While we realize harsh chemicals are not the best for our dogs or ourselves, it’s hard to think of anything that could clean effectively. However, essential oils not only smell amazing but can be powerful cleaners. “[It’s] very important to note that when you are cleaning with essential oils, they NEED to be diluted in a carrier oil for effective use,” says Roberta Perry, president of Scrubz Body Scrub. “It extends the life and value of the essential and helps guarantee there will be no reaction with the dog’s coat. Never ingest them either!”
#1 – Neutralize Pet Odor
Puritan’s Pride, makers of Aromappeal Essential Oils, suggests using Geranium, Lavender, or Lemon oil to neutralize pet odor. Mix ten to twenty drops of essential oil in small spray bottle with apple cider vinegar. Shake well before each use.
Click page 2 below for the next way!
#2 – Refresh Carpets
Puritan’s Pride also says you can also use Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, or Peppermint oil added to baking soda to refresh carpets. Sprinkle mixture into carpet, let sit for at least 15 minutes, then vacuum up.
#3 – Scent the Pet Pillow
A smelly pet pillow can easy be treated with essential oils. As a bonus, Puritan Pride says to use flea deterring lavender and peppermint essential oils.
#4 – Aromappeal Carpet Cleaner
Lastly, Puritan Pride recommends mixing tea tree oil with Borax to make homemade carpet powder.
#5 – Sugar Scrub
Roberta Perry, president of Scrubz Body Scrub, says she uses their sugar scrub, which is loaded with botanical oils and scented with essential and high quality Fragrance Oil on her dog and grand dog. “Not only does it break through dirt, grease and grime, but leaves their coat supple and smooth. They can lick it off with no worry or sensitivity,” she adds. Scrubz™ is not tested on animals, it’s just enjoyed by them!
#6 – Theives Essential Oil Cleaner
Lisa Ory has been using essential oils for cleaning for over 10 years. She uses the Thieves essentialoil cleaner from Young Living. I use lemon and orange oil for every day, counter top, dishwasher and laundry duties as well as cleaning up after her aging dog who had loose bowels. “Using Thieves cleaner was ideal because not only did it disinfect but it is non-toxic,” she explains. “Thieves oil is a combination oil that contains Clove, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary.”
#7 – Bright Nest Pet Stain Removal
At BrightNest.com, they use the following recipe for removing pet stains:
1) Mix 2 cups of liquid castile soap with ½ cup of warm water in your bowl.
Castile soap is any soap made entirely from vegetable oil, and can be found
at your local health food store.
2) Add ½ cup of lemon juice. The lemon will add acidity to your soap, which
is a powerful degreasing agent and important for dish duty.
3) Add essential oils. For dogs, we like lavender (the scent will actually
help calm your pet), peppermint oil (bonus – spiders and mice hate it!), or
sweet orange. They don’t recommend tea tree oil is it can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
#8 – LSM Soaps
These soaps are 100 percent natural and made from organic essential oils with a vegetal soap base and pure water from the Provencal regions of France.
#9 – Cleaning Wounds
If your dog gets a minor scrap, you can use essential oils to clean it. For example eucalyptus as an antiseptic and rosemary or oregano as an antibiotic. Do not use essential oils for medicinal purpose without first consulting your vet. It can be dangerous to your dog. (www.DoctorLynn.com)
#10 – Mood Spray Cleaner
Hiedie Terrig, CEO of Moodsprays.com hand blends a series of “Anti-Bad-Mood Sprays” and also uses them to create a natural all-purpose cleaner that uses 1/4 cup of the Mood Spray; borax; vinegar; castile soap and water. It works great and is completely non-toxic.
#11 – Dog Urine Eliminator
Perrin Carrell, owner of ChewieSays.com uses the following recipe to clean up dog urine stains and smells.
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1 tsp dish soap (homemade from borax)
– 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice (I’ve actually found wild orange essential oil works best, since it does a better job of covering the smell, and dogs don’t particularly like it.)
#12 – Natural Pet Odor Air Fresheners
Carrell also has a recipe for getting rid of those lingering mess after the mess is cleaned up. To absorb odors: Set out small dishes of white vinegar or baking soda near the affected areas. To freshen the smell of a room: Add about a dozen drops of an essential oil to one cup of vodka. Again, I like wild orange oil for this, but lots of people enjoy mint or lavender.
Toledo, United States.
