3 genius ways to clean your home using essential oils

Is there anything essential oils can’t do? They help relieve work-related stress, soothe winter cold symptoms, make your skin glow, and even get you in the mood (wink, wink).

Well, it’s time to add another section to their all-star résumé, because some of them also carry major disinfecting properties. That makes essential oils perfect for creating DIY cleaning products—good-for-you alternatives to chemically-enhanced, store-bought sprays and scrubs.

Of course, their sensory appeal is a major selling point. “My favorite reason for [cleaning with essential oils] is probably their amazing smell—you can channel your favorite eucalyptus spa treatment or whip up a vanilla-lime bathroom scrub,” says Melissa Maker, YouTube sensation, professional cleaner, and author of Clean My Space. “But at the end of the day, they’re natural, antimicrobial ingredients to use in your home.”

Each oil has its own specialty, says Maker. Citrus scents (lemon, orange, and grapefruit) are filled with limonene, which is known to aid in degreasing and lifting soil off of surfaces. Eucalyptus is said to be anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral. And tea tree oil is another powerful disinfectant that’s known to be antimicrobial. (One caveat: If you’re pregnant or have pets, consult your OB/GYN or vet to make sure the oil you’re choosing is safe.)

In Maker’s opinion, the product recipes that follow are perfect for anyone who wants to make her cleaning products, well, a little cleaner—whether that’s at the beginning of a spring decluttering spree or for maintenance post-Kondo cleanse.

Scroll down for 3 natural, DIY cleaning product formulas made with essential oils.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water1/2 cup rubbing alcohol1 tsp gentle dish soap10-20 drops of any essential oil

1. Combine all the ingredients in an empty spray bottle and shake well.

Pro tip: Don’t use this one on glass, since the oil will cause streaks.

Degreaser

Ingredients1/2 cup baking soda1/4 cup dish soap20 drops sweet orange essential oil

ToolsA non-scratching spongeA microfiber cloth

1. Mix together the ingredients in a container and apply to the greasy surface with a damp sponge.

2. Allow the degreaser to sit on the greasy area for 10 minutes.

3. Scrub the area with the damp sponge, rinse surface well, and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients1/2 cup baking soda1/2 cup water1/4 cup castile or dish soap1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide15 drops tea tree oil

1. Combine the ingredients in a clean squeeze bottle with a cap.

2. Squirt the solution around the toilet bowl and, after a few moments, scrub with your brush as usual. Flush and you’re done!

Plants are another great addition to your homemade cleaning supplies—here are 3 recipes with botanical ingredients. And once you’ve whipped up your arsenal, you may want to start by scrubbing down these extra-germy parts of your space.