Mood Mopping

The next time you have to mop and find yourself looking for alternative options to add in your mop bucket for a fresh aroma, try adding a few drops of essential oils to the bucket of water. Not sure which essentials oils to try?  One way to start may be by asking yourself what kind of mood your in, and what kind of mood you would rather be in.  Or maybe how would you like your home to smell or what aroma would make you feel happier or uplifted.

​Start first by gathering the essential oils you have on hand.  Then grab your favorite reputable reference guide or online guide.  You will need to closely check all precautions for each essential oil you plan to use prior to using.  Also note who else is in the home such as kids, dogs, cats, someone with a medical condition, etc.  Be sure to add your essential oil drops to the water after the bucket is done filling, not during, to prevent any intense aroma’s from steaming too close to your face and eyes.

Lemon (Citrus limon) has multiple properties, one of which is being antiseptic.  It is known for it’s refreshing, clarifying, energizing, and uplifting aroma, as well as it’s ability to be used in multiple household cleaners, leaving your home clean and lemony fresh smelling! Lemon essential oil is phototoxic however, so if you are using this essential oil, be sure the drops go in the bucket and not on your skin if you plan on spending the rest of the day in the sun.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) has antiseptic properties as well, and is known to have an energizing aroma that can add cheer to your mood and uplift a tired mind.  Last I checked, mopping surely wasn’t cheery, and brought on more tired than upliftment!  So bring on the lime!  Lime essential oil is also phototoxic.

Another commonly used citrus essential oil is Orange (Citrus aurantium).  Orange essential oil also has antiseptic properties and has the ability to add some sunshine to your mood and revive a lack of energy.  Orange essential is phototoxic and may irritate sensitive skin.  So as noted above, be sure the essential oils go into the bucket and not on your skin.

How many drops to add?  This can depend on how much water you are using, how much of an aroma you prefer, or how many times your will be changing the water as well.  Start with less, two or three drops, and add a few more if needed per your preference.

​Listed above are just a few common essential oils used for cleaning purposes.  There are many more!  Use what you have on hand, or be creative with your choices and change with the seasons!

If your looking to add some suds to the bucket, you can add a small amount of Castile Soap to the mix!  Not too much though or you’ll have a floor full of suds!  If you do not have essential oils but are looking for the alternative to try, some brands of Castile Soap do offer different essential oils blended in already.

So have fun next time you mop by adding your own favorite mood lifting essential oils to the bucket!  Blend a few favorites or use one essential oil with each bucket change.   

**The essential oils above only list a few precautions, not all.  Be sure to always check for a full list of precautions for each individual essential oil prior to using any essential oils from a reputable reference.**
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Happy Mopping!  






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References:
Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Second Edition, Copyright 2014, Pages 331, 371, 337
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemon-oil.asp
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/bitter-orange-oil.asp
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lime-oil.asp

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