With so many essential oils having powerful antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, use in the kitchen seems a very "natural" thing to do! The scent from these natural cleaners is also a bonus, as we don't have to contend with the chemicals wafting around our environment. We use these oils to wash down countertops after cooking, chopping boards after cutting up meats, in the wash water when washing the floor, walls or cupboards, cleaning the fridge or freezer, its amazing!

When we cook, rising up in the steam are those tiny little molecules of fat, which carry the scent of the food you are cooking. While this is appetizing at the time, we don't really want these smells to linger by attaching themselves to our curtains, our clothing and our furniture and carpeting. Blending essential oils of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lime, Lavender or Lemon (use one or all!) into a spray bottle with a little alcohol and water makes a wonderfully air cleansing room spray. The aromatic molecules of the essential oils actually surround and deodorize those smelly little fat molecules, rather then just covering them up like so many commercial, chemically based synthetic sprays do. All the while these essential oils are also helping to destroy any airborne bacteria that may have been tracked home from school or the office, and are just waiting for someone's immune system to drop down so they can attack!!!

In the final rinse water for the cleaning of the refrigerator, a drop or 2 of any of the citrus essential oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit) will help to deodorize without permeating your food.

Washing down the counters and cupboards requires some serious bacteria fighters, to make sure there are no surprises lingering on your cooking and preparation surfaces. The following oils can be dropped directly onto your cloth or combined to make 7-8 drops into your rinse water (this is our favorite, as you get to enjoy the scent of the molecules rising on the steam from the hot water!). Again, the citrus oils are wonderful as well as Thyme, Pine, Lavender and Eucalyptus (these can also calm you down and clear your nose if you have a cold!).

Even doing dishes can be a little more fun (can we say those two words in relation to one another?) when you add 10 drops of Lemon, Grapefruit or Bitter Orange to your dish soap. You may not want to sing and dance upon completion, but at least your psyche will be suitably calmed and rejuvenated!

With so many essential oils having powerful antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, use in the kitchen seems a very "natural" thing to do! The scent from these natural cleaners is also a bonus, as we don't have to contend with the chemicals wafting around our environment. We use these oils to wash down countertops after cooking, chopping boards after cutting up meats, in the wash water when washing the floor, walls or cupboards, cleaning the fridge or freezer, its amazing!

This is educational information and any opinions expressed here do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.