Using eucalyptus oil around the home
Unfortunately, the trees have become bothersome to some when planted in other parts of the world, such as California, where they have been around since approximately 1853. Nevertheless, it's an incredibly useful tree, providing timber for building, cover and windbreaks, firewood, nectar for bees to produce honey, landscaping, pulp, and even food. One of the best-known eucalyptus products is eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus Oil Production
Eucalyptus oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of certain species. Not all eucalyptus trees are suitable for oil production, and different species have varying medicinal attributes. The oil is highly flammable and contains compounds that are natural disinfectants and pest deterrents.
It's interesting to note that Australia only produces around 5 percent of world requirements these days. The majority of the world's commercial production occurs in China; however, I've read that this is often not 100 percent eucalyptus oil, but mixed with a camphor extract (so always check the label carefully before purchasing).
You can still buy fair dinkum, true-blue, and ridgey-didge (Aussie slang terms for "the real thing") 100 percent Australian Eucalyptus oil from companies such as FGB Natural Products and Emu Ridge.
While eucalyptus oil is used in many medicines, always exercise caution and professional advice if you're considering ingesting it, as it can be toxic.
Uses for Eucalyptus Oil Around the House
Aside from medicinal uses, eucalyptus oil can be used around your home to replace many environmentally harsh synthetic chemicals.
Penny, a professional cleaner, wrote to me with these tips: “I make a spray-and-wipe with water, eucalyptus oil, and some washing-up liquid. The idea comes from a hospital cleaner and works well. Proportions are not rocket science. Fill bottle mostly with water, add a slurp of dishwashing liquid, and then a capful or thereabouts of 100 percent eucalyptus. Shake gently to mix. Works well on all surfaces. I use it diluted again in a little water in a bucket, and it is great for all those finger marks that are hard to move from laminate finishes.”
You can also make a general disinfectant for toilets and the like, and again, it's a very simple recipe: Mix 1.6 ounces of eucalyptus oil with a quart of water. You can store it as you would a normal disinfectant.
Undiluted eucalyptus oil can also be used to remove sticker and decal residue from glass.
Add 1–2 teaspoonfuls of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a fresh scent along with the anti-microbial benefits.
Use undiluted oil to help remove paint, grease, and ink from clothes.
If you have a car air freshener that's almost dead, reinvigorate it by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
Half a teaspoon mixed with half a quart of water makes for a good bug repellant for plants.
Use it as a stainless-steel cleaner.
To use as a room air freshener, mix a quarter of a teaspoon or 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with a half-teaspoon of vodka, place in an atomizer or spray bottle, and add 2 cups of water. This should be quite subtle, so you may need to add more.
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