How to Clean With Microfiber & Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil and microfiber make safe and effective cleaners.

In an attempt to avoid harsh commercial cleaners laden with toxic chemicals, people turn to natural or homemade cleaners containing environmentally friendly ingredients. Tea tree oil, a powerful antimicrobial agent, has a proven track record in killing bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Microfiber cloths, mops and sponges, with their minute fibers and wafflelike texture, pick up bacteria and trap dust and dirt efficiently. Combined, tea tree oil and microfiber synergistically pack a safe, effective, inexpensive and eco-friendly cleaning punch.

Things You'll Need

• Tea tree essential oil
• White vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth
• Microfiber sponge
• Microfiber mop
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Combine 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil, 1 pint water, and a spoonful of dish soap in a bowl to make an all-purpose disinfecting cleaner. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

2. Spray the cleaner on frequently used kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels. The fine weave of microfiber cloth cleans surfaces without smudging or streaking.

3. Moisten a microfiber cloth with the all-purpose cleaner and wipe down interior surfaces in a car such as arm rests, cup holders and children's car seats. The tea tree oil in the cleaning solution will disinfect and deodorize surfaces in addition to cleaning them.

4. Combine half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water in a bucket. Add a spoonful of tea tree oil to the mixture. Clean and sanitize vinyl and tiled bathroom and kitchen floors using this mixture and a microfiber mop. Microfiber mops absorb moisture effectively and reduce drying time.

5. Mix up equal quantities of borax and baking soda in a container. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oils to the mix to make a powder cleanser. Use a microfiber sponge and the powder cleanser to scrub bathtubs, floors of shower stalls and kitchen sinks.

6. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of white vinegar. Store the solution in a spray bottle and use it to spot treat areas infected with mildew and mold. Tea tree oil, a powerful antifungal agent, kills molds and viruses on contact.

7. Wash microfiber cloths in a washer after using them. Use a regular laundry detergent, but don't use fabric softener and bleach. Avoid high temperature settings in a dryer when drying the cloths as they may melt in high temperatures.

8. Store homemade cleaners in a safe place away from children and pets. While homemade cleaners contain relatively safe ingredients, tea tree oil can cause severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves while cleaning.

• Don't taste tea tree oil. Ingestion can cause serious side effects.

• Keep microfiber away from fire and very hot surfaces. Microfiber can melt and release toxic fumes.

References

• Real Simple: All-Natural Cleaning Solutions
• Housekeeping Channel: Six Ways to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Housecleaning
• Dr. Andrew Weil: Is Housecleaning Dangerous?
• Cleanlink: Understanding Microfiber Technology

Resources

• Medline Plus: Tea Tree Oil