19 Best Essential Oils for Cleaning and Purifying the Air at Home

Indoor air quality is crucial for our well-being, and one effective way to enhance it is by using essential oils. In this guide, we’ll explore the top essential oils that not only make your space smell fantastic but also contribute to a healthier living environment.

Which essential oils are the best for purifying and cleansing the air?

The best essential oils for cleaning and purifying the air include Tea Tree oil, Lemon oil, Eucalyptus oil, Peppermint oil, Lavender, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Siberian Fir, and Clove.

These oils boast natural antimicrobial properties, effectively killing germs in the air. Tea Tree oil, in particular, stands out for its potent cleansing abilities. Lemon and Peppermint oils offer refreshing scents, promoting clear breathing and a healthy atmosphere.

Incorporating these oils into your home diffuser not only enhances respiratory functions but also maintains clear airways. Elevate your space with the powerful benefits of these essential oils, ensuring a clean and germ-free environment.

Best Essential Oils for Purifying the Air

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil: Nature’s Antiseptic

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has become a go-to essential oil for those seeking a natural way to purify the air. Its powerful antiseptic properties, coupled with being antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial, make it a formidable force against airborne germs and contaminants.

The camphorous scent of Tea Tree Oil not only adds invigorating freshness to any room but also acts as a disinfectant, clearing away germs in the air. This essential oil is renowned for its ability to kill bacteria and viruses, providing a purifying effect on the air. Additionally, its natural deodorizing properties make it a great choice for eliminating unpleasant odors. The strong, refreshing scent, often described as “medicinal” or “herbaceous,” makes Tea Tree Oil a popular option for air fresheners and products designed to enhance air purity.

Tea Tree Oil’s versatility goes beyond air cleaning; it is frequently used to treat various skin conditions and is believed to offer numerous health benefits when inhaled or applied topically.

2. Lavender Essential Oil: A Calming Purifier

Lavender oil is a favorite for those looking to not only clean the air but also create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Known for its pleasant, floral scent, Lavender oil is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Its calming effects extend beyond the mind and body, as it possesses natural antimicrobial properties, contributing to air purification.

In addition to its soothing aroma, Lavender oil is versatile, finding its way into various methods of air cleaning, including diffusers, air fresheners, and homemade cleaning products. This essential oil adds a touch of tranquility while effectively purifying the air, making it a valuable asset for those seeking both a serene environment and improved air quality.

3. Lemon Essential Oil: The Uplifting Air Freshener

Lemon oil is a familiar presence in many household cleaning products, and for good reason. Beyond its delightful scent, Lemon oil works wonders in purifying the air and combating bacteria and germs through its natural antimicrobial properties.

The clean, uplifting scent of Lemon oil not only reduces stress but also actively clears airborne bacteria and pollutants. This essential oil is a powerhouse with antibacterial properties, offering not just a refreshing aroma but also mood improvement and increased energy. Its versatility extends to being one of the best essential oils for boosting energy, making it an ideal choice not just for cleaning the air but also for creating a vibrant and invigorating atmosphere.

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Refreshing Respiratory Aid

Eucalyptus oil is a top pick for those seeking to purify the air with a refreshing and invigorating scent. Known for its minty aroma, Eucalyptus oil opens up breathing passages and helps remove airborne organisms with its strong antibacterial qualities.

The refreshing qualities of Eucalyptus oil go beyond scent; it acts as a natural disinfecting air spray, eliminating bacteria, viruses, and mold that could contribute to respiratory issues. Extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, this essential oil not only freshens the air but also aids in relieving respiratory congestion. Its stimulating effects on the mind and body make it a valuable addition, especially during flu seasons, providing protection for you and your family.

In addition to its air-purifying capabilities, Eucalyptus oil serves as a natural deodorizer, effectively eliminating unpleasant odors. This makes it a popular choice for various air purification products, including diffusers, air fresheners, and homemade cleaning solutions.

5. Frankincense Essential Oil: Ancient Remedy for Modern Air

Frankincense essential oil carries a historical significance, having been used since the 11th century to treat microbial infections. Beyond its rich history, research findings highlight its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a potent tool for eliminating airborne bacteria.  (1)

As a natural homemade cleaner and disinfectant, frankincense oil offers a gentle yet effective way

6. Peppermint Essential Oil: Minty Freshness for Alertness

Peppermint oil, with its invigorating minty scent, goes beyond providing a refreshing aroma. Its antiseptic qualities make it a valuable asset for increasing alertness while reducing airborne contaminants. In our dedicated article on Peppermint oil, we explored its various uses, highlighting its common application for purifying the air.

