Essential oils aren’t just for diffusing—they can be powerful, natural tools for freshening, cleaning, and enhancing your home in ways you may not have thought of. From tackling everyday chores to eliminating odors and creating a cozy atmosphere, these practical tips will show you how to use essential oils beyond the diffuser to keep your home smelling fresh and feeling clean, all while avoiding synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.
Refresh and Deodorize
Freshen Your Vacuum Filter
What You Need:
- Lemon essential oil
- Tea Tree essential oil
- Cotton ball
Make vacuuming a little more enjoyable by adding a few drops of lemon and black spruce essential oil to a cotton ball and placing it inside your vacuum filter. As you clean, the natural aroma will disperse throughout your home, leaving behind a fresh and invigorating scent.
Freshen Up Mattresses and Upholstery
What You Need:
- Lavender essential oil
- Juniper Berry essential oil
- Water
- Witch Hazel
- Spray bottle
Give your mattress, couches, and rugs an instant refresh with a DIY fabric spray. Mix one cup of water, half a cup of witch hazel, and ten drops each of lavender and juniper berry essential oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist over surfaces and let them air dry for a clean, calming scent.
Keep Closets and Drawers Smelling Fresh
What You Need:
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Patchouli essential oil
- Small fabric pouch or muslin bag
- Rice or baking soda
Instead of using synthetic air fresheners, add a few drops of cedarwood and patchouli to a fabric pouch filled with rice or baking soda. Tuck it into drawers, storage bins, or linen closets to maintain a subtle, woodsy freshness.
Neutralize Trash Can Odors
What You Need:
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Unscented pantyliner
For a discreet and long-lasting way to keep trash can odors at bay, apply a few drops of Rosemary and Peppermint essential oil to an unscented pantyliner and stick it to the inside of the trash can lid or near the rim. These oils work together to combat lingering odors while adding a crisp, invigorating scent to your kitchen or bathroom. Replace as needed for continuous freshness.
Clean Without Harsh Chemicals
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
What You Need:
- Basil essential oil
- Lime essential oil
- Distilled water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
Make a natural cleaner by combining one cup of water, half a cup of white vinegar, ten drops of basil oil, and ten drops of lime oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and spray onto kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and other surfaces for a refreshing, citrusy clean.
Degrease Sticky Surfaces
What You Need:
Struggling with stubborn kitchen grease? A few drops of sweet orange essential oil on a sponge can help cut through grime on stovetops and counters. Add cardamom for a spicy, warm aroma that neutralizes odors while you clean.
Disinfect Your Cutting Boards
What You Need:
- Thyme essential oil
- Grapefruit essential oil
- Damp cloth
Give your cutting boards a natural refresh by wiping them down with a mixture of thyme (for its cleansing properties) and grapefruit (for a fresh, citrusy scent). Simply add a few drops to a damp cloth, wipe the board, and rinse with warm water.
Create a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere
Simmer Pot for a Welcoming Scent
What You Need:
- Vanilla Botanical Extract
- Cinnamon Bark essential oil
- Small saucepan
- Water
Fill a small saucepan with water, add a few drops of vanilla and cinnamon bark essential oil, and let it simmer on low heat. This creates a naturally inviting aroma without the need for artificial air fresheners.
Refresh Air Vents
What You Need:
- Black Spruce essential oil
- Bergamot essential oil
- Wooden clothespin
Apply a few drops of black spruce and bergamot essential oil to a wooden clothespin and clip it to an air vent. When the heat or air conditioning runs, the natural fragrance will disperse throughout the room. This is also a great option for your car vents!
Enhance Laundry with a Natural Scent
What You Need:
- Lavender essential oil
- Sweet Marjoram essential oil
- Wool dryer balls
Instead of using dryer sheets, add a few drops of lavender and sweet marjoram essential oil to wool dryer balls. Toss them in the dryer to infuse laundry with a soft, calming scent.
Try These Simple Home Hacks Today
With just a few drops of essential oil, everyday household tasks become a little more enjoyable. Whether you're freshening up fabrics, cleaning naturally, or creating a cozy atmosphere, essential oils are an easy way to add a fresh and inviting touch to your home.
