Tea tree oil is most commonly known as a way to treat acne that’s both natural and has a strong yet pleasant smell. But this amazing substance has many other uses, including skincare but also beyond, that make it a must-have item in your home. It can be toxic if taken orally, so keep out of reach of little ones or pets! And for best results, store it in a tinted bottle, as direct light can reduce its potency.
And now, here are nine ways you can use tea tree oil for your health and your home:
1. Fight persistent body odor
Add a few drops to your deodorant before putting it on or mix a small amount into your baths to combat body odor that just won’t quit.
2. Make an all-purpose cleaner
Most people recommend combining 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. If the smell is too strong for you, reducing the amount of tea tree oil is fine.
3. Loosen chest congestion and clear sinuses
Add some drops of tea tree oil to a water vaporizer/humidifier and it will help clear your congestion.
4. Make laundry smell extra fresh
A couple drops of tea tree oil in your laundry detergent when will leave your clothes smelling even cleaner.
5. Use as an insect-repellent
Make a spray with a few drops and some water and spray around windows and doors or your outside seating areas to repel bugs.
6. Scrub bathroom tiles and bathtubs squeaky clean
Take the all-purpose cleaner mixture from above and mix kosher salt to effectively scrub tiles and tubs free of grime.
7. Treat cuts and burns
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and is great for small skin injuries.
8. Use as an anti-fungal agent
Fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot can be treated with tea tree oil.
9. Clean off mold
A mixture of water with some drops of tea tree oil can be used to scrub mold off surfaces should you have the misfortune to discover some in your home.
Featured photo credit: Tea tree oil/Stephanie D. via flickr.com
