I’m always looking for natural ways to clean the air in our home. I love my indoor plants for this reason. They brighten my space and help purify the air around us.
Essential oils can give that same benefit! Certain essential oils can reduce the amount of microbes in the air when they are diffused. While researching this post, I found a great article about whether or not essential oils can improve air quality.
Studies have shown oils such as lemon, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, and thyme all have this ability. But some studies have also shown that these oils were only effective for the first hour of diffusing. More research is needed. To error on the side of caution diffuse sparingly, for less than an hour at a time. Some oils should not be diffused around children or pets.
These diffuser combinations are for my 120mL diffuser so adjust accordingly for your own. A good guideline is to start with 3 to 5 drops of oil per 100mL of water. It’s always easier to start on the lighter side and add more drops of essential oil if needed. Consider the size of the room you’re diffusing in and who will be in it. We live in a tiny space so a little goes a long way.
Something to Keep in Mind: Diffusing essential oils is one of the safest ways to use them but always be cautious when diffusing around children, pets, and those with asthma or allergies.
Here are four of my favorite diffuser combinations to purify the air:
2 Drops Tea Tree and 2 Drops Lemon
Both lemon and tea tree essential oils have disinfecting properties that also allow them to clean the air. Lemon also offers a bright uplifting scent and tea tree supports the immune system.
1 Drop Tea Tree, 1 Drop Sweet Orange, 1 Drop Lemon, and 1 Drop Bergamot
For a stronger citrus variety add sweet orange and bergamot to the lemon/tea tree combination. These promote a positive mood, ease anxiety and create a relaxing calm atmosphere along with the purifying benefits.
1 Drop Eucalyptus, 1 Drop Sweet Orange, and 1 Drop Tea Tree
Eucalyptus is a secondary oil for cleaning the air and combines nicely to boost tea tree’s disinfecting power. They both aid the respiratory system. Sweet orange adds a fresh citrus scent and an uplifting quality.
1 Drop Lemongrass, 2 Drops Rosemary, and 2 Drops Cedarwood
Lemongrass essential oil is recommended for cleaning air pollution as well as disinfecting. I find the scent easily overpowering. Adding rosemary and cedarwood helps mellow it with their woody scents. Cedarwood calms and soothes while rosemary aids focus and promotes alertness.
Synergy Blends:
I have a couple of synergy oils from Plant Therapy that I use occasionally. Germ Fighter and Immune Aid are my favorites to use to clean the air. They also boost the immune system.
Other Essential Oils that are Good for Cleaning the Air:
- peppermint
- lavender
- frankincense (especially carteri)
- balsam fir
- grapefruit
- cypress
- thyme
Other Recipes that Use These Oils:
- Lemon and sweet orange essential oils feature in several of my diffuser combinations for waking up.
- I use lemon and tea tree to give extra disinfecting power to my all purpose cleaning spray.
- Lemon is part of a roller bottle recipe to help seasonal allergies.
- I use eucalyptus and rosemary in my roller bottle blend to help with sinus issues.
Essential Oil Resources:
Beginning with Essential Oils: A Basic Guide
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
What are your thoughts on using essential oils? Do you diffuse them in your home?
