Spring cleaning with essential oils offers a natural and effective way to refresh your home while avoiding harsh chemicals. In addition to disinfecting and deodorizing all surfaces, these powerful plant-based oils also fill your space with uplifting, refreshing scents.
From cutting through grease in the kitchen to purifying the air and freshening fabrics, spring cleaning with essential oils is a safe, eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaners.
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In this guide, you’ll discover the best essential oils for spring cleaning, easy DIY recipes, and essential safety tips to help you embrace a healthier, toxin-free approach to spring cleaning.
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Benefits of Spring Cleaning With Essential Oils
Spring cleaning gives you a chance to refresh your home, and essential oils can take the experience to a whole new level. Not only do these natural remedies help sanitize surfaces, but they also infuse your home with soothing aromas and even boost your mood.
Let’s look at how essential oils can transform your cleaning routine.
Natural Disinfectant and Antibacterial Properties
Many essential oils have powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making them excellent for killing germs and reducing the spread of bacteria.
Oils like tea tree, lemon, and eucalyptus can help
These properties make essential oils particularly useful for high-touch areas such as countertops, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces.
Free from Harsh Chemicals and Synthetic Fragrances
Traditional cleaning products often contain artificial fragrances, ammonia, bleach, and other harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Essential oils provide a chemical-free way to clean, making them a safer option—especially for households with children, pets, or individuals sensitive to strong chemicals.
Instead of masking odors with synthetic scents, essential oils neutralize and freshen the air naturally.
Aromatherapy Benefits – Freshen the Home While Boosting Mood
Beyond their cleaning power, essential oils contribute to a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Their natural scents can uplift, energize, or calm the mind while you clean.
For example:
- Lavender promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
- Peppermint boosts focus and energy, making cleaning feel less like a chore.
- Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) create an uplifting and cheerful ambiance.
- Eucalyptus and tea tree purify the air and support respiratory health.
Incorporating essential oils into your cleaning routine makes for a healthier home while transforming the experience into a refreshing and enjoyable ritual.
Best Essential Oils for Spring Cleaning
Essential oils are powerful natural cleaners that offer antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties while leaving behind a fresh scent.
Below are some of the best essential oils for spring cleaning and their benefits:
Thieves Essential Oil: A Powerful All-in-One Cleaner
Thieves tops the list of best essential oils for spring cleaning, thanks to its powerful blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils.
Known for its natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, thieves essential oil helps eliminate germs and freshen up your home without synthetic chemicals.
The warm, spicy aroma also creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere while you clean.
How to Use Thieves Oil for Spring Cleaning
Add 10 drops of Thieves oil to a spray bottle with water and white vinegar for an all-purpose cleaner that cuts through grease and grime.
Diffuse it while cleaning to purify the air and leave your home smelling warm and fresh.
Mix a few drops with baking soda and sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to deodorize and refresh your space.
In addition to cleaning and sanitizing, Thieves by Young Living also brings a comforting, spicy scent that makes spring cleaning feel like a treat. Check out forty other ways to use thieves essential oil.
Lemon Essential Oil: A Natural Degreaser with a Zesty Twist
The fresh, citrusy scent of lemon oil is synonymous with cleanliness, but its benefits go far beyond its delightful aroma. Lemon oil is a natural degreaser, making it a go-to for cutting through stubborn grime in the kitchen.
How to Use Lemon Oil for Spring Cleaning:
Add a few drops to your dish soap for extra grease-fighting power on pans and plates.
Combine with baking soda to tackle tough stains on sinks, stovetops, and cutting boards.
Use it to polish wooden furniture by mixing it with olive oil—a double win for cleaning and conditioning wood.
This oil’s bright, crisp scent doesn’t just clean surfaces; it uplifts your entire mood while making your home feel sparkling new.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Antibacterial Properties for All-Purpose Cleaning
Tea tree oil is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling bacteria, mold, and mildew in your home. Its natural antibacterial and antifungal characteristics make it the perfect addition to your cleaning arsenal. A few drops go a long way in creating your own effective multi-purpose cleaner.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil:
Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle with water and white vinegar for a natural surface cleaner.
Fight mildew in bathrooms by mixing it with baking soda to scrub tiles and grout effectively.
Use it on door handles and light switches to eliminate germs without harsh chemicals.
Its medicinal, earthy aroma might take some getting used to, but the cleanliness it delivers is well worth it.
Lavender Essential Oil: Calming Scent and Sanitizing Power
While lavender is known for its calming and floral fragrance, it’s also a fantastic choice for sanitizing surfaces. Its antimicrobial properties are gentle yet effective, making lavender oil ideal for cleaning areas where your family spends a lot of time.
How to Use Lavender Oil:
Add several drops to warm water and mild soap for a DIY cleaner perfect for countertops and tables.
