Each of these essential oils is readily available on the world market for purchase and relatively inexpensive. Each is known for its clean, fresh scent and has a well-earned reputation for being potent cleansing, clearing and cleaning agents.

Combining the oils in a synergy blend enhances their individual properties for even greater effects.

Lemon Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii)

Chemical Family - Aldehyde 

• Cleansing properties
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Promotes safe natural insect protection
  

Lemon Tea Tree has a wonderfully clean, fresh lemon scent.

Combining the cleansing power of its aldehyde content, as well as the cooling and purifying effects of tea tree oil, Lemon tea tree is packed with all the properties needed to support a healthy immune system. 

Also, if you have an issue with ants during the summer, or your dog is troubled by fleas Lemon Tea Tree can be a great ally.

Aldehydes are the Cleaners of Aromatherapy. Essential oils containing primarily aldehydes have the highest antibacterial activity, along with phenols.

For more information about aldehydes visit, The Cleaners of Aromatherapy - Aldehydes. 

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus & E. radiata)

Chemical Family - Oxide

• Contains stimulating properties that enhance circulation
• Contains cleansing and detoxifying agents
• Supports healthy immune and respiratory systems
• Increases circulation blood, lymph and nerve supply
• Frequently used in personal care products
• Psycho-emotionally good for relieving congested thoughts

The most common oxide in aromatherapy is 1,8-cineole. Also known as eucalyptol.

Essential oils with a camphoraceous scent usually contain oxide components, i.e. eucalyptus. The eucalyptol content is highest in the globulus and smithii variety of eucalyptus oils. Rosemary cineole and cajeput also contain high amounts of the oxide chemical constituents.

1,8-Cineole has been shown to have expectorant (cleansing and clearing action) properties and to stimulate the respiratory system.

For more information about oxides visit, The Liberators of Aromatherapy - Oxides. 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Chemical Family - Monoterpene alcohol (Monoterpenol) and Ester

• Reputation for universal all purpose application
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Calming, relaxing and anxiety reducing agent
• Helps relieve tension 
• Calming and soothing influence
  

A universal oil, Lavender is highly scented with a distinctly sweet, robust and floral aroma. With its universal application, lavender has the most broad spectrum application of any oil in aromatherapy. 

A universal oil, Lavender oil’s pure, clean and fresh scent is well known. Every home and office should consider keeping a bottle of it on hand.

Alcohol chemical components in an EO can lead to more synergistic effects. Enhanced synergistic effects is an important quality for an oil to posses, as it boosts the effect of a single oil in its action. This is true whether in combination with other essential oils, botanical plants and extracts, or even when used with pharmaceutical agents. 

For more information about alcohols visit, The Lovers of Aromatherapy - Alcohols. 

Essential oils rich in monoterpenols strengthen the immune system and are great for skin care. They promote emotional balance and calm nervous energy, anxiety and stress.

Monoterpenols have potent anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral properties and are generally nontoxic.

For more information about monoterpenols visit, The Female Athlete of Aromatherapy - Monoterpenols. 

Lavender oil is also high in ester chemical constituents which give it its very fragrant note and a calming effect. 

Esters are the Protectors and Nurturers of aromatherapy. Essential oils with esters are usually very fragrant with fruity notes. Their therapeutic actions and effects are characteristically sedating and antispasmodic. And, as with most essential oils, esters have a broad spectrum of anti-microbial action.

For more information about Esters visit, The Protectors & Nurturers of Aromatherapy - Esters.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Chemical Family - Aldehyde

• Refreshes and renews your life energies
• Contains cleansing and purifying properties
• Promotes release of negative blockages
• Wealth attraction oil, use alone or in a blend
• Relaxing and calming properties promote relief for muscle aches and pains
• Reported to be excellent for releasing psycho-emotional blockages

Its high citral content (70-80%) give Lemongrass its strong antimicrobial qualities. Lemongrass EO is frequently used as an insecticide. It is also a great fat burner and excellent for promoting weight loss. Citral if often used in the pharmaceutical industry for making weight loss medications.

Citral has been studied and shown to be effective for its bactericidal and fungicidal activity. 

For more information about aldehydes visit, The Cleaners of Aromatherapy - Aldehydes. 

Surface Cleaner EO Recipe
Easy to make and use for all your surface cleaning needs.

• Lemon Tea Tree - 180 drops
• Lemongrass - 180 drops
• Lavender - 60
• Eucalyptus - 60 drops

To a 1ounce colored glass bottle add your drops of essential oil. Cap bottle tightly and shake vigorously to blend oils together. Allow to synergize 8-12 hours before using. A one ounce bottle can contain approximately 600 hundred drops of oil.

Alternatively, you can add EOs directly to a 32 oz spray bottle for immediate use.

Directions

• Add 1-2 Tablespoons of natural, unscented dish soap
• Add EOs (2.5% dilution)
  Lemon Tea Tree - 180 drops
  Lemongrass - 180 drops
  Lavender - 60 drops
  Eucalyptus - 60 drops
• Insert sprayer and shake bottle to disperse EOs in dish soap.
• Add 1/8 - 1/4 cup distilled vinegar, insert sprayer and shake bottle to thoroughly mix ingredients together.
• Half fill bottle with purified water (do not use tap water). Insert sprayer and shake bottle to thoroughly mix ingredients together.
• Top-off bottle with purified water. Shake lightly to mix ingredients. Use as needed.

Instructions for Use

You can spray directly on surface areas and wipe clean, or allow EO Surface Cleaner solution to dry and leave-on. For porous surfaces you’ll need to immediately wipe surfaces clean with pure water as EOs can damage porous surfaces.

You can also spray on a wet cleaning cloth and wipe down all surface areas, i.e. walls, doors, door knobs, floors and window seals. 

Great to use on cutting boards to disinfect and for a clean fresh scent.

READ next article in series, Top 10 Essential Oils to Whiten & Brighten Your Laundry +Recipes.