Want to throw away your multi-purpose sprays, bleaches and other chemical cleaners? There are many natural alternatives you can choose that offer excellent results with bright aromas to keep your environment clean and healthy. 

In the kitchen

Anti-bacterial essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Rosalina are ideal for use in food preparation areas. Add a few drops of oil to a damp cloth and wipe down benches before use. If the counter tops have some extra stains, sprinkle a small amount of sodium bicarbonate and rub them down with white vinegar. 

If the kitchen sink has lost its shine, it's time to try a mixture of sodium bicarb, water and a few drops of a fresh citrus oil such as Lemon or Orange Sweet. Use a scourer or sponge and apply the mixture to the sink. Gently polish the bowl to remove stains and enhance the appearance of the stainless steel. A simple rinse with fresh water will reveal the sparkling results.

The oven is always the least favourite job, but with a quarter cup of borax dissolved in an equal part hot water and the addition of Lime and Rosemary oils, it will be a bit more pleasant. Add a quarter cup of sodium bicarb to the borax solution and apply to the oven walls. Leave for a significant amount of time, overnight if possible, before using a clean, damp cloth to wipe away residue. 

In the bathroom

The build up of soap scum on tiles is inevitable but a mixture of sodium bicarb, vinegar and Lemon Scented Tea Tree oil will help. Create a foam by slowly pouring vinegar into a bowl of sodium bicarb, add the oil and stir. Apply the mixture with a sponge and rub the tile surfaces. For extra tough scum, a gentle scourer might be necessary. 

Toilets stains can be easily banished with borax and lemon juice. Gloves are essential and use a scrubbing brush to apply to the bowl. Leave the sticky mixture for a few minutes before flushing clean. 

For any glass surfaces, combine one cup of white vinegar, a quarter cup of salt and five drops of Lemon oil. The vinegar and Lemon oil will help remove greasy soap build up while the salt gives an extra scrub action. A soft brush will be the best applicator as it boosts the cleansing action. Once rinsed, use a chamois for a crystal clear finish.

Infused waters are ideal for deodorising sprays. Choosing a robust scent such as Lavender or Tea Tree will be sure to keep the bathroom smelling delightful. Adding a few extra drops of essential oil can boost the scent even further, however a good shake before use would be required. 

In the laundry

When whites are starting to look a bit dull why not try an overnight soak? A mix of water, lemon juice and Lemon oil will help bring new life to your favourite t-shirt. Adding half a cup of borax to the washing cycle will further enhance the brightening action. For tough oily stains, apply Eucalyptus oil directly to the clothing. Allow it to evaporate before washing as normal. Eucalyptus is also ideal for washing towels after massage. Add directly to a warm water wash with Epsom salts to help lift oil reside and extend the life of treatment towels and linen.

In the living areas

Each type of flooring requires a different cleaner. To deodorise carpet, sprinkles sodium bicarb that has been mixed with Lavender or Geranium oil. Allow the powder to draw out odours from the carpet fabric for at least an hour before a thorough vacuum. For tiled areas, a solution of white vinegar, hot water and Lime oil will effectively cut through dirt and grime when used with a mop. Or for timber flooring, combine cold, strong black tea with Cedarwood or Sandalwood oil for the best results and a natural glow.

To let the sun shine through crisp, clean windows, combine one part white vinegar to four parts warm water in a spray bottle. Add Grapefruit Pink or Cedarwood oil for the scented option and use a few pages of old newspaper as the applicator. After a good wipe down, streaks will be a thing of the past!

Spot cleaning walls is easy with natural Castile Soap, water, vinegar and Orange Sweet oil. A soft cloth, dipped in this general purpose cleaner will easily wipe away grubby fingers marks or other smudges. 

Finally, vaporising essential oils in any room of the house can enhance the ambience of the environment. For the kitchen, why not try vibrant food tones like Peppermint and Tangerine. In the bathroom and laundry, bright clean aromas such as Niaouli and Rosalina are ideal for promoting a feeling of cleanliness. And in other living areas, select oils that suit the planned activity, such as Lemon and Rosemary in the study or office, Lavender and Ylang Ylang in the bedroom for peaceful sleep, or friendly citrus notes of Mandarin and Grapefruit Pink in the living room for a happy welcoming vibe.

Including natural alternatives in your regular cleaning tasks can help makes these jobs more enjoyable. Experiment with different essential oils to create your own favourite products. 

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