Freshen up your vacuuming routine by sprinkling a few drops on a cotton ball and placing it inside the vacuum bag or canister.
Make your own air freshener by mixing it with water in a spray bottle—ideal for bedrooms and living areas.
Not only is your home left spotless and free of germs, but lavender oil also fills the air with a sense of calm after a long day of cleaning.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Keep Your Home Invigorating and Pest-Free
Peppermint oil is more than an energizing, minty scent—it’s also a natural pest deterrent. Perfect for spring, when bugs start making their way indoors, peppermint oil is a safe alternative to chemical repellents.
How to Use Peppermint Oil:
Mix 10-15 drops with water in a spray bottle and apply around windows, doors, and baseboards to keep ants and spiders at bay.
Add it to your cleaning solutions for wiping down countertops while leaving behind an invigorating aroma.
Combine with a carrier oil and dab it near entryways to naturally deter pests without using harmful chemicals.
Its refreshing scent not only makes cleaning feel less like a chore but also ensures unwanted visitors stay out of your space.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Laundry Freshener with Antimicrobial Benefits
Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties that do wonders for freshening up laundry and linens. Its crisp, clean scent makes it a favorite for giving fabrics a rejuvenating boost.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil:
Add a few drops to your laundry detergent to naturally disinfect clothes and remove lingering odors.
Place several drops on a cloth and toss it into the dryer to infuse your linens with a fresh, spa-like scent.
Create a DIY linen spray by combining eucalyptus oil and water in a misting bottle—perfect for refreshing curtains, pillows, or mattresses.
Eucalyptus oil is a simple yet effective way to keep fabrics smelling fresh, making it an essential part of your spring cleaning toolkit.
By incorporating these essential oils into your cleaning routine, not only can you achieve a spotless home, but you’ll also create a healthier, more invigorating living environment to enjoy all spring long. Who knew cleaning could smell this good?
Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Cut Through Grease with a Fresh Citrus Boost
Sweet orange oil is a natural degreaser with powerful antibacterial properties, making it perfect for tackling kitchen messes. Its bright, uplifting scent adds a cheerful touch to your cleaning routine while effectively breaking down stubborn grime.
How to Use Sweet Orange Oil:
Degrease surfaces – Add a few drops to a spray bottle with vinegar and water to cut through grease on stovetops, countertops, and appliances.
Freshen your garbage disposal – Pour a few drops into the disposal, run warm water, and turn it on for a burst of citrus freshness.
Polish wood surfaces – Mix sweet orange oil with olive oil for a natural wood polish that nourishes and shines furniture.
Sweet orange oil is an easy way to bring a fresh, citrusy sparkle to your home while eliminating grease and grime naturally. A must-have for your spring cleaning routine!
Grapefruit Essential Oil: Brighten and Deodorize with a Crisp Citrus Scent
Grapefruit oil is a natural deodorizer and antibacterial powerhouse, making it perfect for freshening up your home. Its zesty, invigorating scent helps eliminate unwanted odors while cutting through dirt and grime with ease.
How to Use Grapefruit Oil:
Eliminate odors – Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and vinegar for a natural air and fabric freshener.
Deep-clean kitchen surfaces – Mix grapefruit oil with baking soda and castile soap to scrub sinks, cutting boards, and countertops.
Refresh your garbage can – Place a few drops on a cotton ball and tuck it at the bottom of your trash bin to neutralize odors.
Grapefruit oil is a simple yet powerful way to keep your home smelling crisp and clean while naturally fighting bacteria. A must-have for a fresh start this spring!
DIY Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to swap out chemical-laden cleaners for effective, natural alternatives.
Essential oils bring a fresh aroma to your cleaning routine while offering antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
Special mention: Add a few drops of this homemade dandelion root extract to give your cleaning solutions with a seasonal touch.
Ready to clean smarter, not harder? These simple DIY cleaning recipes are a game-changer for a healthier home.
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray with Essential Oils
Say goodbye to multiple cleaning products cluttering your cabinets. This all-purpose cleaner is simple, affordable, and works like a charm on most surfaces in your home.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of water
10–15 drops of essential oil (lemon, tea tree, or lavender work well for cleaning)
Instructions:
Combine vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle.
Add the essential oil of your choice. For a fresh citrus scent, lemon essential oil is perfect. Prefer calming vibes? Go for lavender.
Shake the bottle gently to mix the ingredients.
Use this spray on countertops, kitchen sinks, and even bathroom surfaces.
📌 Tip: Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on granite or marble, as it can damage the stone.
Glass & Mirror Cleaner
There’s nothing worse than a glass cleaner that leaves streaks behind. With this DIY recipe, your windows and mirrors will shine without any residue.
