Tea Tree Essential Oil Benefits + Natural Cleaning Spray Recipe
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most versatile and powerful oils you can keep at home. Known for its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and purifying properties, it’s a must-have for natural cleaning, skin care, and boosting overall well-being.
💬“I use tea tree essential oil in my homemade cleaning sprays, and in my diffuser when I have a cold or stuffy nose to clean my sinuses.”
Want to know more? Check out the ultimate essential oils guide →
Where Tea Tree Essential Oil Comes From
Tea tree essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. The oil has a sharp, medicinal, herbaceous scent that’s instantly recognisable. Aboriginal Australians have used tea tree leaves for centuries, crushing them to inhale for respiratory issues or applying them directly to wounds for natural healing.
A Deeper Look at History
In the 1920s, Australian chemist Arthur Penfold highlighted tea tree essential oil’s potent antiseptic properties, sparking worldwide interest. By World War II, it was included in soldiers’ first-aid kits as a disinfectant. Today, it’s widely used in natural medicine, skincare, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Mind
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Clears away stagnant or negative energy from your environment
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Sharp, medicinal aroma promotes mental clarity and alertness
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Useful in diffusers to refresh and “reset” the energy of a room
Body
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Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties
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Helps soothe skin irritations and blemishes (when diluted)
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Purifies the air and supports easier breathing when diffused
Soul
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Strong protective qualities—often used in spiritual cleansing rituals
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Promotes a sense of renewal, cutting away heaviness
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Grounds and strengthens, making it ideal for meditation or energy clearing
Practical Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil at Home
1. Natural Cleaning Spray
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1 amber glass spray bottle (500ml)
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15 drops of tea tree essential oil
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10 drops lemon essential oil (optional for extra freshness)
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1 squirt of eco-friendly washing-up liquid
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Top up with filtered water
Shake before use and spray onto kitchen counters, bathroom tiles, or anywhere that needs a deep, natural clean.
2. Laundry Freshener
Add 5–10 drops of tea tree essential oil to your washing machine’s detergent drawer to eliminate odours and refresh fabrics.
3. Spot Treatment (with caution)
Mix 1 drop of tea tree essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and dab onto blemishes with a cotton bud.
4. Mould & Mildew Spray
Mix 20 drops of tea tree essential oil with 200 mL of white vinegar and 200 ml of water. Spray on bathroom grout or damp areas to help tackle mildew naturally.
Safety Notes
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Always dilute tea tree essential oil before applying to skin (recommended dilution 1–2%).
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Avoid use on pets, especially cats, as it can be toxic to them.
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Never ingest tea tree oil.
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Conduct a patch test before topical use if you have sensitive skin.
Best Oils to Blend with Tea Tree Essential Oil
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Citrus oils (lemon, lime, grapefruit) for fresh, clean blends
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Lavender for calming and soothing effects
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Peppermint or eucalyptus for powerful respiratory support
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Rosemary for mental clarity and focus
Crystals & Feng Shui Pairings
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Crystals: Black tourmaline, clear quartz, smoky quartz (for protection and cleansing)
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Feng Shui: Excellent in the bathroom or entryway to clear stagnant energy and keep the home energetically “clean”
🌿 Shop My Favourite Essential Oils
I’ve selected some of my favourite essential oils from Amazon to help you get started. If you’re using them regularly for cleaning, diffusing, or energy clearing, I recommend investing in the larger bottles—they go a long way and save money in the long run!
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