During the winter season, when colds and flu is prevalent, it is important to ensure that our homes are kept free from the invading nasties. The majority of essential oils are antiseptics or bactericide, and an excellent choice to combat bacteria and airborne viruses. They can be used throughout the house, but they’re a particular asset in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
For wiping down kitchen bench tops, cupboards, sinks, tiles or paintwork, add one drop of eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, pine or thyme oil directly to the cloth or 14 drops in half-a-litre of water.
The important thing in bathrooms is to clear bacteria and viruses, especially if the toilet is located there. Use any of the previous essential oils in the final rinsing water when you wash all surfaces in the bathroom, including the bath, the sink and the toilet. These oils will kill germs and kept the bathroom safe for the family.
In the laundry put three to five drops of lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, pine or rosemary oil on a face cloth and drop it into the washing machine with your laundry.
A disinfectant air-freshener spray will also help to clear bacteria and viruses, as well as keeping your home fragrant fresh. Dissolve 20 drops of lavender oil and five drops each of lemon and rosemary oils in 10 millilitres of methylated spirits. Add this to a pump- spray bottle containing half-a-litre of water, shake well to mix, and use on a fine mist setting.
In the laundry put three to five drops of lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, pine or rosemary oil on a face cloth and drop it into the washing machine with your laundry.
Diffusing essential oils will also kill airborne bacteria and fungi. Try thyme, lavender, pine or eucalyptus for their fresh fragrance. Add about 10 drops of essential oil to one cup of water, topping up when required.
Essential oils can also be used in various other ways: to provide protection against bacteria and airborne viruses. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a shallow dish of warm water set on a sunny window sill or radiator. As the oil evaporates, its aroma will fill the room. One or two drops of oil on a warm light bulb will quickly fill a room with its fragrance. Do not use oils containing alcohol.
Refresh a sick room, and make the surroundings more pleasant for someone confined to bed, by soaking a small sponge in a cup of water to which has been added 10 to 20 drops of lavender oil and leaving it in a dish beside the bed.
