10 Things You Should be Cleaning With Eucalyptus Oil

Sure, it puts koalas to sleep (you’ve been warned; open a window), but there’s more to eucalyptus oil than this charming fact.

Like the fact that it’s a powerhouse natural antibacterial cleaner that’ll make your house smell fresh without the use of harmful chemicals. 

From laundry and everyday cleaning to caring for your pets, here are ten things you should be scrubbing, wiping, and shining with one of the most powerful natural cleaning solutions.

Your Bed

Refresh your mattress, mattress protector and pillows with a spray of water and eucalyptus oil (four to one ratio). Leave to dry and then revel in the freshness.

Carpet Stains

Spot clean your carpet with a cloth moistened with eucalyptus oil. Test an inconspicuous patch first. Always work toward to middle of the stain, and wipe very gently so you don’t rub it in.

Your Floors

Deodorize and clean your floors (lino, wooden, tiled) by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water, and washing. 

If you have scuff marks on the walls, eucalyptus oil will remove these, too.

Your Stovetop

The home of grease and grime (and sometimes pasta), cooktops get a workout in most homes. 

Cut through the nasty stuff with a spray bottle of water (a cup should do), two tablespoons of eucalyptus oil and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

Your Clothes

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your regular laundry powder for germ-free, great-smelling clothes and towels.

Your Stainless Steel Appliances

No more streaks – simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a cloth and rub over your appliances.

Your Sinuses

Yep, for real. Eucalyptus oil is a bronchial dilator – basically, it increases airflow to the lungs. 

So if you’re feeling blocked and stuffy, add a few drops to your shower or bath, or a diffuser, and you’ll feel much better very soon. A hot toddy wouldn’t hurt, either.

Your Sink

Wipe down your kitchen and bathroom sink with eucalyptus oil and congratulate yourself on the resulting sparkling loveliness. This is especially useful if you’ve been cooking a lot.

Leather

Got a little Picasso at home? If – ahem – someone has drawn on your leather lounge in pen or texta, rub it off with a small amount of eucalyptus oil. Then go have a wine.

Your Pets

For a natural flea repellent, add 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil to your pet’s shampoo and wash as normal. Avoid getting it near their eyes and mouth.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love