Spring is full of new beginnings and fresh starts, and there’s no better time to give your home a deep clean. It’s the perfect time to air out the winter and welcome in spring. Natural cleaning products appeal to us, and it’s amazing what you can do with the simplest of ingredients to make your home squeaky clean.
You may already love the soft, tranquil scent of lavender, but did you know before antiseptics, lavender essential oil was used in hospitals during WWII to disinfect floors and walls? The word lavender is derived from the word “Lavare” which means “to wash” in Latin. Lavender’s antimicrobial and antiviral properties gently tackle germs and odors, creating a natural way to make your home truly sparkle. This versatile plant offers more than just a lovely scent!
When it comes to cleaning, you’ve probably seen many natural cleaning products with lavender essential oil on the ingredient list. It has powerful deodorizing properties making it perfect for lifting undesirable scents from area rugs, carpets, upholstery and other soft surfaces without harsh chemicals or an unpleasant, disinfectant smell.
Cleaning Upholstery, Fabrics and Carpet
Source: American College of Healthcare Sciences
Combine 8 drops of lavender essential oil with ½ cup baking soda in a glass jar and shake to mix ingredients evenly. Vacuum area to be cleaned, then sprinkle on the powder mix and let sit for up to 30 minutes. For extra cleaning power, brush the powder mix gently into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Vacuum the surface and enjoy the clean, floral scent.
For an additional boost throughout your home, add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil to a few cotton balls and place them inside the bag or dust collection of your vacuum, or add a few drops to the vacuum filter. As you vacuum, the delightful, fresh scent of lavender will permeate your carpets and home.
Cleaning Hard Surfaces
Source: Keeper of the Home
Looking for an all-purpose cleaner for countertops, tables and other surfaces? The properties of lavender essential oil will leave your surfaces pristine. For an easy all-purpose cleaner, combine the following in a 12 oz glass spray bottle: ½ cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons baking soda, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Fill water to the top and shake to mix the ingredients. We like to use this all-purpose cleaner on kitchen counters, stove, bathroom sinks, etc.
Soft Scrub Cleanser
Source: Women’s Voices
If you need a little more elbow grease, try this homemade “soft scrub” cleanser. Combine 2 cups of baking soda, ½ to ⅔ cup of environmentally safe liquid laundry soap or liquid castile soap that does not contain sodium lauryl (laureth) sulfate (SLS) or Diethanolamine (DEA), 4 teaspoons glycerin (acts as a preservative) and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar, shelf life 2 years. It’s perfect for cleaning non-porous surfaces such as sinks, tile, grout, countertops, and glass.
Sweet Smelling Rooms and Linens
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality in your home may be poor due to inadequate ventilation. Areas with high temperatures and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants. The use of natural ingredients and essential oils may improve and disinfect your home’s air quality instead of covering up odors, and an added bonus, your home will smell delightful.
We absolutely love our 100% soy scented candles, but sometimes you just need an instant spurt of freshness, and a lavender room spray is the perfect solution. Keep a bottle near the commode in your powder room, or have one handy to use in your coat closet, suitcase, shoe storage, or anyplace that smells stale. Simply blend ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon witch hazel (or vodka) and 5-6 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well before each use and spray to freshen the air in any room. This spray can also be used to add a pleasant scent to linen and furniture.
Going for a whole house scent; how about simmering some potpourri? Creating a combination of aromatic spices, herbs, and fruits that you can simmer in water on the stovetop, or in the crockpot, is the perfect way to infuse your home with natural aromatics. One of our favorites combines 2-3 sprigs of eucalyptus, 2 whole unpeeled lemons, sliced, and ¼ cup of dried lavender buds and rose petals. Add the plant material to a stock pot or crockpot, cover with water and gently heat uncovered. Remove from the heat source when you’re satisfied with the scent in your home.
With just a few ideas, you’re equipped to explore the wonders of using lavender to deep clean as in the spring, or routine spot cleaning. Not sure where to begin? Why not make the all purpose cleaner, or add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to your vacuum bag? Enjoy the aroma as you listen to your favorite music, grab a soft cloth and spray bottle. The results will make you scentsationally happy!
Busy schedule? Download one of our cleaning checklists to help with deep cleaning or weekly cleaning tasks.
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