Using Essential Oils around the House: Windows

This past weekend we had great weather. Yes the days are getting shorter and the evenings cooler but when the sun shines it's a great day. September 22nd is considered by many to be the 'official' start of Fall so if you go by that then, we have moved into the Fall season. While I would like to see Summer last as long as possible, this weekend I found myself beginning to clean up and clear both in my house and my garden. Not necessarily my favorite things to do but it got me thinking about incorporating essential oils into the mix to both make me feel happier and to get the job done more efficiently.

One of the bigger jobs I got done on Sunday was cleaning my windows, inside and out. What a pleasure it is to view the world through clean, sparkling glass! I also got a personal lift with the use of essential oils. Many years ago, while I was living in Germany and expected to clean my windows on a monthly basis, my mother-in-law told me that the best way to clean windows well and easily was to use a solution of 2 teaspoons of vinegar in 1 liter of warm water and crumpled newspaper. I have followed her advice for years with one small change, I have added 20 drops of essential oil to the bucket.

Mama's Method of Cleaning Windows:

1. Crumple up a sheet of the newspaper and saturate it with the vinegar/essential oil solution. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
2. Apply the solution to the window using a circular motion. Be sure to give extra attention to any especially dirty areas or any caked-on dirt. Discard the newspaper when it starts to fall apart and get another sheet.
3. Wipe the window dry with a clean sheet of dry newspaper

I like using one or more of the citrus oils for this job but other essential oils would work too.

Lemon with its antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties certainly cuts the grease and gives a nice shine to the windows.
Orange has antifungal and antiseptic properties.
Grapefruit has antiseptic properties and is one of my favorite essential oils, smelling it just makes me feel good.
Pine with its clean smell has antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral properties.
Thyme is one of the strongest antibacterial and antiseptic essential oils of all.

Whatever you choose cleaning windows with essential oils can become a pleasure instead of a chore!

In class workshops will continue to be offered once a month throughout the year.

Upcoming Workshops

October 24 & 25: Lymphatic Stimulation
November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Aromatherapy Courses are available to start at any time during the summer - so if you are looking for something to do this summer perhaps one of our aromatherapy courses is the way to go.

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.