Peppermint is among the most popular varieties of essential oil and charms with an uplifting minty scent. A hybrid between water mint and spearmint, peppermint soothes both the body and the mind. The oil itself is prepared by steam distillation of the flowering parts of the plant. Here’s 4 cleaning tips with peppermint essential oils to incorporate peppermint oil into your cleaning routine.
Peppermint Oil Repels Insects
Specialized bug repellents are often rather costly, not to mention using them around your home could be straight out dangerous. Insect repellents are just as toxic to humans as they are to insects, only the fatal doses are much smaller for the little creepy crawlies.
The good news is peppermint oil is an excellent (and safe) way to deter a variety of insects, ranging from ticks, mosquitoes and spiders to ants and cockroaches. Simply need to add 10 to 15 drops of the essential oil to 1 cup of water and mix it in an old spray bottle. You can use your peppermint bug repellent to spray between the cracks where ants congregate.
Add It to Your All-Purpose Cleaner
Preparing your own all-purpose cleaner is simple and quick, not to mention using all-natural ingredients is safer for you and your family. The antibacterial properties of the peppermint essential oil make it a wonderful addition to your home-made cleaner.
You will need an old spray bottle, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and about 30 drops of essential oils. All you have to do is mix the vinegar with 15 drops of peppermint oil and the same amount of lemon oil. Pour the oils and vinegar in your spray bottle (preferably 16 oz.) and fill with water. Shake well and use it to clean and disinfect hard surfaces around your kitchen and bathroom.
Use It as an All-Natural Air Freshener
Instead of wasting money on store-bought air fresheners, you can prep up your own. The peppermint essential oil functions as the centerpiece of many home-made air fresheners due to its invigorating scent. It is said to boost energy levels and improve concentration which makes it perfect for the purpose.
To prepare your home-made air fresher, you need to pour about half a cup of jasmine rice into a small container and add 15 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Stir the rice to disperse the oil evenly and you are done.
Freshen Your Laundry with Peppermint Oil
Fabric softeners might smell lovely but often trigger allergic reactions which might result in skin irritation and eczema. You can easily substitute chemical-laden fabric softeners with peppermint oil (or any other essential oil to your liking). The effect will be the same minus the allergic reactions and skin irritation. There are several options for you. You can either mix your unscented liquid laundry detergent with peppermint oil or add a few drops to your wool dryer balls in the dryer.
June S. says
(Cleaning Tips with Peppermint Essential Oils) I do need to get a bottle of this before summer rolls around here in Illinois again. We have such a huge problem with all sorts of bugs in our backyard every year.
Natalie says
When I lived in the country, I kept it around for spiders, it does WONDERS!
Natalie says
My coworker uses essential oils and I am interested in trying them!
gracefulcoffee says
I love anything peppermint, yum!
Lisa Garland says
I didn’t know this about peppermint oil, I can’t wait to try it.
Kimberley Meier says
I never knew it repelled insects!
laurie murley says
I love the smell of peppermint, such a good smell for the house
Laura says
I love this! I use lemon essential oil a lot when cleaning. I’ll have to try peppermint now!
Jerry Marquardt says
I need to get more into the Essential Oils. They are supposed to be great for respiratory health, so it is worth checking into.
monique s says
I love how essential oils both freshen the air but also have other great benefits too
BookLady says
Thanks for sharing the tips about peppermint oil. I will definitely try it as an insect repellent and air freshener.