6 Ways to Use Essential Oils

It’s no secret that we’re obsessed with essential oils. They star in just about every DIY we’ve ever dreamt up. But they’re good for way more than just enlivening hair conditioning rinse or whipped coconut body butter. These oils are so powerful that they can even clean house.

In this video, Jennifer Partridge showcases six ways essential oils can be your new best friend in the kitchen and throughout the whole home. Press play to see how these DIY tips come together.

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1. Surface Cleaner

Vinegar, tea tree, lavender, and lemon oil—all natural disinfectants—combine their powers to create a surface cleaner that will ensure you never have to inhale noxious cleaners again. Shake up the ingredients in these quantities:

¼ cup vinegar
½ cup water
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops lavender oil
5 drops lemon oil

2. Life-Extending Produce Rinse

Soak fruits and vegetables that have rinds or thick skins—such as lemons, limes, bananas, squash, and avocados—in water and lemon to help kill bacteria and increase shelf life by up to five days more. Just mix 20 drops of lemon oil well in a medium pitcher of water, pour into a bowl of produce to cover, and soak for three hours.

3. Fly-Repellant

Flies—they’re such plebes. They deplore lavender. We totally don’t get that, but at least we can use it to our advantage. Just add 20 drops of lavender into ¼ cup water, shake it up real good, and spray it all over the house. Flies will stay away . . . and you’ll also have an elixir that doubles as a facial mist. You’re welcome!

4. Laundry Freshener

Amp up that fresh laundry scent with a few drops of essential oils added to the detergent. Five to 10 drops of your favorite scent should do the trick. For DIY scented dryer sheets, just drop some essential oils onto a rag and throw it in the dryer with the rest of the laundry.

5. Trash Can Odor Control

If fresh trash bags start to smell nasty before it’s time to take them out, simply put two drops of tea tree and five to 10 drops of lemon oil on cotton ball and plop it in the bin. That should keep bad odors in check.

6. Pan Deglazer

Burnt pots and pans can be saved with this easy trick. Boil one to two cups of water in the pot or pan. Add five to 10 drops of lemon oil, reduce to a simmer, and cover for three minutes. Remove from heat and let sit one hour. Pour out the water and burnt particles—problem solved!

Written by Dana Poblete
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence