Household Uses for Tea Tree Oil
Natural Cleaning Using Oil from the Australian Melaleuca Tree
Jun 9, 2009
Alongside its many medicinal uses, tea tree oil’s fungicidal and antibacterial properties make it an excellent natural household cleaning product.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the paper bark tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia) which is native to the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil has been used as a medicine by the Australian aboriginals for thousands of years, and is currently available in its distilled form from supermarkets and wherever essential oils are sold.
Household Cleaning with Tea Tree Oil
An all-purpose cleaning and disinfecting spray can be made by combining two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle. This spray can be used for simple disinfecting of surfaces such as tiled or linoleum floors, toilets and garbage bins, as well as making a good natural mould and mildew remover in the bathroom and other damp areas.
A stronger cleanser for cleaning the toilet bowl can be made by combining two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of white vinegar. Pour into the bowl, leave to sit for a while and then clean with a scrubbing brush.
Because of its pleasant yet strong odour that is similar to eucalyptus, tea tree oil works well as a natural deodoriser in odour-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and also works as an insect repellent.
Using Tea Tree Oil in the Laundry
Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties make it an excellent addition to the laundry, particularly when washing clothing that is worn close to the body. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil when washing towels, underwear and linen will ensure a thorough cleansing, as well as adding a fresh scent.
Tea Tree Oil and Head Lice
Many manufactured head lice remedies now contain tea tree oil as their main ingredient. A simple daily use head lice preventative can be made by combining a teaspoon of oil with approximately two tablespoons of conditioner with water in a spray bottle. Use before styling hair and spraying on hats will help considerably to keep head lice at bay. Additionally adding a few of drops of tea tree oil to a regularly used shampoo can assist in the prevention of head lice.
Again post-infestation, adding tea tree oil when washing bed linen will help to eradicate any existing lice.
Toxicity of Tea Tree Oil
Like many essential oils, tea tree oil is only to be used topically and never to be taken internally. While there are commercially available mouth washes and toothpastes containing tea tree oil, care should be taken never to swallow these substances. Pet owners should be aware that tea tree oil is highly toxic to cats in particular, and care should be taken in its use in the home.
With households becoming more aware of the effects of chemicals in the home, tea tree oil is a natural and cost-effective alternative to conventional commercial cleaning products.
