7 Essential Oil Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work

Cleaning the house is rarely anyone’s idea of fun. But sprinkle a little magic of essential oils into the mix and suddenly your everyday chores smell better, feel fresher and are much more satisfying.

Essential oils have been used in Australian homes for generations, especially Eucalyptus oil. That crisp, clean scent is practically synonymous of a freshly cleaned house. 

Using Eucalyptus – and other cleaning-friendly oils like Tea Tree and Lavender -  in clever ways around the home can help tackle everyday mess, while leaving behind a scent no artificial fragrance can match.

Here are seven of our favourite essential oil cleaning hacks that are simple, effective and genuinely game-changing.

1. The Bin De-Stinker Trick

Bins are unavoidable. Bin smells are not.

After emptying the kitchen bin, give the inside a quick spritz with Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Spray, our hospital grade surface spray disinfectant. It kills 99.9% germs while the fresh scent of Eucalyptus helps neutralise those lingering “what was that?” smells before they get out of hand.

Another little trick is to pop a cotton ball with a few drops of Bosisto’s Lavender Oil in the bottom of the bin before replacing the liner. It quietly works away keeping things fresher in between bin nights.

2. Mop Your Floors Like a Pro

There is something deeply satisfying about freshly mopped floors. Add eucalyptus and it gets even better!

Add 50mL of Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Solution into 4 litres of warm water and mop as usual. The natural eucalyptus oil helps cut through everyday grime while leaving behind that crisp, clean scent that makes the whole house feel instantly tidier.

Sticky spots or scuff marks on your tiles or vinyl floor?  Eucalyptus Solution is great for removing those, too.  Before mopping, use some Eucalyptus Solution neat on a cloth and rub to remove scuffs or other marks.

3. Level Up Your Laundry Scents

The laundry is a great place to use essential oils.  It’s also one of the easiest.

Add a capful of Bosisto’s Antibacterial Solution or Bosisto’s Lavender Solution to your wash to help freshen clothes, towels and bedding. 

We love the Antibacterial Solution for freshening sports and gym gear, swimming towels and work clothes. The Lavender Solution is lovely for bathroom towels, sheets and pillowcases – especially if you enjoy climbing into bed with that soft, calming scent.

Dryer balls are another underrated laundry tool. Just add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to wool dryer balls before tossing them into the dryer. They lightly scent your laundry without the need for synthetic dryer sheets.

If you wash woollens, you can even make your own DIY Wool Wash with three simple natural ingredients.  Visit our blog to find out how.

4. Revive a Slightly Sad Mattress

Did you know we all shed millions of skin cells every night?  That plus sweat and body oils and dust – it’s no wonder mattresses can quickly collect odours and become a breeding ground for nasties.

When you strip the bed, give your mattress a light mist with Eucalyptus Spray.   Hold the can about 15-20 cm from the surface while you spray, allowing it to air out afterwards.

It helps freshen things up and makes the bed feel instantly cleaner before the fresh sheets go back on - it’s a regular weekend ritual we never skip.

5. Bye Bye Toilet Odours

Let’s be honest… cleaning the toilet wins the prize as one of the least glamorous tasks around the house.  But essential oils can at least make it a little more pleasant.

Add 2 capfuls of Bosisto’s Tea Tree Solution to the bowl and scrub to help clean and freshen.  Tea Tree essential oil is well known for its purifying qualities and helps keep the bathroom smelling fresh.

If you enjoy a DIY moment, you can also make your own Toilet Fizzies using essential oil, bicarb soda and citric acid.  Check out our blog here for the full recipe.  Drop one into the bowl and watch it fizz away before giving things a quick scrub. 

(Tea Tree Solution is also an antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions.) 

6. The Carpet Refresh Everyone Should Know

Carpets are excellent at trapping smells. Musty odours, pet smells, people smells…all the odours that make up everyday life can end up absorbed into your carpet fibres.

For a quick refresh, mix a few drops of Lavender essential oil with bicarb soda. Sprinkle it lightly across the carpet, leave it for about 15 minutes, then vacuum.

The bicarb soda helps absorb odours while the essential oil leaves a gentle fragrance behind. The room will smell noticeably fresher and it’s a hack you can incorporate into your vacuuming routine with ease.

7. The Surface Cleaning Upgrade

Everyday surfaces get a lot of use, so a quick wipe down goes a long way.

Add 50mL’s of Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Solution to 1 litre of warm water and use it with a cloth to wipe surfaces throughout the house. The eucalyptus oil helps cut through grime while leaving that clean, uplifting scent behind.

Eucalyptus Solution is especially useful in areas where grease can build up – including oven ranges, greasy splashbacks, overhead fan blades, curtain runners and bathroom vanities (it’s surprisingly good at removing makeup & foundation splashes).

And Now? The Finishing Touch…

Once the house is clean, there is one last step that makes everything feel complete.

Pop a few drops of your favourite essential oil into your diffuser and let the aroma drift through the house while you admire your hard work.  

Here are some of our favourite blends for after a big clean:

- Purify: A cleansing blend like Purify is perfect after a big house reset
-  Sweet Life range:  Any of these delicious blends is perfect if you love sweet scents, but we especially love Sugar & Spice, or Caramel Latte in the kitchen.
- Destinations: Noosa, Lorne or Bondi in our Destinations range to bring those relaxed, coastal vibes indoors.

Now that your the house is clean and smells amazing, it’s your cue to put your feet up and enjoy it. Oil done!

Eucalyptus Spray & Tea Tree Solution: ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.