What You’ll Need:
1 cup of distilled water
1 cup of white vinegar
10 drops of essential oil (peppermint or eucalyptus are refreshing options)
Instructions:
Fill a spray bottle with distilled water and vinegar.
Add essential oil for a pleasant scent and additional antibacterial properties.
Cap the bottle and shake to mix.
Spray directly onto glass surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. The addition of peppermint or eucalyptus oil leaves behind a crisp, clean aroma.
📌 Tip: Adding rubbing alcohol helps the solution evaporate faster, preventing streaks.
Aromatic Fabric & Linen Spray (Keeps fabrics fresh and lightly scented)
Tired of stale-smelling laundry? This DIY laundry freshener spray is a quick fix that keeps your clothes, linens, and even your bedroom smelling delightful.
What You’ll Need:
¾ cup distilled water
¼ cup witch hazel or vodka (acts as a preservative and helps the oil mix evenly)
15–20 drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus work wonderfully)
Instructions:
Pour distilled water and witch hazel (or vodka) into a spray bottle.
Add your chosen essential oil blend. Lavender is a calming option, while eucalyptus adds a spa-like freshness.
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Lightly spritz on clean laundry, pillowcases, or curtains to infuse them with long-lasting freshness. Avoid spraying directly on delicate fabrics to prevent staining.
I love using this spring meadow essential oil blend to freshen fabrics. The combination of floral and herbaceous aromas gives clothes a wonderfully fresh aroma that’s reminiscent of the season.
Disinfecting Surface Spray (For doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas)
What You’ll Need:
1 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
½ cup distilled water
10 drops tea tree essential oil (antibacterial & antiviral)
10 drops lavender essential oil (soothing & deodorizing)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
Shake well before each use. Spray on surfaces and let air dry for maximum disinfecting power.
📌 Tip: Use this on electronics and remotes, but spray onto a cloth first to avoid excess moisture.
Natural Wood Polish (Conditions and shines wood furniture)
What You’ll Need:
½ cup olive oil (nourishes wood)
¼ cup white vinegar (removes buildup)
10 drops lemon essential oil (cleans & enhances shine)
Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and rub onto wooden furniture.
Buff with a dry cloth for a polished finish.
📌 Tip: Always test on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your furniture.
Deodorizing Carpet Powder (Eliminates odors from carpets and rugs)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 10–15 drops essential oil (choose from lavender, lemon, tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus)
- Optional Ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon salt and few drops homemade dandelion root extract for an earthy aroma.
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils. Sprinkle lightly over carpets and rugs.
Let sit for 15–30 minutes. Vacuum thoroughly.
Get the full details of the recipe, step-by-step instructions, benefits, and how to use a homemade carpet deodorizer powder with essential oils.
📌 Tip: Store in a sealed container and shake before each use to prevent clumping.
Floor Cleaner (Safe for tile, laminate, and hardwood floors)
What You’ll Need:
2 cups warm water
½ cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon castile soap
10 drops orange essential oil (degreasing & fresh scent)
5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (antimicrobial)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bucket. Mop the floors as usual. Allow to air dry—no need to rinse.
📌 Tip: For wood floors, use less vinegar to avoid drying out the finish.
Spring cleaning with these DIY essential oil cleaners reduces your household’s reliance on store-bought products packed with harsh chemicals while embracing a more sustainable and aromatic cleaning routine.
Get more recipes for making your own natural cleaning products with essential oils and say hello to a home that smells as good as it looks!
Special Mention: Plant Therapy’s Essential Oil Based Multi-Surface Cleaners
Looking for more convenient, ready-made solutions? Plant Therapy provides a range of plant-based cleaning products that harness the power of essential oils to cut through grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
These are my top 3 picks:
Germ Fighter Multi-Surface Cleaner
This cleaner combines the Germ Fighter Essential Oil Blend with naturally derived, plant-based ingredients to effectively clean tough messes on most sealed surfaces like countertops, stovetops, and tile. It cuts through grease and grime, leaving behind a fresh, spicy, and crisp herbaceous scent.
Cleaning Duo: Citrus Burst + Chamomile Sleeve
Transform your cleaning routine with this sustainable set, featuring a reusable glass spray bottle with a chamomile silicone grip and an all-natural multi-surface cleaner. The Citrus Burst cleaner is made with plant-based ingredients, tough on dirt but gentle on your surfaces, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent without harsh chemicals. Perfect for countertops, floors, glass, and more.
Defender Multi-Surface Cleaner 30 mL 2 Pack
Infused with essential oils like Blood Orange, Lavandin, Frankincense, Grapefruit, and Juniper Berry, this cleaner naturally purifies and refreshes your space while tackling tough messes on sealed surfaces such as countertops, stovetops, and microwaves. It’s an eco-friendly cleaner that reduces single-use plastics with biodegradable concentrates and reusable glass spray bottles.
