Essential Oils in Cleaning Products?

Many cleaning products have harsh chemicals which include fragrance. It may be that you are sensitive to the scents and prefer a nontoxic alternative.

A nontoxic alternative to you are essential oils as fragrance in cleaning products. BEWARE this does not mean it is nontoxic to pets.

Cats are extremely sensitive to essential oils so do not use them around them. Birds are not supposed to be near essential oils either.

Now dogs have limitations to what essential oils they can be around.

Are there any other purposes of essential oils in cleaning products?

YES!!

Some essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal, and act as pest repellants.

Essential oils labeled as antibacterial mean it kills the development of bacteria.

Essential oils labeled as antifungal mean it kills fungi.

Essential oils labeled as antiseptic means it cleans disease-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

They are also very therapeutic!

The most common essential oils are:

• Cinnamon – Antibacterial and antiseptic

• Rosemary – antibacterial and antiseptic

• Lavender – antibacterial, antifungal

• Peppermint – antibacterial

• Eucalyptus – germicide

• Lemon – germicide

• Pine – germicide

• Tea Tree – germicide

• Thyme – germicide

What if I have cats? Can I use some essential oils?

Cats are not to be around essential oils! NOTE: If you have a diffuser and you add essential oils, do not have your cat around! The essential oil will get to their fur and they will ingest when they clean their fur.

Essentials oils that are okay:

• NONE!

Alternative:

• vanilla extract

• citrus juices

• peels

What if I have dogs? Can I use some essential oils?

Dogs can tolerate certain essential oils.

Essential oils that are okay:

• Cardamom

• Chamomile

• Lavender

• Spearmint

• Thyme

Always double check the manufacturing labels for essential oils. Your safety is important. Nontoxic alternatives are highly recommended with cleaning products.