The strong minty scent not only refreshes but also actively works to clean the air. What sets Peppermint oil apart is its antimicrobial properties, offering not just a pleasant aroma but also contributing to a cleaner and purer breathing space. Moreover, Peppermint oil is renowned for its ability to improve mental focus and alertness, making it a popular choice for workplace settings or study environments. Achieve enhanced performance while ensuring the air you breathe is pureโ€”a two-in-one solution for a healthier and more focused lifestyle.

7. Cinnamon Essential Oil: Nature’s Antibacterial Guardian

Cinnamon Bark Oil emerges as a potent force in inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth, as demonstrated by a study on 21 essential oils. This natural antibacterial powerhouse is proven to be the most effective against various bacteria, even at low concentrations, as supported by scientific findings. (2)

The air-purifying and odor-removing properties of Cinnamon essential oil make it an ideal choice for diffusing in spaces where many individuals interact, such as office settings. Adding a few drops to your diffuser not only contributes to a clean and toxin-free atmosphere but also promotes a healthy environment by eliminating germs and bacteria. Packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, Cinnamon Bark Oil becomes a go-to solution for alleviating cold and flu symptoms, including sore throats, nasal congestion, and headaches.

A quick tip for maintaining a healthy home: Diffuse Cinnamon Bark Oil to strengthen the immune system and eliminate harmful viruses from the air when you sense illness approaching.

8. Palmarosa Essential Oil: A Multipurpose Respiratory Ally

Palmarosa essential oil proves its versatility as a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antimycotic agent, positioning itself as a valuable ally for respiratory ailments, fungal infections, and acne. A 2019 study adds weight to its antifungal prowess, revealing its ability to disrupt the membranes of fungus cells, causing significant damage.

Beyond its medicinal applications, Palmarosa oil finds a place in family home remedy kits due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. With a nurturing effect on spiritual energy, this essential oil becomes a holistic solution for various health aspects.

9. Rosemary Essential Oil: Cleanse the Air with Clarity

Rosemary essential oil, known for its herby scent, serves a dual purpose by stimulating mental clarity and providing decongestive effects when diffused into the air. Its antispasmodic qualities contribute to eliminating harmful bacteria, making it an excellent choice for natural cleaning and air purification.

The purifying properties of rosemary oil extend to its ability to remove foul odors and clear the air. Unlike chemical-laden room sprays, rosemary essential oil is pure and natural, ensuring a fresh and clean aroma without harmful chemicals. Add a touch of nature to your living spaces with the crisp and clean scent of rosemary.

10. Siberian Fir Essential Oil: Uplift Mood and Cleanse the Air

Siberian fir essential oil becomes a mood-enhancing and air-cleansing agent, making it a valuable addition to your essential oil collection. Its antiperspirant and antibacterial properties combat odour-causing bacteria, ensuring a fresh and pleasant environment.

Beyond its air-freshening capabilities, Siberian fir essential oil prevents infections by tackling different strains of bacteria. The components, including alpha-pinene, limonene, camphene, and myrcene, contribute to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Embrace the natural essence of Siberian fir to uplift your mood and create a clean, invigorating atmosphere in your home.

11. Coriander Essential Oil: Uplifting and Air-Purifying Elixir

Diffusing Coriander essential oil not only creates an uplifting environment but also serves as a potent air purifier in your home. The benefits of Coriander essential oil extend to neutralizing odor-causing bacteria, germs, and viruses that may lead to infections.

This essential oil boasts anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, making it a versatile addition to your air-cleaning routine. It neutralizes odor-causing bacteria, germs, mold spores, and fungi, contributing to a fresher and healthier living space. By diffusing Coriander essential oil, you eliminate odor-causing bacteria and environmental pollutants while promoting respiratory health and strengthening the immune system.