By incorporating these Plant Therapy cleaning products into your regimen, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils in a convenient, ready-to-use format, ensuring a naturally clean and inviting home this spring.
Safety Tips When Using Essential Oils For Spring Cleaning
Essential oils can transform your cleaning routine with their amazing scents and natural properties, but they need to be used with care.
While they’re a fantastic option for creating safer, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, improper use can lead to problems like skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even harm to children and pets.
Here are some important safety tips when spring cleaning with essential oils:
- Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before use. When making cleaning solutions, mix essential oils with water, vinegar, alcohol, or carrier oils (like olive oil for wood polish) to prevent irritation or damage.
- Avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to surfaces, as some oils (like citrus oils) may strip finishes or stain certain materials.
- Keep all essential oils and DIY cleaners out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or spills.
- Some essential oils can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Use tea tree, peppermint, citrus oils with caution if you have pets at home.
- Always ventilate rooms after cleaning and avoid applying essential oils where pets frequently lick or lay down.
- Store essential oils in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight and heat, to prevent degradation.
Keep DIY cleaning solutions in labeled spray bottles and shake well before each use, as oils and water may separate over time. - While vinegar and baking soda are common natural cleaning agents, never mix them with hydrogen peroxide or bleach, as this can create toxic fumes.
- Always test a small area before using an essential oil cleaner on a new surface to ensure compatibility.
Read this detailed safety guide when spring cleaning with essential oils.
Incorporating Spring Cleaning Practices Year-Round
Spring cleaning with essential oils has a special charm: it feels like hitting the refresh button on your home. But why wait for spring to enjoy a clean, inviting space?
By adopting spring cleaning habits year-round, you can maintain a fresh, healthy home and consistently enjoy the benefits of essential oils in your routine.
Regular Deep Cleaning Schedules
Maintaining a consistently clean home doesn’t require hours of scrubbing every week.
With a smart schedule and a few drops of essential oils, you can break down cleaning tasks into manageable chunks.
Create a Monthly Deep-Cleaning Plan
Week 1: Bathrooms – Use tea tree oil and vinegar to combat mold and mildew on tiles and shower doors.
Week 2: Kitchen – Lemon oil is perfect for degreasing and deodorizing countertops, stovetops, and sinks.
Week 3: Floors and Carpets – Add a few drops of lavender oil to your mop water or mix a DIY carpet freshener with baking soda.
Week 4: Furniture & Windows – Polish wooden furniture with lemon oil and olive oil, and clean windows with eucalyptus-infused glass cleaner.
Set Seasonal Maintenance Goals
Pro Tip: Use a printable spring cleaning checklist or a digital reminder app to stay consistent and integrate cleaning into your routine without stress.
So Many Ways To Use Essential Oils For Spring Cleaning
A clean home isn’t just about shiny surfaces—it’s also about creating a welcoming ambiance through fresh scents. Essential oils make it easy to keep your home smelling fantastic all year round without synthetic fragrances.
Simple DIY Room Sprays: Keep a bottle of DIY room spray handy for quick freshness boosts. Shake well and spray curtains, couches, or even yoga mats for an instant lift.
Use Diffusers for Continuous Freshness: An essential oil diffuser is a game-changer for keeping your home scented throughout the day. Whether you love calming lavender, energizing citrus, or earthy cedarwood, a diffuser can subtly uplift your space in no time.
Freshening Fabrics and Linens: Create your own fabric mist using distilled water, witch hazel, and your favorite essential oil blend. Spritz this on bedding, throw pillows, or rugs when they need a refresh. Eucalyptus and tea tree are great for eliminating odors, while vanilla and chamomile work well in bedrooms for a calming touch.
Wardrobe and Shoe Care: Keep your closets smelling pleasant by placing cotton balls with a few drops of essential oil (like cedarwood or rosemary) inside. For shoes, a baking soda and tea tree oil blend sprinkled inside overnight works wonders to neutralize unwanted odors.
Incorporating essential oils into regular cleaning routines and scent maintenance helps your home feel like spring—every single day. Why wait for a seasonal reset when you can enjoy that fresh feeling all year long?
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By swapping chemical-filled cleaning products for essential oils, you can create a healthier, more inviting home while enjoying the added perks of delightful aromas and mood-enhancing benefits. From tea tree oil’s natural disinfecting power to the uplifting scent of lemon, these oils simplify and elevate your cleaning routine.
Ready to refresh your space?
Start small with a DIY cleaner or add a few drops of your favorite oil to your current routine. Experiment with scents, discover what works best, and let your home shine naturally.
Share your experience or favorite blends with friends and family—it’s a clean start worth celebrating!
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
