Try Cleaning Your Home With This Unexpected Herb And Thank Us Later

Many herbs can pull double duty and be used in food as well as around your home. But when it comes to this flavorful plant, you might not understand why at first. Basil is commonly known for its culinary and aromatic properties, but surprisingly, it can also serve as a natural cleaning agent. Although it might not be as potent as other commercial cleaning products, basil boasts some pretty amazing benefits when it comes to using it for non-edible applications. In a study conducted on basil essential oils, it was found that this aromatic herb offered antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and could even protect against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas vulgaris. This humble herb has been used medicinally for treating multiple ailments, including anxiety, headaches, nerve pain, inflammation, symptoms from the common cold, digestive issues, and as a topical for insect bites. 

You can use your all-natural basil cleaning spray for a variety of different household cleaning tasks, including windows, stainless steel appliances, tiles, bathroom surfaces, and kitchen countertops. Always test your spray on an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it won't leave any stains. 

The first option uses pre-made essential oils, and is yet another relatively easy version to make. You'll need one and ½ cups of filtered water, ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar, basil essential oil, and another scent of your choice. Lemon or lavender make things smell fresh and clean, and also relax you. Combine the water and white vinegar in a glass spray bottle, and then add at least 30 drops of essential oils. Experiment but try 15 drops of basil and 15 of your scent of choice. You can always add more to boost its potency.

The more simple and hands-off method of making a basil-infused cleaning spray requires white vinegar, a large 16-ounce mason jar, four or five sprigs of basil, and the peels from four oranges or lemons. Place the basil and orange or lemon skins into the mason jar and top it off with vinegar. Make sure that the lid is securely attached and let it sit in a cool, dark area for a minimum of 10 days. The longer, the better. When you're ready to use it, just strain the basil and orange peels from the liquid, fill a spray bottle halfway with the solution, and top it off the rest of the way with water. Always test your spray on an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it won't leave any stains.

This aromatic herb has been utilized for centuries for its numerous benefits and can be an excellent addition to your home cleaning routine. Basil leaves can be used as a natural air freshener by simply placing a few fresh leaves in a bowl or tying them in a bundle and hanging them in a well-ventilated area. You can also make your own room spray using only basil leaves and a high-alcohol liquor, like vodka. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed in a cool, dark place for around two months. Afterward, strain the basil leaves and keep your new air freshener in a dark brown spray bottle.

Basil is also known for its insect-repellent properties, and planting basil in your garden or keeping potted basil plants indoors can help deter mosquitoes and flies. You can create a natural insect-repellent spray, start by placing six ounces of fresh basil into a pint jar. Pour four ounces of boiling water over the leaves and cover the jar, allowing it to steep for a minimum of four hours. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and add half a cup of witch hazel or vodka. To make it even more potent, you can add extra basil essential oil. Shake it to mix. This all-natural spray can be used on bare skin, but be sure to test it beforehand, just in case.