12. Clove Essential Oil: The Antimicrobial Air Freshener

Clove essential oil stands out as a powerful antimicrobial air freshener with extensive research supporting its effectiveness. Scientific evidence suggests that clove oil is among the most effective essential oils for inhibiting the growth of various mold species. (3)

The main component of clove oil, eugenol, damages fungal cell membranes and inhibits germ tube formation. This broad-spectrum antifungal effect makes clove essential oil a valuable tool for combatting mold and fungal spores. By incorporating clove oil into your air-cleaning routine, you harness its potent antimicrobial properties to maintain a fresh and mold-free environment.

13. Patchouli Essential Oil: Natural Perfume and Air Freshener

Patchouli essential oil doubles as a natural perfume and air freshener, creating a relaxing atmosphere, particularly in the bedroom. Beyond its aromatic benefits, its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties make it an excellent choice for purifying the air and enhancing the mood.

As a natural air freshener, Patchouli essential oil contributes to a calming aroma while cleansing the home. Its antiseptic properties add an extra layer of cleanliness, making it an ideal option for those seeking both a soothing ambiance and improved air quality in their living spaces.

14. Copaiba Essential Oil: Purifying Benefits with a Sweet Woody Aroma

Copaiba essential oil offers purifying benefits and features a sweet, smooth, woody aroma. This versatile oil can be used to clear the air, relieve coughs, and traditionally treat respiratory complaints. With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, Copaiba becomes a go-to solution for maintaining a healthy living environment.

Traditionally used for sore throat, respiratory infections, mild asthma, and hay fever, Copaiba serves as a natural remedy for respiratory ailments. Incorporating Copaiba essential oil into your air-cleansing routine not only purifies the air but also brings the sweet and grounding essence of the woody aroma into your space.

15. Cypress Essential Oil: Energizing and Air-Cleansing Aura

Cypress essential oil offers benefits for aromatherapy, aiding in clearing the airways, promoting deep breathing, and energizing the mood while grounding emotions. Fresh and non-medicinal in scent, Cypress serves as an air cleanser and tonic, creating a positive and revitalizing atmosphere.

Scientific findings, as published in a study by Complementary & Alternative Medicine, highlight Cypress essential oil’s antimicrobial properties. These properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, making Cypress an effective choice for both cosmetic formulations and air purification solutions. (4)

Embrace the refreshing aura of Cypress to clear unwanted scents, replace them with energizing positivity, and foster a healthier living environment. 

16. Wild Orange Essential Oil: Citrus Freshness for Air Purity

The strong, sweet, citrus aroma of Wild Orange makes it a versatile essential oil for purifying the air and creating an uplifting environment. This oil not only provides a pleasant smell but actively helps in dispelling unwanted odors by diffusing it to clear the air and replace unpleasant smells with the citrus aroma of fresh oranges.

Wild Orange contains powerful antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Diffusing Wild Orange is highly effective at killing pathogens in the air, providing a pleasant way to disinfect and kill bacteria. Its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-pathogenic activity, supported by scientific research, make Wild Orange an excellent choice for those seeking a calming and uplifting atmosphere while relieving stress and maintaining a healthy living space. (5), (6)

17. Myrrh Essential Oil: Resinous Aroma for Sedative Cleansing

Myrrh oil, known for its resinous aroma, brings a sedative effect coupled with powerful sanitizing qualities for indoor spaces. Traditionally used in places of worship globally, myrrh has a rich history of cleansing the air and preventing the spread of illness. Recent studies support the efficacy of burning myrrh essential oil for purifying bacteria from the air, aligning with ancient practices of using incense to cleanse spaces. In fact, a study revealed that burning myrrh and frankincense together can reduce airborne bacteria by at least 68%. (7)

The sedative nature of myrrh oil adds a calming touch to its air-cleansing abilities, creating an atmosphere of tranquility while actively sanitizing your living space. Embrace the rich heritage and therapeutic benefits of myrrh oil for a holistic approach to air purification.

18. Geranium Essential Oil: Floral Freshness with Antimicrobial Power

Geranium essential oil, derived from the Geranium plant native to South Africa, is a delightful addition for cleaning the air with its pleasant floral scent and natural antimicrobial properties. Beyond its aromatic appeal, Geranium oil is known for its ability to stop germs and viruses in their tracks, providing a dual benefit of a lively home ambiance and a cleaner living environment.

