10 Easy Ways To Use Essential Oils Around The Home

Usually when you want to create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere in the house, lighting up a burner or plugging in a vaporizer is the preferred option. But it is not always possible to use a burner in some locations, so having alternative techniques to diffuse your essential oils can come in really handy.

Fortunately, there are lots of easy ways you can enjoy the wonderful benefits of natural fragrance around your home, and you could even use these techniques at work too. Just be sure you check its okay with your boss first!

The chances are you will already have most of the essential oils you will need to enjoy these different methods, so all you have to do is get them out and start putting them to use in ways you’ve not used before. Here’s how to do it.

1 – Heaven scent

Underwear drawers can be lightly perfumed by putting a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton-wool ball or piece of tissue and placing it into the drawer. Now every time you open the drawer, a light breeze of heavenly fragrance will waft your way.

For a seductive aroma choose sensual and exotic oils such as Ylang Ylang, Rose, Jasmine or Sandalwood, or for something a little more conservative try Lavender or Geranium. Your clothes will also absorb the aroma of the oils that you have selected - so be sure to choose fragrances that you really like.

2 – Go natural

Replace the synthetic air-fresheners used in your bathroom with the refreshing natural aroma of Pine, Fir, Lemon or Grapefruit essential oils. These oils work well together so you can even mix them if you like.

Place a few drops onto cotton-wool balls and position them discreetly around the bathroom for maximum effect. If you have any dried flower arrangements you could place the drops of oil on them instead.

3 – Spicy solution

To neutralize household cooking odours whilst you are preparing a meal, put an extra pan of water on the stove until it simmers, and then add a couple of drops of Cinnamon, Cardamon or Clove essential oils to the water.

Spices have been used for thousands of years to mask odours which makes them absolutely perfect for this type of application in the kitchen.

4 – Sweeping statement

Did you know you can fragrance your rooms whilst you are hoovering? Tear off the corner from a sheet of newspaper or piece of tissue and put 2 drops of Mandarin 2 drops of Lemon onto it, lay it on the floor, and introduce it to the business end of your vacuum cleaner.

Now when you are sucking up the dust from your carpet, your friendly vacuum cleaner is dutifully dispersing a refreshing and invigorating aroma around the room that will really keep you going throughout the drudgery of housework. All citrus oils work effectively with this method, but my favourite blend is 2 drops each of Grapefruit and Lavender.

5 – Shake it up

Freshen stale air anywhere around the home in an instant by just adding a few drops of essential oil to the water in a spray-bottle, shake the mixture well, and then spray a mist around just as you would with an aerosol. Simple, easy and highly effective.

The aroma of Pine or Silver Fir oil creates an atmosphere of beautiful green forests with clean and fresh mountain air, so these are both ideal essential oils to introduce a touch of nature into your home.

Try mixing citrus oils such as Lime or Lemon with either of them to really give things a boost.

6 – Cupboard love

Cupboards can be kept smelling clean and fresh by adding a few drops of essential oil to a couple of cotton-wool balls and then placing them strategically inside, according to the size and shape of the cupboard.

A blend of Bergamot, Lime and Lavender smells lovely and fresh, or if you prefer a more woody aroma try a mix of Cedarwood Virginia and Litsea Cubeba.

7 – Pet pongs

Geranium and Lemongrass essential oils are great for dispersing unwanted pet odours. A traditional burner masks the aroma quite well, but sometimes to really tackle the problem you need to get down to their level – on the floor.

Add about 10 drops of your preferred essential oil to a half-filled bucket of hot water and your regular cleanser, and mop around the areas where pet odours are the strongest. If most of these areas are carpeted, use the method described in number 3. Works a treat every time.

8 – Magic carpet

To refresh stale carpet odours, add 10 drops of essential oil to 200 grams of baking soda or cornstarch, mix together well and store in an airtight container for about 2 days.

Before using the mixture stir it one last time, sprinkle onto your carpets, and leave to infuse for a few hours. Hoover the carpets and you will have clean, fresh-smelling carpets throughout your home.

9 – In a spin

An easy way to fragrance a wide range of clothing is by using essential oils in your tumble-dryer. Select your favourite essential oils and add a few drops to a small piece of cloth, thick absorbent tissue or terry towel and place it in your dryer.

Choose a combination of citrus and floral essential oils to create a soft and gentle aroma for your clothing, and avoid anything too heavy and cloying since the smell can linger for a long time.

10 – Wardrobe wonder

To fragrance your wardrobe and the clothes in them, try an equal mix of 2 drops Lavender, Geranium and Basil essential oils on a cotton-wool ball and you will be greeted by a delightfully fresh, springtime aroma every time you open the wardrobe door.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

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