Essential Oils in DIY Cleaning
Essential oils often get a lot of attention in green cleaning, mostly because they smell good. And yes, scent is a big part of why people use them. But in DIY cleaning, essential oils play a supporting role, not a starring one.
They’re optional, personal, and very much about preference.
What essential oils are
Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from plants, usually from the peel, leaves or stems. In DIY cleaning, they’re typically added in small amounts to water-based recipes to provide fragrance and a little extra support alongside proper cleaning ingredients like soap.
They’re always used diluted and are never the thing doing the actual cleaning.
Why people add them to cleaners
The main reasons people use essential oils in DIY cleaning are:
- To add a fresh, natural scent
- To help deodorise spaces after cleaning
- To personalise recipes so they smell how you like
Some oils are also known for cutting through grease or helping with odours, which is why citrus and eucalyptus oils are popular choices in cleaning blends.
Common essential oils used in green cleaning
A few oils tend to show up again and again in DIY cleaning:
- Lemon and sweet orange for fresh, citrusy scents and kitchen blends
- Eucalyptus for a stronger, clean-smelling finish
- Lemongrass for deodorising and general freshening
Each one smells different, but they’re all used in the same way - as an add-on, not a replacement for a cleaner.
What essential oils don’t do
Essential oils don’t replace soap, surfactants, or proper cleaning methods. They don’t magically clean a surface on their own, and more oil doesn’t mean better cleaning.
They work best when added to a recipe that already does the job.
Packaging and storage
Essential oils are typically packaged in amber glass bottles with a plastic dripulator. The glass helps protect the oil from light, and the dripulator makes it easier to measure small amounts without overdoing it.
Stored properly, essential oils last well and stay easy to use over time.
A simple way to think about them
If cleaning is about removing dirt, essential oils are about how the space smells once the job is done. They’re there to support the experience, not carry the workload.
Used thoughtfully, essential oils can make DIY cleaning more enjoyable without complicating what’s under your sink.