The sweet, rosy aroma of Geranium oil not only livens up your space but also contributes to various health benefits when inhaled or applied topically. These benefits include stress and anxiety reduction, mood improvement, and hormonal balance. Dive deeper into the holistic advantages of Geranium oil in our comprehensive guide covering the best essential oils for stress and anxiety.

19. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil: Fragrant Air Freshener with Impurity Elimination

In your quest for the best essential oil for cleaning the air, consider the aromatic prowess of Ylang-Ylang. While it may not boast the same antimicrobial capabilities as some previously discussed oils, Ylang-Ylang offers the ability to offset air pollution and refresh your space with its captivating scent.

Research indicates that Ylang-Ylang supports healthy breathing and counters the effects of air pollution, making it a natural and refreshing choice for air purification. Although it may not actively fight microbes, its impurity elimination properties and delightful fragrance make it an excellent option for maintaining a clean and aromatic environment. Embrace the natural and refreshing qualities of Ylang-Ylang as a delightful way to keep your surroundings clean and smelling great.

Essential Oil Blends for Cleaning the Air

If you’re not into creating your own germ-fighting essential oil mix, here are some pre-made blends for a fresh-smelling home. They’re designed for maximum benefits, and they’re way more budget-friendly than buying a bunch of oils separately. Check out the top 10 essential oil blends to refresh your space, tackle odors, and combat mold and bacteria.

1. Deodorizing by Plant Therapy

Blend: Palmarosa, Lemon, Patchouli, Coriander, Grapefruit Pink, Cypress, Bergamot, Tea Tree.

Benefits:

  • Helps keep odors at bay.
  • Ideal for tackling stinky armpits and feet.
  • Refreshes with a crisp and clean scent.

2. Purify by doTerra

Blend: Lemon Peel, Siberian Fir Needle, Citronella Grass, Lime Peel, Tea Tree Leaf, Cilantro Herb.

Benefits:

  • Purifies and eradicates odors naturally.
  • Provides a refreshing aroma.
  • Acts as a shield against environmental threats.

3. Purify by Revive

Blend: Rosemary, Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Tea Tree, Myrtle.

Benefits:

  • Clean and invigorating aroma.
  • Drives away odors and freshens musty areas.
  • Infuses a lively scent into your space.

4. Pura by Revive

Blend: Lemon, Siberian Fir, Citronella, Lime, Tea Tree, Cilantro Essential Oils.

Benefits:

  • Clean and invigorating aroma.
  • Drives away odors.
  • Naturally cleansing properties.

5. Deodorizer by Revive

Blend: Tangerine, Litsea, Grapefruit, Frankincense, Cardamom Essential Oils.

Benefits:

  • Deodorizing and naturally cleansing.
  • Uplifting for a refreshing atmosphere.

6. Breath of Fresh Air by Edens Garden

Blend: Grapefruit Pink, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lemongrass, Lime, Lemon.

Benefits:

  • Cleanses and purifies the air.
  • Effectiveness against insect bites and sensitive skin.
  • Use in diffusion or high-traffic areas.

7. Cleanse – Purify Air by Jade Bloom

Blend: Lemon, Lime, Pine, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree.

Benefits:

  • Naturally kills airborne germs.
  • Freshens the air and lifts the mood.

8. Germ Fighter by Plant Therapy

Blend: Cinnamon Cassia, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Clove, Rosemary.

Benefits:

  • Supports a healthy immune system.
  • Cleanses and purifies the air.
  • Keeps germs at bay.

9. On Guard by doTerra

Blend: Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf, Rosemary Leaf/Flower.

Benefits:

  • Cleanses and purifies the air.
  • Provides immune support.

10. Thieves Oil by Young Living

Blend: Clove Bud Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Cinnamon Bark Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil.

Benefits:

  • Cleansing when applied topically.
  • Diffuse for a fresh, healthy environment.
  • Overall wellness and support for a healthy immune system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of essential oils for cleaning the air goes beyond merely adding pleasant scents to your living space. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, stress reduction, or increased alertness, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution. 

From their antimicrobial properties to their ability to eliminate airborne contaminants, these oils provide a safer alternative to traditional chemical-based air fresheners.

By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, you not only enhance the ambiance of your home but also take a proactive step towards a healthier and more enjoyable living space.

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Emily Taylor

Emily is a health and beauty writer who is passionate about natural and high-quality products, as well as self-care. She aims to inspire others to prioritize their well-being through her writing.