How a Tea Tree Oil Spray Can Help Clean Kitchen and Bathroom Counters

tea tree oil countertop cleaning spray, Digi Mart USA News: Many households have kept up more vigilant disinfecting habits since the pandemic, and some people look for cleaning products that are strong without being harsh or expensive. A homemade spray made from tea tree oil, white vinegar and water is presented as one such option for kitchen and bathroom counters.

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant in Australia. Aboriginal communities have long used it for healing, and in the 1930s it was promoted as a disinfectant and included in Australian military first aid kits.

Today it is used around the home for freshening laundry, deodorising, controlling pests and fighting mould.

The oil is widely known to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi, owing to a compound called terpinen-4-ol. A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that direct contact with tea tree oil inhibited the growth of two common indoor fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum, which can cause disease and allergy symptoms, especially in people with weak immune systems.

The study reported that the oil altered the fungi’s cell membranes and interfered with cell activity.

To make the spray, the article suggests combining 20 drops of tea tree oil with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water. The oil should always be diluted because its pure form can damage some surfaces.

For greasy counters, a similar amount of lemon oil can be added. The mixture should be shaken well before use and left on counters for a few minutes before wiping.

The spray is described as safe for tile, laminate, stainless steel and glass, but may not suit natural stone such as marble and granite, or natural and unsealed wood. The article advises testing the solution on an inconspicuous spot first, making a fresh batch weekly, and storing the spray and oil in a cool, dark place.

Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, so both the spray and the oil should be kept out of reach. Pet owners, particularly those with curious cats, are advised to dry surfaces well after use, and rinsing surfaces after cleaning may help remove traces of the essential oil.