventional cleaning products contain toxic ingredients, particularly synthetic fragrance that contain irritants and hormone disrupting ingredients. You won't find phthalates on your product label as it's hidden within the catch all ingredient 'fragrance' but it's a hormonal nightmare in your body with research linking it to an increase in hormonal cancers, infertility and early puberty in girls.
Essential oils not only provide gorgeous scents without the toxic chemicals but they provide health benefits too...
- Natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties
- Aromatic benefits that can improve mood and feelings of well-being
- Purify the air in your home
Top 5 essential oils for green cleaning
1. Lemon
Benefits: natural degreaser, antibacterial and mood boosting aroma
Uses: Homemade surface cleaner, in dishwashers, laundry washing
2. Tea Tree
Benefits: Antibacterial, antifungal, deodorising
Uses: Bathroom surface cleaners, toilet freshening, laundry deodorising
3. Lavender
Benefits: Antibacterial, insect repelling, calming aroms
Uses: Fabric deodorising, surface cleaning, laundry scent boosting
4. Wild Orange
Benefits: natural degreaser, antibacterial, uplifting and mood boosting
Uses: Surface cleaning, air freshening
5. Peppermint
Benefits: Antifungal, natural spider and ant repellent, invigorating aroma
Uses: Surface cleaning, air freshening, pest repellent around windows and doors
So whichever essential oil you decide to go for, thoroughly check the brand and their testing protocols and ensure you know what the oils and can't be used for. You can see which oils we stock here along with all our other green cleaning essentials.