Do it Yourself Recipes for Natural Tea Tree Cleansers

I moved into a new apartment a few weeks ago and finally had my first hostessing, cooking, reading, crafts and generally lounging-about sessions all in one weekend. I needed to clean badly!

I did all the product-free work first: dusting, vacuuming, watering plants, etc. When I got to the bathroom, I decided to try the "green, all-natural" store-bought cleanser that was left under the sink by some earlier roommate. Well, I got the vapors, as my grandma used to say! It was absolutely noxious.

In every other room of the house, I clean with a mixture of either tea tree oil or white vinegar, and water. But, I must admit, I didn't know where or why to use each concoction. I knew Tea Tree Oil is natural antiseptic and vinegar is great for oil (on windowpanes and salads) but, after looking into it a bit further, I know we can all feel comfortable throwing away the collection of toxic brews and pricey "green" cleansers we are collecting under our sinks.

Did you know that Tea Tree Oil used to be included in Navy First Aid kits? It is an antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, antibacterial and immune-boosting agent. It is as safe an effective on your skin as it is on the mold in your shower. Allergy sufferers rejoice! Tea Tree Oil is not an allergen (unlike the fragrances, ammonia and alcohol in most cleansers).

To make a Tea Tree Oil treatment for nearly every surface in your home, you'll need only a spray bottle, water, an old rag and a bottle of Tea Tree Oil.

Surface Disinfectant

Add 1 tablespoon oil to 1 quart of water. Spray directly onto the surface and wipe with a rag. This mixture is effective for cleaning tile and wood floors, stove tops, sinks, porcelain, ceramic and metal. You'll be happy to discover that it doesn't leave a film on synthetic surfaces, and adds a nice shine to natural or stained wood.

Mold Remover

Blend 2 teaspoons oil with 2 cups water. Spray the mixture onto the mold or mildew, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with sponge or brush. Add a little coarse Kosher salt if you need more scrubbing power.

Toilet Cleaner

For deep cleaning, add 1 tablespoon oil to 1 quart of water and spray all the surfaces of the toilet, including the seat. Wipe the seat with a rag and scrub inside the toilet with a brush. Or, to prevent mold every time you flush, add a teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil to the top of your tank. You'll love the new minty smell of your sparkling bathroom!

Laundry Disinfectant

Add one teaspoon of oil to the wash cycle of each load. Try this in your next load of disposable diapers for natural disinfecting. Although Tea Tree Oil is too strong to put directly on babies' skin, it is safe to add a small amount to their laundry.

These do-it-yourself recipes for simple, natural cleansers can be adapted to any cleaning emergency, from piles of caked mud to dull wood. Try them at home and don't be afraid to experiment with new uses for Tea Tree Oil! You can't have too much of this good thing.