How to Clean Your Melbourne Home with Herbs

Melbourne, known as the "Garden City," is celebrated for its green spaces and environmentally conscious residents. It’s an ideal city for embracing natural cleaning methods. A deep cleaning service in Melbourne can be highly effective, especially if done every few months. For everyday cleaning, however, using eco-friendly options may be a better approach.

Cleaning your home with herbs and herb oils is an effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden products. Not only do they provide a natural cleaning solution, but they also bring a pleasant, refreshing aroma to your living space. 

This guide will walk you through various ways to use herbs and herb oils to clean different areas of your Melbourne home, ensuring a sparkling and fragrant environment.

Why Use Herbs and Herb Oils for Cleaning?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why herbs and herb oils are a great choice for cleaning:

Many herbs and herb oils have natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

They are biodegradable and do not pollute the environment.

Unlike chemical cleaners, they do not emit harmful fumes or irritate the skin.

They provide a soothing and refreshing scent, enhancing the atmosphere of your home.

Essential Herbs and Herb Oils for Cleaning

Here are some of the best herbs and herb oils for cleaning, along with their health benefits:

Cleaning Use: Lavender oil is great for general cleaning due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. 

Health Benefits: Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects, which can help reduce stress and improve sleep.

Cleaning Use: Lemon oil is a powerful degreaser and disinfectant with a fresh scent. 

Health Benefits: Lemon oil can boost mood and energy levels, and it has antioxidant properties.

Cleaning Use: This oil has strong antiseptic properties, making it ideal for disinfecting surfaces. 

Health Benefits: Tea tree oil is known for its ability to fight infections and improve skin health.

Cleaning Use: Eucalyptus oil is excellent for removing mould and mildew. 

Health Benefits: Eucalyptus oil can relieve respiratory issues and provide a cooling sensation that can reduce pain and inflammation.

Cleaning Use: With its refreshing scent, peppermint oil also has antibacterial properties. 

Health Benefits: Peppermint oil can help alleviate headaches, improve mental focus, and relieve muscle pain.

Cleaning Use: Rosemary oil is antimicrobial and adds a pleasant aroma to your cleaning routine. 

Health Benefits: Rosemary can enhance memory and concentration, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cleaning Use: Known for its antiseptic properties, thyme oil is perfect for disinfecting surfaces. 

Health Benefits: Thyme oil can boost immunity and is also beneficial for respiratory health.

Cleaning Use: Chamomile oil is gentle and has antibacterial properties, making it suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces. 

Health Benefits: Chamomile is renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting relaxation and skin health.

How to Clean Different Areas of Your Melbourne Home with Herbs

Mix 10 drops of lemon oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Fill the rest with water. Shake well and use it to clean countertops, appliances, and sinks.

For stubborn grease, mix 10 drops of lemon oil with 1 cup of baking soda and enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to greasy areas, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Combine 1 cup of liquid castile soap with 10 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of lemon oil. Use this mixture as a natural dish soap.

Mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Fill the rest with water. Use this spray to disinfect surfaces, including sinks, toilets, and tubs.

• Mould and Mildew Remover: 

Combine 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle this mixture on areas with mould or mildew, scrub with a brush, and rinse.

Mix 10 drops of lavender oil and 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Fill the rest with water. Use this solution to clean mirrors and glass surfaces.

Combine 1 cup of olive oil with 10 drops of lemon oil. Use a soft cloth to apply this mixture to wooden furniture, then buff to a shine.

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of your favourite herb oil (lavender or peppermint works well). Sprinkle this mixture over the carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Fill a spray bottle with water and add 10 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of rosemary oil. Shake well and spritz the air for a natural air freshener.

Mix 1 cup of water with 10 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of chamomile oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and lightly spray your linens for a calming, fresh scent.

Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the mattress, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum thoroughly.

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white vinegar and 10 drops of lemon oil. Spray this solution on a cloth and use it to dust surfaces.

Materials to Be Careful When Using Herbs and Herb Oils

While herbs and herb oils are effective and natural cleaners, they can potentially damage some materials. Here’s what to watch out for:

Wooden surfaces, particularly unfinished or untreated wood, can be damaged by acidic substances like lemon oil or vinegar. These can strip finishes and cause discoloration. Use diluted solutions and test on a small area first. A safe alternative is olive oil mixed with a few drops of non-acidic herb oil, such as lavender.

Natural stone, like granite or marble, is porous and sensitive to acids. Citrus oils and vinegar can etch and dull these surfaces. Clean stone with mild soap and water, and use well-diluted non-acidic oils like lavender or eucalyptus if needed. Always test first.

Essential oils can stain or discolour fabrics, especially when undiluted. Citrus oils can bleach colours or leave residues. For fabrics, always dilute oils well in water or baking soda and spot test in an inconspicuous area before use.

Some plastics can degrade when exposed to strong essential oils like citrus or tea tree oil. These oils can make plastic brittle or discoloured. Use diluted solutions and rinse thoroughly to prevent damage.

Acidic substances like vinegar and citrus oils can corrode or discolour metals, especially softer ones like aluminium. Use mild soap and water with a few drops of non-acidic herb oil, such as lavender or peppermint, for cleaning metals. Ensure surfaces are dried thoroughly afterward.

Embrace the Power of Nature

Cleaning your Melbourne home with herbs and herb oils is not only beneficial for your health and the environment but also leaves your home smelling delightful. By incorporating these natural ingredients into your cleaning routine, you can achieve a spotless home without relying on harsh chemicals. Embrace the power of nature and enjoy a clean, fresh living space, reflecting Melbourne’s green-conscious ethos.