How to Make a Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Solution

Tea tree oil is derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It has natural antimicrobal, antifungal and antiseptic properties and leaves behind a distinctive, fresh scent. As a result, it's a common ingredient in green and alternative cleaners and deodorizers. Making your own tea tree oil cleaning solution doesn't require much work or special tools. You simply need a spray bottle, tea tree oil, some optional ingredients and water to make general cleaning and mold removal solutions.

Things You'll Need

• Tea tree oil
• Spray bottles
• Distilled white vinegar (optional)
• Mild liquid detergent (optional)

Instructions

General Cleaning

1. Add five drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle.

2. Add additional disinfectants or soaps to the bottle as desired. For example, add 2 to 3 tbsp. of distilled white vinegar or 1 tsp. of mild liquid detergent.

3. Fill the spray bottle with warm tap water.

Mold Removal

1. Add 1 tsp. tea tree oil to a spray bottle.

2. Pour 1 cup warm tap water into the bottle.

3. Repeat with the same ratio of tea tree oil to water as needed until you fill the bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to clean an area with cracks, grooves or crevices, substitute room temperature carbonated water for tap water.

• For additional mold killing power, add 2 tbsp. of distilled white vinegar to your tea tree oil mold removal solution before you finish filling the bottle.

• Wear gloves when using tea tree oil cleaning solution, as tea tree oil can irritate the skin.

• Always wear a mask if you're using the cleaning solution for mold removal or if you're sensitive to strong scents.

• Always rinse the area thoroughly with fresh water after using the general cleaning or mold removal solution.

References

• The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Green Cleaning
• Keene State College: KSC Recycling and Sustainability Office: Green Cleaning
• The University of Western Australia: UWA Tea Tree Oil Research Group