Go Greener Tips

After a nice rain when you go in the forest, often you smell the scent of eucalyptus, which makes everything smell fresh and clean. Gum trees, which is the name that eucalyptus is often known by, happen to be the main tree genus within Australia. In fact, there are 600+ different species of these trees. These trees are useful for building needs, providing timer, they make great windbreaks and cover, wonderful firewood, they are great for landscaping, and they offer nectar to the bees as well. When it comes to products from these trees, eucalyptus oil is one of the best known ones and no doubt you have heard of it.

The eucalyptus oil is taken from the leaves of certain trees and steam distilled. Not all of the eucalyptus trees can be used to produce this oil. The oil is flammable and it also has compounds in it that deter pests and other compounds that are excellent disinfectants as well. Of course, only about 5% of the requirements for the world are produced in Australia and surprisingly most of the products actually come from China. However, some of the products that come from China may not be 100% eucalyptus oil, so it is important that you check into the product carefully before you make the purchase. Although many medicines use eucalyptus oil, you should still seek the advice of a medical professional before you ingest it.

The great thing about eucalyptus oil is that it can be used in many ways around your house. Instead of using synthetic chemicals that are hard on the environment and your health, eucalyptus can be used. Here are some excellent tips that you can use at home with eucalyptus oil.

One way you can use eucalyptus oil at home is by making a spray that can help to clean and disinfect surfaces. What you do is take a spray bottle, fill it with mostly water, add in a bit of dishwashing soap, then a small amount of the eucalyptus oil. Shake it to mix it, but only shake gently. This can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Another great option is to take some of the eucalyptus oil and dilute it in a bucket. Take the water and use it on laminex finishes to help get rid of all the different finger marks that can be so tough to get rid of. The oil can be used to help get rid of residue from decals or stickers on glass as well.

If you want to disinfect toilets or other hard to clean surfaces, you can make a nice disinfectant with eucalyptus oil as well. Simply take about 1.6 ounces of the oil and then mix it up with a quart of water. Then store it in a container – a spray container works best. Simply use it like you would a regular disinfectant to clean and disinfect around your home.

When you are washing clothing, add a couple teaspoons of eucalyptus oil. Don’t add it until the washing machine has filled up with water so it gets well dispersed and doesn’t end up on once piece of clothing. This provides some great anti microbial benefits and also will leave your clothes smelling great. This oil can also be used alone to help eliminate ink, paint, or even grease from your clothing.