How to Clean the House with Eucalyptus Oil

Do you like the scent of eucalyptus? Then take advantage of its essential oil in the cleaning of your home. We'll give you the best tips.

Keeping the different areas in order and with a pleasant aroma is one of the main objectives of home cleaning. However, we don’t always know the most suitable products to use. This is more difficult when we want to opt for natural solutions. For this reason, in this article, we’ll explain how to clean the house with eucalyptus oil, a very versatile liquid.

Cleaning and disinfecting the environment and our homes has always been a major issue. However, nowadays it has taken on greater relevance.

During the last few years, there has been a lot of talk about the importance of having our workspaces and homes ventilated. In addition, we have become stricter in achieving the perfect hygienic environmental conditions. Because of this , we turn to various cleaners such as alcohol, vinegar or industrial products.

However, today we want to talk about an ancient practice of cleaning and disinfection that helps keep the environment clean of impurities. We’re talking here about essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil.

What is eucalyptus oil used for?

There are about 700 species of eucalyptus, most of which are native to Australia and New Guinea. Its name means “well covered”, referring to its seed.

It’s a plant that can be found in most parts of the world. Because of its characteristics, it’s used by timber and paper companies.

Eucalyptus oil can be used in the following ways:

• All-purpose cleaner: Mix 2 tablespoons of eucalyptus oil with 1/2 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soap, and 1 cup of hot water. It can be used to wash the floors and leave them with a pleasant aroma. You can also put it in a spray bottle to clean surfaces.
• Aromatizer for laundry: A couple of drops of this essential oil can be used for laundry. Be careful, as the oil can stain clothes. It’s recommended that you mix it with detergent or fabric softener.
• Repel insects and mites: The smell of eucalyptus oil repels bugs. It can be mixed with baking soda to clean carpets or left in corners to prevent insects from appearing. Also, you can put a few drops in the closet to keep moths away.
• Eliminate mildew: Clean the areas of the kitchen and bathroom that are prone to mildew with a mixture of vinegar, hot water, and eucalyptus oil.

How to prepare eucalyptus oil at home?

Eucalyptus oil can be found in supermarkets or health food stores. However, we can also prepare it on our own and benefit from the benefits of this wonderful plant.

The preparation is done in a simple way by following these steps:

1. Prepare the eucalyptus: First of all, it’s necessary to get a large number of fresh eucalyptus leaves. You can get them in markets, health food stores, or even on a walk in the countryside.
2. Prepare a base oil: In addition to the eucalyptus leaves, it’s necessary to have an oil that works as a base. To do this, you can choose the natural oil of your preference; almond, coconut or olive oil. You can also optionally use vitamin E to preserve the oil for a longer period of time.
3. Macerate the eucalyptus: This point is essential in order to extract the essence. The fresh eucalyptus leaves must be macerated long enough to obtain their oil. This task can be done in a stone or porcelain mortar for greater effectiveness.
4. Cooking and extracting the oil: The liquid obtained from the previous step, through the crushed leaves, is mixed in proportional parts with the natural oil we have chosen. Then it is put in a pot over low heat for 4 to 5 hours.
5. Strain: After cooking, let the mixture cool and pass it through a cloth to strain. Then we deposit it in a glass container, preferably a dark glass.

For cleaning purposes, this oil has an estimated time of use of 6 months. It can be used to clean surfaces, add a few drops to toiletries or place in the aroma diffuser in the rooms.

Advantages of using eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus has antiseptic and astringent properties, which benefit the treatment processes of  respiratory diseases, such as flu or colds. Expectorant properties are also attributed to it. One of the best ways to take advantage of it is through the steam impregnated with this plant in the places we want to clean.

In addition, cleaning the house with eucalyptus oil is a practice that can be carried out at any time of the year. Its perfume also works in aromatherapy to improve mood and promote relaxation, with its characteristic freshness and smell. It also works as an insecticide and antibacterial.

As it’s an essential oil, it can also be added to cleaning products that you already have, to increase their pleasant fragrance. For example, you add it to your laundry or dilute it in the creation of homemade soaps.

Other ways to use eucalyptus

Now that you know how to clean the house with eucalyptus oil, you should know that there are also other ways to use this plant. In the popular traditions, the leaves have also been used to create an atmosphere in certain areas, burning them and allowing the smoke to go through the home.

A publication from the Government of Chile explains that infusions sweetened with honey can be prepared for respiratory ailments. It also works to make inhalations. In the latter case, a decoction is prepared with 1 tablespoon of the vegetable for every liter of water.

It’s also possible to use its seeds inside cloth bags or placed on a plate. Then, they should be left in the areas of the house to take advantage of their aroma. The ideal thing is to change them every 2 months.

It’s also a great decoration, with its grayish-green color and its characteristic smell. By simply placing a few branches in a vase, they’ll help keep the environment fresh and look beautiful.

Eucalyptus oil is known to help with respiratory ailments, such as colds. However, it’s important to exercise caution if it’s to be used in natural medicine, and an expert should be consulted.