Evergreen Essential Oils For Cleaning- DIY Recipes
Learn how to use evergreen essential oils for cleaning and make DIY recipes. Discover how to harness the power of evergreen for a sparkling clean house, from kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between.
How to Make Natural Cleaning Supplies with Evergreen Essential Oils
The season for harvesting spruce tips is here. I’m excited about it. I especially love using blue sprue tipo to make infused oils, clean supplies, and cook. I use evergreen essential oils for my cleaning supplies and blue spruce tips.(recipe to follow)
Making your own cleaning supplies doesn’t have to be another chore. It is very simple. It will also help you be healthy and reduce the toxic load you are exposed to daily.
I’ve noticed that natural, sustainable solutions have seen a resurgence in recent years. As awareness of the environmental impact and health implications of traditional cleaning products grows, many seek practical and eco-friendly alternatives. Evergreen essential oils offer a wealth of properties that make them valuable ingredients in holistic cleaning supplies. In this blog post, we’ll explore how evergreen trees can be harnessed to create powerful, eco-conscious cleaning solutions for a healthier you and the planet.
The Versatility of Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are characterized by foliage that remains green and vibrant throughout the year, as opposed to deciduous trees, which shed their leaves seasonally. Common examples of evergreen species include pine, cedar, and spruce. These trees are found in various ecosystems worldwide and have been valued for centuries for their beauty, resilience, health benefits, and numerous practical applications.
Characteristics and Benefits of Evergreen Species
Evergreen trees maintain unique characteristics that make them valuable in holistic cleaning supplies. For example, their needles, leaves, bark, and sap contain antimicrobial, antifungal, and insect-repellent compounds. Additionally, evergreens emit aromatic compounds known as essential oils, which have therapeutic benefits and can enhance the effectiveness of cleaning solutions.
The Power of Evergreen Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts from steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Evergreen essential oils are prized for their potent fragrance and therapeutic properties. When used in cleaning products, they can enhance cleaning power, impart a fresh scent, and provide additional benefits such as antimicrobial and insect-repellent properties.
Pine Essential Oil: A Natural Disinfectant
Pine essential oil is renowned for its crisp, woodsy aroma and powerful cleaning properties. It contains compounds such as pinene and limonene, which have natural disinfectant and deodorizing qualities. Pine oil is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it ideal for disinfectant sprays, floor cleaners, and laundry detergents.
Cedarwood Essential Oil: Pest Repellent and Deodorizer
Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woody scent and it has natural insect-repellent properties. It contains compounds such as cedrol and cedrene, effective against pests such as mosquitoes, moths, and ants. Cedar oil is also a natural deodorizer, making it suitable for closet sprays, drawer liners, and pet bedding.
Spruce Essential Oil: Antimicrobial and Energizing Properties
Spruce essential oil has a crisp, refreshing aroma reminiscent of a walk through a pine forest. It contains compounds such as bornyl acetate and alpha-pinene, which have antimicrobial and energizing effects. Use spruce oil for surface cleaners, room sprays, and bath products to promote cleanliness and uplift the mood.
DIY Evergreen Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner with Pine Essential Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops pine essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil (optional for added freshness). Instructions:
- In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water and white vinegar.
- Add the pine essential oil and lemon essential oil, if desired.
- Shake well before each use. Spray onto surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth for a natural, disinfecting clean.
Cedarwood Surface Spray for Pest Control
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil (optional for added potency). Instructions:
- Mix the distilled water and cedarwood essential oil in a spray bottle.
- Add peppermint essential oil if desired for enhanced pest-repellent properties.
- Shake well and spray along baseboards, windowsills, and other entry points to deter pests naturally.
Spruce Bathroom Cleaner for Mold and Mildew
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops spruce essential oil Instructions:
- Combine distilled water, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
- Add spruce essential oil and shake well.
- Spray onto moldy or mildewed surfaces, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly for a natural, effective clean.
Evergreen-Based Cleaning Products on the Market
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands Utilizing Evergreen Ingredients: Several eco-conscious cleaning brands incorporate evergreen essential oils into their product lines, offering consumers a natural alternative to conventional cleaning products. These brands prioritize sustainability, transparency, and effectiveness, providing consumers with peace of mind and a cleaner, greener home environment.
Pine-Based Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes: Pine-based disinfectant sprays and wipes harness the natural antimicrobial properties of pine essential oil to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. These products offer a safe, effective alternative to chemical-laden disinfectants, making them suitable for use in homes, schools, and public spaces.
Cedarwood Infused Laundry Detergents: Cedarwood-infused laundry detergents combine the cleansing power of natural soap with the insect-repellent properties of cedarwood essential oil. These detergents effectively remove dirt, stains, and odors from clothing while protecting against moths and other pests that may damage fabrics.
