One of my favourite ways to use my oils around the house, is also my favourite super simple, cleaning DIY. It’s as simple as a spray bottle, a few oils, and some water!
I use these sprays in a mix of ways, depending on what oils I’ve used. The main use is as a surface spray around the kitchen, though I have also tweaked it to make room sprays as well, or linen sprays, or super strength for bathroom spray. I’ve even used them on occassion as an emergency carpet cleaner!
My basic plan is a cleaning oil (or two), plus something blended for a nice smell, and aiming for 10-20 drops, in a small aluminium spray bottle I picked up from Kmart for $2. I’ve had a few of these bottles over the years, and they always last so well, definitely good value!!
BASE OILS: depending on what I am planning on using the spray for, I start with a base of my favourite cleaning oils, most of which come in the home essentials kit – I do love a good basics blend!
What will you be using the spray for? A kitchen spray will be different to a bathroom spray which will be different to a linen spray which will be different to a room freshener spray.
You may like to start with oils like lemon, On Guard, tea tree, or purify for cleaning and freshening sprays, or your favourite sleep oil for a bed linen spray.
ENHANCING OILS: there are a lot of oils that overlap in their properties, so it can be helpful to add a couple of extra oils to really boost your blend. You may like to add multiple oils from the step one list, or mix in other cleaning oils like litsea, eucalytpus, or peppermint.
SCENT OILS: sometimes we come across an oil that we love what they do, but the smell, not so much (looking at you, On Guard, with that strong clove smell!). An easy way around this is to add an oil that you do like the scent of, to help mask the scent you don’t! This step is completely flexible, and depends on what your personal favourites are. I will often add lemongrass or wild orange to On Guard, as I find the citrus is good at masking that clove smell, as well as leaving my room smelling fabulous.
PUTTING THE STEPS TOGETHER
Some of my favourite sprays are:
Kitchen Bench Spray
3 drops On Guard (base)
2 drops Lemon (enhancing)
3 drops Lemongrass (scent)
Top with water
When making a kitchen spray, I always look to use oils that have been approved by FSANZ as safe for consumption. While most oils will evaporate between the time I use them to wipe my benches and cutting boards, and the next time I have food come into contact with those surfaces, I prefer to err on the side of caution and only use food safe oils in case of any residue.
Bathroom Cleaning Spray
5 drops On Guard (base)
5 drops Lemon (enhancing)
5 drops Tea Tree (enhancing)
5 drops Eucalyptus (enhancing/scent)
Optional – 5 drops Litsea (enhancing)
Optional – squirt On Guard Cleaner Concentrate
Top with water and vinegar
Room Spray
3 drops On Guard
6 drops Lemon
3 drops Tea Tree
4 drops Purify
Top with water and shake before spritzing around the room
Linen Spray
4 drops Lavender
3 drops Cedarwood
3 drops Balance
Splash of witchhazel (preservative + helps speed evaporation of carrier liquid – no-one likes soggy pillows!)
Top with water
The different sprays are super easy to customise and change to your individual needs. Maybe you are struggling with all this dust and smoke around at the minute? Add some Easy Air to the room spray, and skip the On Guard (or leave it in if you would like to include it’s benefits). Want to use your linen spray on towels and sheets going into the linen press to keep them fresh? Swap out the cedarwood for a citrus like lemon or tangerine to leave a hint of brightness on them as they get packed away. Wiping down wardrobe shelves, not a kitchen bench? Swap out the On Guard for some cedarwood to deter moths. Ants in the kitchen? Add peppermint to your bench spray.
There’s so many ways to mix and match the different oils! If you are a spray lover too, I would love to hear what your favourite combo is and what you use it for.