How to Clean with Tea Tree Oil

The essential oil from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) has been used by Australian aborigines for hundreds of years for treating wounds to prevent infection. Tea tree oil contains powerful natural antiseptic, disinfectant, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties applicable not only to various human health ailments, but also to homemade environmentally safe, non-toxic household cleaning solutions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Organic Tea Tree Oil
• Purified or spring water
• Wooden mixing spoon
• Medium-size stainless steel or glass bowl
• Funnel
• Spray bottle
• Murphy's Oil soap
• Kosher salt
• Small pail or basin

1. In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, mix together 1 tbsp. organic tea tree oil with 3 cups purifed water. Pour into a spray bottle using a funnel. Shake well before using.

2. Spray it on countertops, toilet seats, sinks, high chairs and car seats to clean surfaces and eliminate germs. It's also excellent for getting rid of musty, mildew odors. Spray it on clothes, the inside of your laundry hamper and storage boxes.

3. Leave the solution inside the spray bottle, and store it under your kitchen or bathroom sink.

4. In a small pail or basin, using a wooden spoon, mix together 1 tbsp. organic tea tree oil, 3 cups purifed water, 1/4 cup Murphy's Oil soap and 1 cup kosher salt.

5. Use this solution to scrub your bathtub, bathroom tiles, shower stall and the inside of your toilet.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your washer as it fills to disinfect your clothes and leave them smelling clean and fresh. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your room diffuser to disinfect the room and get rid of unpleasant odors.
• Tea tree oil is for topical application only. Do not ingest tea tree oil because it is toxic to the liver. Tea tree oil is poisonous to cats and small or medium-size dogs. It can be applied topically to pets for small cuts or scrapes; however, only prepare a solution of 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil per tsp. of carrier oil. Apply a very small amount of this solution externally using a Q-tip or cotton ball.

References

• Better Basics For The Home: Simple Solutions For Less Toxic Living; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
• Clean And Green: The Complete Guide To Non-Toxic And Environmentally Safe Housekeeping; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1994

Resources

• History Of Tea Tree Oil
• 20 Great Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil

[qchess]

on 10/8/2009 I use doTERRA brand tea tree oil regularly and it smells great. I think the benefits to peace of mind from this type of aromatherapy are underestimated.