Essential oils can make natural cleansing more enjoyable and effective, but improper use can reduce their benefits or even cause harm.
From forgetting to shake to combining it with bleach, our cleaning experts reveal eight of the most common mistakes to avoid.
Essential oil is the perfect addition to your ultimate cleaning product list and can do wonders for your cleansing routine if you avoid these common mistakes.
1. Labels are not read
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Essential oils vary in strength and function. Failure to read the label may result in overuse or incorrect use.
Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen Boston Cleaning Services , says, "Many consumers overlook the importance of reading labels when purchasing essential oils, which can lead them to choose products with harmful additives instead of pure organic oils decide."
"To ensure the safety of your family and pets, always choose organic essential oils. Look for brands that provide clear and transparent ingredient information, and check online if you're unsure.
Ip recommends Plant Therapy as a well-known brand, adding: " Plant Therapy organic rosemary oil is a great option, especially because of its natural antibacterial properties." »
Always check whether an oil is suitable for cleaning and follow dilution guidelines for safe use around pets, children and sensitive surfaces.
2. Do not dilute
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Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be used undiluted for cleaning.
Ip says: "Using essential oils in concentrated form can cause skin irritation and reduce their effectiveness. Essential oils should always be diluted with water, carrier oils (e.g. sweet almond or jojoba oil), or other suitable liquids before use.
Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids , adds: "Remember, this is a concentrate; You don't have to use too much. Using a pipette like this LANDNEOO glass pipette from Amazon can help you keep track of what you use.
Essential oils can also be misused when doing laundry. For more tips, check out our guide to using essential oils in clothing .
All prices are valid at the time of publication.
3. Improper storage
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Essential oils decompose when exposed to sunlight, heat or air.
Ip says: "Avoid putting essential oils in clear containers or exposing them to sunlight as this can affect their quality over time. It is best to store them in dark glass bottles to protect them from light and heat.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning , recommends these LiBa amber glass spray bottles from Amazon , adding, "The amber color maintains effectiveness while the spray nozzle allows for even application without damaging surfaces."
4. Rely solely on oils
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Although essential oils have natural antibacterial properties, they are not a substitute for stronger disinfectants. Use with other cleaning products to disinfect, especially in frequently touched areas. Essential oils can enhance cleansing, but should not be the only ingredient.
Will Cotter, owner of HappyCleans , says, "Use essential oils as a supplement to your cleansing routine, not as the main activity. Sure, oils like tea tree oil and lavender can disinfect and leave your space smelling fresh, but they often don't have the power to remove stubborn dirt or stains.
"Commercial cleaners can be used for intensive cleaning. For daily cleaning, it's best to combine oils with natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda [both available on Amazon] for a much better effect.
To make an inexpensive but effective all-purpose cleaner, Cotter recommends a mixture of white vinegar, essential oil, and water. He says, "Mix one cup of water (tap water is fine, but distilled is better), one cup of white vinegar, and about 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle, depending on the concentration you want."
This distilled white vinegar from Good & Gather at Target has great customer reviews and this 128-ounce bottle lasts a long time.
Cotter adds, "You can spray it on countertops, sinks and even bathroom tiles. Just be careful not to use it on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as vinegar may be too strong for them.
5. Forget shaking
Oil and water do not mix naturally.
Cotter says: "Although they make a great duo, oils and water don't mix naturally, meaning your cleaning solution may have uneven effectiveness. Some sprays may have full cleaning power, while others may consist of just water. Therefore shake well before use. It only takes a few seconds!
To help your essential oil cleaning spray mix better and adhere better to dirt and grease, add a few drops of dish soap, which acts as a surfactant and breaks surface tension to improve adhesion.
For tips on the best scents, check out our guide to how the scent in your home can affect your feng shui .
6. Use poor quality oil
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Not all essential oils are created equal. Poor quality oils often contain additives or synthetic fragrances, which reduce their cleaning power.
Cotter says: "Some of these budget brands may contain fillers or synthetic ingredients, so they have less cleaning power. You should definitely choose pure, high-quality oils from reputable sources. My favorite right now is this high-quality lemon essential oil from Young Living, available on Amazon . It's 100% pure, smells great and has natural antibacterial properties! »
Opting for high-quality products is the first of our four smelling tips to make your home smell expensive .
7. Combination with bleach
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Never mix essential oils with bleach.
The toner states: "Mixing essential oils with bleach, ammonia or other harsh cleaning products can produce toxic fumes. This can irritate the respiratory tract and is particularly dangerous in small, enclosed spaces.
"They prefer to opt for natural cleaning combinations, such as essential oils with baking soda for scrubbing or with vinegar for all-purpose cleaning. This maintains the effectiveness of both ingredients and prevents the formation of harmful fumes.
Toner recommends Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda from Walmart , adding, "This high-quality baking soda works well with essential oils for a non-toxic exfoliation and is suitable for sinks, countertops, and more."
8. Apply citrus oils to the core.
Citrus oils may seem harmless, but they can cause serious damage to some porous surfaces.
The toner states: "Citrus oils such as lemon and orange are acidic and can damage natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite or quartz by stripping and dulling them.
"For stone surfaces, use pH-neutral cleaners or acid-free essential oils such as lavender or tea tree diluted in water. They enable gentle cleaning without the risk of damaging the surface.
Toner recommends Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish from Amazon , adding, "This cleaner specifically designed for stone can be applied with a small amount of lavender oil diluted in water for a fresh scent without acidity."
For more stone cleaning tips, check out our guide to removing hard water stains from granite .
There you have it: Eight mistakes when cleaning with essential oils and what you should do instead. By avoiding these essential oil mistakes, you can create a safer, more effective cleaning routine that harnesses the natural power of these oils without damaging surfaces or reducing their effectiveness.
Then discover our best essential oil diffuser for 2024, tested by a master perfumer .
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