Lemon essential oil is a natural disinfectant. It eliminates allergens, germs and grime without leaving a chemical smell or a sticky residue.

You can create your own cleaning products by combining lemon essential oil with common household staples. Whether you’re looking to save money long term or , these techniques are quick and easy.

1. Laundry

Eliminate mildew smell from damp clothes using lemon oil.

Before washing, add 2–3 drops to your laundry detergent dispenser.

If you left your clothes in the dryer too long, put 12 oz. of water and 4 drops lemon oil into a spray bottle and spray over the clothes. Make sure you thoroughly spray all the garments until they are slightly damp, then you can either give them an extra rinse cycle, or put them in the dryer. Up to your discretion!

2. Cut Grease

Add a few drops of lemon oil to your hand soap to help cut grease and grime from a long day’s work!

Put a few drops of lemon oil in a greasy pan before washing for an easy clean.

Have kids? Remove pesky stickers and crayon on the walls using a few drops of lemon oil and a hot rag.

3. Dusting

You’ll need a small spray bottle, some white vinegar, lemon oil, and water.

• Fill the spray bottle 3/4 of the way with water.
• Add 10 drops of lemon oil
• Add 1 capful (about 1 tablespoon) of white vinegar

Enjoy the citrus smell while you dust! This is a cheap and easy alternative to chemical dusting products.

4. DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Save some money by making your own non-toxic disinfectant wipes at home.

You need:

• Container — you can use an old wipes container, or a large mason jar with a lid.
• Squares of cotton or thin cloth. Cut up an old (clean) Tshirt!
• Lemon essential oil
• White vinegar
• Dish soap — you can use any dish soap you prefer, but a natural one is best.

Roll up your fabric squares and set them aside.

Now it is time to make your disinfectant solution!

In your container, combine :

• 1.5 cups water
• 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
• 10–12 drops lemon essential oil
• 1 Tablespoon dish soap

Mix the solution with a spoon and put the wipes inside.

Put the cover on and shake up the solution so it coats the wipes.

These wipes are washable and reusable. Once you’ve used all the wipes in the jar, wash the cloths in the sink or washing machine, remake the solution and shake up the container again!

The cost savings are significant and this a safe alternative to chemical products! If you have pets or small children, this is a worry-free way to clean all your dirty surfaces.

5. DIY Floor Cleaner

Never has your floor smelled better than after it’s been cleaned with lemon oil. And it shines in the light!

You’ll need:

• A bucket of hot water

Pour in bucket:

• 10–20 drops of lemon essential oil
• 2–3 Tablespoons white vinegar
• for an extra kick, add 1 Tablespoon of baking soda
• also optional: add 5–10 drops of tea tree oil to compliment the lemon and cut heavy grime.

This floor cleaner can be used for mopping and scrubbing even the toughest messes. It will leave a fresh, prickly lemon scent that will lift your mood and boost your energy.