You might have seen essential oils sold in health or beauty stores, perhaps you read that they’re recommended for their various relaxing and soothing benefits, but these oils can do so much more! From deodorizing to pest control, essential oils are a great thing to have around the house.

What is an “essential oil”?

Also known as “Ethereal oils”, essential oils are a fragrant oil extract, made from plant parts or seeds that contain the essence of that part.

What are they good for?

1. Keep the fridge fresh

You might know that adding a small open container of baking soda helps absorbing smells in the fridge, but if you add a few drops of lime, lemongrass or grapefruit oil, it will also keep the fridge smelling fresh. (You can do this with your garbage can as well)

2. Extend the life of fruit

By adding grapefruit oil to water and rubbing the solution on fruits, you extend its shelf-life. The grapefruit oil reduces oxidization – the primary cause of rot in fruit.

3. Eliminate bad carpet odors

Carpets tend to absorb bad odors, due to humidity or spilled liquids, dust and grime from shoes and feet, etc. If you haven’t got time to get your carpet cleaned and vacuuming isn’t doing much to help the smell, here’s what you should do: mix some baking soda with a few drops of either oil of mint, geranium or lemon. Sprinkle it on the carpet and allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum the carpet.

4. Get rid of dust-mites

Dust mites are the primary source for asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Removing them can be made easier by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil in your washing machine.

5. Keep your bathroom fresh

Most of us don’t clean our toilets every single day, but there’s a way to keep them smelling fresh between each cleaning session – use grapefruit, lemon, geranium or rosemary oil in a diffuser and enjoy.

6. Spider repellent

Most people don’t particularly like spiders. If you’re having a spider problem in your house, mix a few drops of peppermint oil in a water-filled spray bottle, then spray it around the windows, and other locations that spiders come in through.

7. Towel perfumer

Add some drops of your favorite essential oil to a rag (make sure it’s clean) and put it in the dryer with your towels. The heat will cause the oil to evaporate and disperse the lovely scent all over your towels.

8. Neutralize the smell of paint

If you’ve just painted something in the house (or the house itself), you’re probably happy with the look. The problem lies with the smell of drying paint, which can give some people a headache. To prevent this from happening, mix about 10 milliliters of peppermint oil into the paint can.

9. Insect repellant

Most people don’t particularly like spiders. If you’re having a spider problem in your house, mix a few drops of peppermint oil in a water-filled spray bottle, then spray it around the windows, and other locations that spiders come in through.

10. Pet odor neutralizer

If you have a pet, you probably love having it around the house, but the smell can end up being unpleasant. To fix this, get a spray bottle, fill it with apple cider vinegar and mix in a few drops of lavender, lemon or geranium oil, and spray it around the house.