4 DIY Essential Oil Blends for Your Home
Try these recipes for natural alternatives to chemical-based cleaners and repellents.
Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you sign up for Outside+.
Essential oils have a number of surprisingly practical applications around the house. Try these recipes for natural alternatives to chemical-based cleaners and repellents.
Yoga-Mat Spray
Keep your mat fresh by spritzing it with a blend of 48 drops each of tea tree, lavender, and oregano essential oils mixed into 4 oz of water. Studies highlight the potent antibacterial and antifungal effects of tea tree and oregano essential oils; meanwhile, the lavender adds a soothing scent that’s perfect for setting the mood for your practice.
See also QUIZ: Find Your Ideal Essential Oil
Mosquito Repellent
A review in Malaria Journal cited evidence in favor of several essential oils as repellents. To help fend off bugs, blend 2 drops eucalyptus, 1 drop peppermint, and 1 drop geranium in ½ tsp aloe vera and 3 tbsp water. Place in a spray bottle, shake, and spritz on skin.
See also 5 Essential Oil Recipes to Suit Your Mood
Bathroom or Kitchen Cleaner
Add 2 tsp lemon essential oil and ¼ tsp tea tree essential oil to an 8-oz 50/50 blend of water and white vinegar. Lemon has antiseptic abilities, and a review in the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews found that tea tree oil is an effective antimicrobial agent.
See also 7 Essential Oils Every Yogi Needs
Mouse Repellent
Peppermint is the active ingredient in many store-bought mouse-repellent formulas. Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and stash it anywhere (out of reach of pets!) you’ve seen mice or droppings.
See also Mood-Boosting Essential Oils