Healthy Cleaning with Tea Tree Oil

~*~Going green is popular these days and green approaches to cleaning typically include using cleaning solutions that do not include harsh chemicals or petroleum-based ingredients. In fact, some proponents of green cleaning advocate staying away from antibacterial chemicals. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal essential oil. Although tea tree oil has a strong odor, it is an effective substitute for harsher, mainstream chemicals.

~*~Mold Killer: Make a natural solution that kills fungus by adding a teaspoon of tea tree oil to white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray but do not rinse.

~*~Laundry Scent and Booster: Sometimes clothes and linens need a little more than just plain old laundry detergent. A teaspoon of tea tree oil in your wash water can kill germs.

~*~Insect Repellent and Bite Soother: Tea tree oil keeps mosquitoes, gnats, and other bugs away. Pour about one ounce of tea tree oil and four ounces of witch hazel into a spray bottle. Shake it up before applying. Both ingredients are soothing to existing bites.

~*~All-Purpose Cleaner: Tea tree oil is a great addition to homemade cleaners. Add 2 cups of hot water to 2 tablespoons of Borax, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Shake it and spray on germs!

~*~Gum and Sticker Remover: Tea tree oil can cut through sticky substances with ease! Pour a few drops on a cotton ball and rub away.

~*~Head Lice: Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with 4 teaspoons of either olive oil or coconut oil and rub into scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes. Use a nit comb before washing mixture out.

~*~Athlete's Foot and other Fungus: For athlete's foot, ringworm, dandruff and nail infections, mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a base oil like sweet almond, olive or coconut oil and apply to affected area. You can also add tea tree oil to your shampoo, or even to hot water for a foot soak.