What is lemon essential oil and why use it to clean?
Lemon trees originated in Asia however they are now grown throughout the world from massive commercial orchards to small potted tress on terraces and in green houses.
The lemon is a small evergreen with slightly oval leaves and the flowers have a fragrant aroma. The fruit starts off green and as it ripens, slowly turns to a bright yellow. There are over 40 different types of lemon cultivated worldwide. All are very high in vitamins A, B, and C. Lemon have been used in traditional and folk remedies for many ailments over the years.
Lemon oil is extracted by a cold extraction process, and when fresh has a plain green colour that will gradually turn brown with age. It is best kept in a dark coloured bottled to preserve the oil for as long as possible.
Lemon oil will blend well with the following oils:
- Lavender
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Eucalyptus
- Juniper
- Other citrus oils
Uses for lemon around the home are varied, however it is a must-have for your cleaning collection. Lemon not only smells wonderfully fresh, but has a remarkable ability to cut though grease and dirt. When added to your Gyre and Gymble mix, it will definitely boost its cleaning ability.
Recipes
- Room spray — water and 10 drops of lemon oil
- Dish soap — 50/50 water and Castile soap plus lemon oil and add some fresh lemon peal as a great boost.
- Drier sheets — One slightly damp face cloth add 5 drops of lemon oil and add to your clothes drier.
- Room diffuser — Fill a glass bottle with sweet almond oil and add lemon oil. To boost add other citrus oils like grapefruit and lime.
- Floor wash — Hot water in a bucket bit of Castile soap and add 5 drops of lemon oil.
If you like the sent of lemons and the freshness they bring to a room, then you can add a few drops to all your Gyre and Gymble cleaning products. And remember, lemon scents go particularly well in bathrooms and kitchens.
