Citrus Essential Oils Volume (1) – (Article 1 of 5)

by Dr. Marli Botha

If the fumes from commercial cleaners containing synthetic chemicals make you feel a little queasy, consider mixing up your own cleaning products using orange essential oils derived from orange rind. Essential oils are all natural and biodegradable and many contain powerful antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that make them remarkably effective at household cleaning.

Here are 4 effective household cleaning tips for orange essential oil:

1. Uplifting and refreshing, orange essential oil, is also a great degreaser when combined with dishwashing soap and water and used to spray down stovetops or countertops. Make your own by adding 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 1/4 teaspoon dish soap, 3/4 cups water, 15 drops of orange essential oil and 5 drops tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
2. Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Beloved for its aesthetic appeal and ability to resist heat and scratches. It is best not to use vinegar on granite, its acidic content can dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Citrus essential oils can be used because their pH is neutral.
3. To prevent your fridge smelling musty and fusty make the following spray cleaner, pour 1 litre of water into a large spray bottle, then add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 15 drops of orange oil. Then just screw the top onto the spray bottle and shake the bottle well to mix the contents. Use it on your kitchen benches, in the fridge and even pantry.
4. Orange oil can be used to polish wooden furniture, and it can really shine up a treat. To try it for yourself, just add about 10 drops of orange oil to a cup of linseed or olive oil, dip a polishing rag in and wipe over the furniture. Get a good coverage, but not too much that it drips. Then, all you need to do is use a separate soft cloth to buff it up to a shine. Remember to patch test first to ensure your surfaces don’t stain!

It is important to mention that no food is meant to be a cure-all for any condition, though there are certainly health and skin benefits contained within them. The one thing you should always do before using a new skincare product is to do a patch test to look for allergies and sensitivities.