There is a growing consciousness involving cleaning methods and products: green cleaning. Cleanlink.com defines this ideas as "cleaning using products and procedures that are safe for the environment and the planet as a whole, but protects the health of the general public as well.
In today's consumer world, long-established cleaning brands dominate the supermarkets and grocery stores. We mindlessly grab them due to their strong brand recall or simply because they occupy a good space in our comfort zone. In other words, it's what we have been using for a long time. We don't realize that most of them contain harsh chemicals, including synthetic fragrances.
There's more to orange oil's refreshing scent
Green cleaning is an alternative to traditional cleaning methods. It makes use of healthier, more cost-effective, and less toxic alternatives to household cleaning. Thankfully, nature has been giving us so many raw materials towards these alternatives. We only have to look around, recognize, and acknowledge their benefits.
Orange oil is one of the many plant-derived oils that are all-natural and that contain key properties that make them effective as cleaning products. As a plus, it has a fresh, citrusy scent that's sure to brighten things up.
Here are the top four reasons orange oil is a must if you want to implement green cleaning to your home.
4 orange oil properties that make it an effective cleaning product
Orange oil as a household cleaner demonstrates versatility. It can be a degreaser in the kitchen, a wood and leather polisher, has antiseptic properties, and is non-drying on intended surfaces.
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It's antiseptic. Orange oil's proven antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective all-purpose household cleaner. It works wonders in eliminating not only dust and dirt but most importantly disease-causing germs such as E-coli and salmonella. The efficiency of many over-the-counter cleaners in fighting germs depends on how strong or toxic the components used are. Orange oil is not only natural, environment-friendly, and healthy, it also leave a lovely and uplifting citrus scent around the house.
Did you know? Aside from being a multi-purpose household cleaning product, orange oil's aromatic scent has a healing effect. Spas and salons like to use orange oil because the orange scent tends to aid in releasing stress.
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It degreases. Orange oil is extracted from real orange rinds through the process of cold-pressing. Unlike other citrus oils in the market, it doesn't contain mineral spirits, making it a 100% natural, eco-safe, non-toxic, and non-combustible degreaser.
It serves its purpose best in the kitchen where we commonly find grease splattered on various surfaces: kitchen bench tops, range hoods, stovetops, or countertops. Dip a few drops of orange oil on a non-abrasive sponge or a damp cloth. Rub it on the greasy layers and watch it reveal a cleaner and shinier surface.
For wood finishes, remember to patch-test the oil on a discreet area on the furniture to ensure that it is 100% compatible with the wood finish and doesn't stain. Wood surfaces can be very sensitive and may react to cleaning agents.
Did you know? For a deeper clean, you can sprinkle baking soda on the grease first before applying two to three drops of orange oil on it. Then grab a brush and scrub the surface. As a spray solution, you may combine orange oil with 1/4 cup of castile soap and water and then pour into a spray bottle. Shake well until mixed and start to spray down greasy areas.
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It polishes. Orange oil can transform a dull and lackluster room into a cheerful and sparkly place. Tired and faded tables, bed frames, desks, and cabinets come alive and get a polished look with their new sheen. We all know how a vibrant new room can affect an occupant's mood, right? With orange oil, it becomes easy to relax and be rejuvenated.
Did you know? You can make your own orange oil polish at home. Just add about 10 drops of orange oil to a cup of carrier oil (linseed or olive oil). Dip a rag on a small amount of the solution, then wipe over the furniture. Make sure to cover the surface evenly with just an enough amount. Leave it for a few minutes and use a separate soft cloth to buff it up to a shine. -
It's non-drying. Orange oil doesn't contain harsh chemicals. Thus, it works well on all wood surfaces, from antiques to modern furniture, without drying the finish, unlike other traditional cleaning products or degreaser such as mineral spirits, ammonia, or naphtha. The citrus oils of the rind are safe to use on both finished or unfinished wood.
Did you know? You can also moisturize your leather furniture with a mixture of 1/4 cup flaxseed oil, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil. Combine the ingredients in a glass jar with a lid. Cover and shake well before using. Drop a small amount on a soft, clean cloth and rub it on one small areas at a time. Leave it for a few minutes and buff until the surface dries.
A word of caution
Orange oil is still a skin and respiratory tract irritant so any solution with it should be handled with necessary caution. Consult a doctor or a natural therapist before using it if you have skin and lung conditions.
They must also be kept out of reach of children. Kids might mistake them for their normal orange juice due to its scent and might drink and swallow them.
Orange oil is a great choice
Overall, orange oil as a cleaning product demonstrates more benefits than many other over-the-counter household cleaners. If we care enough not only for our furniture and household areas but also for our planet, health, and well-being, choosing orange oil is a no-brainer.
Look for and buy an orange oil-based cleaning product that suits your cleaning needs. Or better yet, make your own using the sample tips above and transform your home into the clean, sweet-smelling, and revitalized place that you deserve.
