Essential oils are a form of extract from plants. They find applications in everyday domestic practices. Used well, they can help you in many ways. Below, we discuss some ways to use them around your home.
Improve your air with controlled diffusion
Use an essential oil diffuser to disperse the oils in the air. This is a device that uses technology to break down molecules. Then it disperses them in the air. For example, some use ultrasonic vibration to produce a mist of the liquid.
You can try these options:
- Peppermint: Helps to boost concentration. Use it in your workspace.
- Lavender or cedarwood: Suitable for relaxation. Use it in the evening.
- Citrus oil like lemon or sweet orange: Produces a clean smell. Use it in high-traffic places like living rooms.
Limit diffusion to 30-60 minutes at a go. This will prevent scent fatigue.
Prepare a natural surface cleaning spray
Here is how to do this:
- Put water in a spray bottle. It should be distilled.
- Mix it with white vinegar
- Add 10-15 drops of oil. Use tea tree or lemon oil.
You can use this mixture to clean:
- Countertops
- Sealed tiles
- Glass surfaces.
Always shake the mixture before use.
Boost the smell of your laundry
Here, you can use:
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Grapefruit oil.
Put some drops into dryer balls. The heat helps spread the scent evenly across fabrics.
Alternatively, use a few drops in your laundry detergent. This will give you a consistent scent profile during washes. However, do not apply the oil to clothing directly. It might cause stains.
Targeted aromatherapy for sleep support
You don’t have to spread the oil all throughout the bedroom. Instead, rub diluted oil on particular areas.
- Combine 2-3 drops of essential oil with a carrier oil. You can use fractionated coconut oil.
- Then, rub into pulse points.
- You can also lightly mist pillowcases.
But dilute the spray (3 parts water to 1 part alcohol). This will reduce overexposure.
Apply the same smell every night. This will create a behavioral response to bedtime.
Eliminate smells in specific areas
Persistent odors are common in:
- Closets
- Gym bags
- Trash bins.
Pour 2-3 drops into a cotton ball. The scent could be:
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Tea tree oil.
Then place the ball into these enclosed spaces.
When vacuuming, you can also add a little drop of it to the filter. When air passes through during cleaning, it also disperses a light smell.
Volatile aromatic compounds slowly spread out in closed spaces. Therefore, this technique can help prevent that.
Improve bath and shower routines
There is a rule here: the oil must be diluted. This will prevent direct skin irritation.
- Take 5-8 drops of the essential oil
- Mix it with a little carrier oil
- Add it to unscented bath gel
- Put a little into your warm bathwater.
Alternatively, pour a small amount on the floor when showering. The steam from the shower will activate the aroma.
Always dilute the oils. Pure oils may lead to sensitization or dermal irritation with time.
