6 min read

DIY Spring Cleaning with Essential Oils

Written By: Robin Lander

Riding the wave of spring renewal, this is the time many of us feel inspired to refresh and reset our living spaces. Essential oils offer an effective and enjoyable way to approach our spring cleaning, providing a natural alternative to products made with harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. With just a few common household ingredients, you can clean and freshen your home while enjoying the added benefit of uplifting and enlivening aromas.

DIY cleaning formulations are both economical and environmentally conscious while also leaving room for creativity. You can tailor aromatic profiles to suit your preference and create blends that feel uniquely your own. In this article, we will explore some of the best essential oils for cleaning, along with a few easy recipes to help you get started.

What Essential Oils are Best for Cleaning?

Essential oils contain a variety of naturally occurring constituents, such as limonene and pinene, that help dissolve grease, lift grime, and leave surfaces clean. Some of the most popular and effective options for cleaning formulations include:

While these essential oils can be used alone, creating a blend of 2-3 oils will bring both functional and aromatic complexity to your formulation.

Making Your Own Natural Cleaning Products

Beyond function, formulating your own cleaning products gives you the opportunity to design your atmosphere and delight your senses. While our recipes suggest specific essential oils, feel free to make your own aromatic choices.

All-Purpose Citrus Spray Cleaner

This bright, elevating blend is ideal for countertops, sinks, tile, glass, and other hard surfaces.

Tip: Glass bottles are recommended when making products with essential oils, however bottles made from HDPE plastic #2 or PET plastic #1 may be used for short-term storage of diluted products.

Combine all ingredients in a 16 oz spray bottle. Shake to mix and label the bottle. To use, shake well and spray directly onto surfaces. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Note of caution: Vinegar can damage or erode certain surfaces such as marble or granite, so check for compatibility before using.

Green Zest Vinegar-Free Spray Cleaner

A gentler alternative suitable for a wide range of household surfaces, including stone and wood.

Combine all ingredients in a 16 oz spray bottle. To use, shake well and spray directly on surfaces. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Forest Fresh Floor Cleaner

This invigorating formula is suitable for most hard flooring surfaces. You can adjust the amount of essential oils to get the intensity of aroma that you prefer.

Combine all ingredients in a large bucket. Mop as usual. No need to rinse.

Lemongrass & Laurel Leaf Carpet Freshener

Help eliminate odors and rejuvenate your space with this refreshing aromatic powder.

Combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk until there are no clumps. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar or powder shaker. To use, sprinkle the powder over carpet, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.

Note: keep pets and children out of the area until the powder has been fully vacuumed.

Lavender Sink and Tub Scrub

Baking Soda is a gentle abrasive cleanser for stainless steel or porcelain. Essential oils provide cleansing power and deodorizing properties.

Combine in a jar and shake well to mix. Sprinkle a small amount onto surfaces and scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly.

Lemongrass & Tea Tree Foot Powder

Add in a little self-care for you and your wardrobe. This absorbent, deodorizing powder helps keep feet dry and shoes smelling fresh.

Combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk until there are no clumps. Store in a glass jar or powder shaker. To use, apply powder to the feet and between the toes, or add a half teaspoon into each sock or shoe.

Lavender & Cedar Closet Freshener

Refresh musty closets and deter insects with this odor-neutralizing mixture.

Add ingredients to a bowl and stir well. Transfer to a cloth sachet pouch or an old sock, or into a small glass canning jar covered with fabric. Hang in closet or place on a shelf. Add new drops of essential oils every 2-3 weeks as the scent fades.

Deodorizing Diffuser Blends

Help freshen and cleanse indoor air while creating a revitalizing ambiance.

Green & Clean

Sunlit Spice

Make Use of Older Essential Oils

If an essential oil is past its prime or you see or smell signs of degradation or oxidation, avoid using it for topical purposes. However, it can still be useful for household cleaning:

Want to Learn More?

Here is a helpful resource for further exploration:

The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Nontoxic Recipes for Cleaning and Disinfecting with Essential Oils, 3rd Edition, by Karyn Siegel-Maier.

Craft Your Cleaning Experience

Spring is a natural time to reset, and the way we clean can be a part of that shift. With a few simple ingredients and a thoughtful approach to scent, cleaning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Essential oils can help you refresh your home and your senses, allowing you to create an environment that feels clean, new, and uniquely yours.