3. Disinfecting Dishwashing Soap
Washing is good; in some cases, disinfecting is better. For the most part, simple washing with soap and water is enough to dispel harmful germs. When washing items that have come into contact with animal products, however, disinfecting is a good idea to prevent the spread of potentially harmful bacteria.
To make your natural dishwashing soap a germ-killing powerhouse, add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to your liquid dish soap dispenser before filling with your regular dishwashing soap.
You’d be surprised at what commercial dish soap has in it. Some contain formaldehyde, sulfuric acid, and other carcinogenic chemicals. You surely don’t want your children eating off of plates that can make them sick if there’s any residue.
4. Antimicrobial Laundry Detergent
Adding melaleuca oil to your washing machine will serve 2 purposes: get rid of any germs in your clothes and keep mold and mildew from forming in the mechanisms of your washer.
You can add a few drops to your pre-wash cup or along with liquid detergent (find a DIY recipe here) to get your laundry truly clean while adding a subtle fresh scent.
5. Ant Repellant
Ants are a common home nuisance in the spring and summer. Placing dangerously toxic chemicals on the floor to get rid of them poses a hazard to children and pets.
Fortunately, ants (and cockroaches!) don’t like tea tree oil so you can deter them from ever coming inside. Place a few drops of tea tree oil in the spot(s) where you notice ants entering your home.
With the melaleuca line of defense, they’ll turn around and look for other options. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray around the baseboards near doors and windows to block off any avenue these tenacious creatures may find.
Tea tree oil is a versatile non-toxic germ killer.
Other home uses of this essential oil include:
Now that you know how to use tea tree oil, give chemical cleaners the boot to clean and deodorize naturally.