Over the past few months, I’ve been introducing essential oils into my life to replace harsh chemicals and to just make my life so much better and healthier.
One big item that was first on my list was replacing cleaners filled with bleach, harsh chemicals, and things I can’t even pronounce (some that can cause cancer)! One thing that I hated doing was cleaning, not just because it is a lot of work, but because I knew the chemical smell was not good for me an couldn’t even stand being in my bathroom for a while after I cleaned it due to the smell.
Did you know bleach can make asthma and other respiratory problems worse AND is one of the top 10 hazardous household chemicals? Yeah, I don’t want any of THAT on any surface I, or my pets or friends, touch!
After I got my starter kit in the mail, I researched like nobody’s business on cleaner alternatives. If you enter “Thieves cleaner” into the Pinterest search bar, you will come up with BILLIONS (ok, slight exaggeration) of results. After testing out different balances and ratios I finally found one that fits my needs the best!
Thieves oil is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Rosemary, Cinnamon and Eucalyptus therapeutic grade essential oils. All of these oils provide great great green and natural cleaning benefits- and can even be used topically when you’re sick, this oil is an all-purpose oil in itself!
Thieves was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health.
Lots of hospitals are even using thieves oils as a cleaner to disinfect surfaces! Thieves oil can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and germs, as can lemon (which just smells SO yummy!)
Before I go into the recipe, you really need to know why this is called an “all purpose” cleaner. I use this cleaner to clean:
- Windows
- Counter tops
- Wood surfaces
- Couch stains (dog drool, spilled food, dirt stains)
- Carpet stains (including dog piddle and throw up!)
- Oven
- Microwave
- Mirrors
- Sinks
- Toilet
- Shower
- and everything in between!
See? I told you it really was an all purpose cleaner! I literally threw out all of my disinfectants and cleaners and just use this one bottle for everything. Not only am I saving SO much money, but I’m saving time, space, and energy by not having to figure out which spray I need for what room, and trying to store all of those cleaners!
You can even use thieves oil to clean and disinfect in the laundry cycle!
Ok, no that I’ve got you hooked, here is the recipe! Try it out and let me know what you think!
Thieves & Lemon Essential Oil All- Purpose Cleaner
- Amber Glass Spray Bottle – (if you omit the lemon, you could use plastic, but citrus oils must be kept in glass!)
- 1 part water
- 1/2 part distilled white vinegar(add a bit less if the vinegar is too strong smelling for you)
- 2 drops of Thieves oil per ounce of liquid(this is for a stronger solution, you can always do 1 drop per oz)
- 1 drop Lemon oil for every other ounce of liquid(I just add the lemon for the scent, and extra disinfecting property)