Spruce-Infused Dish Soaps and Surface Cleaners: Spruce-infused dish soaps and surface cleaners utilize the natural cleaning power of spruce essential oil to cut through grease and grime. These products leave surfaces sparkling clean and smelling fresh, without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
Benefits of Using Evergreen in Holistic Cleaning Supplies
Natural Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties: Evergreen essential oils such as pine, cedarwood, eucalyptus, and spruce possess natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help kill germs and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Incorporating these oils into cleaning supplies makes it possible to achieve a thorough clean without relying on synthetic chemicals.
Aromatherapy Benefits for Mental Well-Being: The aromatic compounds found in evergreen essential oils have been shown to have mood-boosting and stress-relieving effects. By diffusing or using cleaning products scented with evergreen oils, individuals can create a more pleasant and uplifting cleaning experience that promotes mental well-being.
Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Ingredients: Evergreen essential oils are derived from natural plant sources and are biodegradable, meaning they break down into harmless substances over time. By choosing cleaning supplies made with evergreen ingredients, consumers can minimize their environmental footprint and reduce pollution of waterways and ecosystems.
Reduction of Harmful Chemical Exposure in the Home: Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and synthetic fragrances, which can pose health risks to humans and pets. Evergreen-based cleaning supplies offer a safer alternative, free from harmful toxins and allergens, making them suitable for households with sensitive individuals.
Tips for Incorporating Evergreen Cleaning Supplies into Your Routine
- Start Small and Experiment with DIY Recipes: If you’re new to using evergreen cleaning supplies, experiment with small batches of DIY recipes to familiarize yourself with the properties and effectiveness of different essential oils. As you gain confidence, you can gradually incorporate more evergreen-based products into your cleaning routine.
- Dilution Ratios and Safe Handling of Essential Oils: When using essential oils in cleaning recipes, it’s important to follow recommended dilution ratios to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, store essential oils in dark, and keep glass bottles away from direct sunlight to preserve their potency and shelf life.
- Proper Storage to Preserve Effectiveness: To maintain the effectiveness of evergreen-based cleaning supplies, store them in a cool, dark place away from heat and humidity. Proper storage helps prevent the degradation of essential oils and ensures that cleaning products remain potent and effective over time.
Other Ingredients You Can Add
To enhance the cleaning power and fragrance of your homemade cleaning supplies, you can add natural ingredients that complement the properties of evergreens. Here are some options:
- Lemon or Orange Peel: Citrus peels contain natural oils that help cut through grease and grime, making them effective cleaning agents.
- Rosemary or Thyme: These aromatic herbs have natural antibacterial properties and can add a pleasant herbal fragrance to your cleaner. Simply add a few drops of essential oil to your solution.
- Tea Tree Oil: It is well-known for its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable addition to homemade cleaning solutions. A few drops of tea tree oil can enhance the germ-fighting capabilities of your spruce needle countertop cleaner.
- White Distilled Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help break down mineral deposits and soap scum on countertops. Mixing vinegar with spruce-infused water creates a potent cleaning solution that removes stains and bacteria.
- Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help remove excess oil and grime from countertops. Adding a small amount to your cleaner can improve its degreasing abilities, leaving surfaces shiny and streak-free.
- Castile Soap: For extra cleaning power, add a small amount of liquid castile soap to your countertop cleaner. Castile soap is made from natural vegetable oils and is gentle yet effective at removing dirt and grime from surfaces.
The Holistic Approach to Cleaning with Evergreen
Mindful Cleaning: Cultivating Awareness and Intention: Holistic cleaning involves more than just physical cleanliness; it encompasses mindfulness and intention in every aspect of the cleaning process. By approaching cleaning with awareness and gratitude for the natural resources we utilize, we can create a more harmonious relationship with our environment.
Connection to Nature and Environmental Stewardship: Cleaning with evergreen-based supplies offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and honor the wisdom of the natural world. By embracing evergreens as allies in our cleaning endeavors, we become stewards of the earth, working in harmony with the ecosystems that sustain us.
Other DIY Solutions
DIY Lavender Sugar Scrub (With Clary Sage)
How to Create a Non-Toxic Kitchen
Say Goodbye To Harsh Chemicals: A Guide To Making Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies At Home
10 Hidden Toxins Lurking in Your Home and How to Replace Them
Natural Spruce Countertop Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Distilled water
- 1/4 cup White vinegar
- 1 cup Fresh spruce needles or spruce pine tips
- 20 drops Spruce essential oil or pine oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering fresh spruce needles from a clean, pesticide-free source. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.In a small saucepan, combine the distilled water and spruce needles. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the spruce needles simmer in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the water to extract the natural cleaning properties and fragrance of the spruce needles.After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spruce needles, leaving behind a clear spruce-infused water.In a clean spray bottle, combine the spruce-infused water with the white vinegar. Add a few drops of spruce essential oil for extra cleaning power and fragrance.Secure the spray bottle lid and shake well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.Your homemade spruce needle countertop cleaner is now ready to use! Simply spray it onto your countertops and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. The natural antibacterial properties of the spruce needles, combined with the cleaning power of vinegar, will leave your countertops sparkling clean and smelling fresh.Store any leftover countertop cleaner in a cool, dark place for future use. Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.