Essential Oils: Sweet Orange and Lemon

I recently added two new fabulous oils to my essential oil collection.  Initially I was not too sure how I was going to use them, I thought of incorporating them into some of my body scrub recipes or facials, but I actually found myself  using them to clean around the house instead.

Since both lemon and sweet orange oil are antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial, they’re ideal oils for simple wipe downs of surfaces which not only disinfect germs and bacteria, but also leaves a citrusy aroma especially around the bathroom and kitchen. They’ve also become my favorite oils to use for my homemade “febreze”,  instantly giving each room a refreshing boost.

Sweet Orange

Household uses: Sweet Orange is my favorite to add to floor washes, leaving my mop and floors smelling like freshly cut oranges. Depending on the mop bucket I add about 10 drops. I also like to add a few drops to my kitchen sponge and rags to help disinfect in between washes. Sweet Orange, like lemon oil can be put  into a diffuser to help kill airborne bacteria as well.

Aromatherapy uses: I like to add a bit of water to my oil burner and add a few drops of sweet orange oil to help keep cooking odors at bay. Sweet orange is also a great aroma to help promote positivity, cheerfulness and relaxation. You truly can’t help but feel peace when smelling the sweet scent of orange.  It’s scent instantly enlivens you while at the same time promotes a sense of calm. I like to use my oil burner on Saturday mornings while cleaning around the house and reach for sweet orange to help clear the air and set the mood.

Lemon Oil

Household Uses: Lemon oil is derived from the peel of the lemon. Like sweet orange, Lemon oil is also antiseptic,antibacterial and can also be used as a disinfectant. I like to use lemon oil mostly around the bathroom. Typically I take a wet rag and add about 5 drops and wipe down my sink and toilet as well as add a few drops to the toilet scrub.

I also use lemon oil to disinfect my makeup brushes.  I thoroughly wash my makeup brushes with regular or clarifying shampoo. Once they are  rinsed I dip them in lemon oil and water for about 2 mins, rinse with hot water and air dry.