Winter often leaves behind a host of microbes lingering in the air and on surfaces, so spring cleaning is definitely essential. Why not go a step beyond the traditional dusting and actually detox your home this season? Thankfully, this doesn’t have to mean scrubbing your counters, floors, and furniture with questionable chemicals. Instead, you can bliss out your home with essential oils that deodorize and fight against mold, bacteria, fungus, and viruses.

Lavender is essential to any at-home cleaning kit. If you’re new to essential oils, this is the one to start with. It’s extremely gentle and known for its calming and stress-relieving effects. It’s also a natural antiseptic and antibiotic with subtle antifungal properties. Use lavender if you’re looking to relax and unwind while you do the dishes or wash the floors.

The smell of lemon may immediately conjure thoughts of deep-cleaning products. That’s because lemon is a powerful antiseptic that can leave practically any room fresh and clean. However, traditional cleaning products often use an artificial lemon smell that can cause headaches. Instead, use lemon essential oils to create cleaning sprays, add them to diffusers to purify the air, or included them in a load of laundry to prevent mildew. Lemon can even help with your seasonal allergies by opening up your airways with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Tea tree essential oil tops the list when it comes to detoxing the home with antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties that are great at cleansing the air of lingering infectious particulates. Bonus: Tea tree oil can keep spring and summer bugs at bay when put to work on windowsills and doorways.

Now here’s an essential oil that doubles as an environment and body detoxifier. Sure, grapefruit oil can disinfect your countertops or refrigerator, but it’s also a powerful body cleanser. Add a drop or two of high-quality, food-grade oil to your morning water and to help ease cravings and promote weight loss.

Sweet geranium is a lovely, clean floral smell to add to your home detox kit. It acts as an antiseptic and antibacterial, and it’s even been shown to balance hormones. Freshen your bedroom and soothe your anxiety at the same time? Sold.

There are many ways to harness the power of these common essential oils at home. Here are a few of my all-time favorites:

Fill a fine-mist spray bottle with about 16 ounces (475 milliliters) of distilled or purified water. Add 10 to 20 drops of a single oil or a blend of oils. Spray every time you want to purify the air, or use your concoction as a counter cleaner, shaking the bottle vigorously before each use.

Dampen a cloth with your spray and clear off all your surfaces, or simply add a few drops of essential oil to a dry cloth.

Place one or two drops of oil on a tissue or cotton ball to get into any hard-to-reach corners of floors, counters, or shelves.

Diffusers are easier to find than ever, and you can purchase one online or in any home goods store. Once you find one you love, follow its specific oil-to-water ratio and enjoy a constant stream of fresh scent.

Revamp your dishwashing liquid with your favorite oil or blend. Add 8 to 10 drops per every 16 ounces of liquid.

When used appropriately, these oils have powerful detoxing effects on your environment as well as your mood, energy, and vitality.

If you would like any more information contact Dr. Andrew Timbs at Purity Chiropractic.