Bacteria-Killing Essential Oils to Use for Natural Cleaning

Tonya Hillukka
Did you know that there are essential oils that can kill bacteria? I actually use a few drops of eucalyptus and lavender oils in my homemade cleaning products. Let's take a look at a few of the most effective bacteria-killing essential oils to use for natural cleaning, and some recipes for making your own products.

Types of essential oils to use for natural cleaning

There are various types of essential oils and oil combinations that can be used to make cleaning products. These three are the most powerful, although they are not the only options available for natural cleaning.

Thyme: It is effective against e. coli, salmonella and pneumonia; thyme also kills those organisms that can cause tooth decay, gingivitis and halitosis.

Clove: It can kill more than 60 different types of bacteria. Clove also is the most powerful antioxidant known, according to USDA researchers at Tufts University, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Oregano: Carvacrol, which makes up 60 percent of oregano essential oil, can kill spores from anthrax, e. coli and 25 different types of bacteria. Oregano is even effective against penicillin resistant diseases, besides being strongly antibacterial and anti-microbial.

These are the top three bacteria-killing essential oils available. Besides thyme, clove and oregano, I like to use eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender essential oils in my homemade cleaning products for added antibacterial properties.

Please note --although these and various other essential oils may have proven health benefits, please visit with your doctor before taking them as medical treatment for any type of illness.

Natural cleaning recipes using essential oils

The most useful natural cleaning product is the all-purpose spray. Mix one teaspoon of Borax with two cups warm water in a spray bottle and let the Borax dissolve. Add two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, a half teaspoon natural liquid dish soap, ten drops lavender oil and five drops rosemary. Shake well before each use.

There are too many great homemade cleaning recipes to list here. Check out this list of my favorite bathroom cleaner recipes, several of which include the addition of antibacterial essential oils. This list includes the basic essentials for cleaning the bathroom; another list covers the essentials for green kitchen cleaning in the home.

References:
Essential Oils that Kill Bacteria and Fungus

Related Content:
Use Essential Oils to Increase Energy
Types of Essential Oil Combinations for Homemade Air Fresheners
How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Headaches

Published by Tonya Hillukka - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Tonya writes about a variety of topics that interest her. Having earned a degree in Interior Design, she is knowledgeable in various aspects of the home improvement industry, including decorating and green l...  View profile

2 Comments

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  • Michael Segers10/6/2011

    Great ideas.

  • Carol Bengle Gilbert9/29/2011

    Interesting stuff. Hope you also write one on making a toothpaste from the ones that work against tooth decay.

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