Top 15 Essential Oils to Purify Air in 2021 (How-to-Checklist+Air Purifying Kit!

Wondering how to use essential oils to purify air?

Yes, my dear you can easily use these organic and 100% natural essential oil drops to make your home fresher and cleaner in a jiffy!

Read on to know how these wonder drops can help you purify your home, disinfect germs and kick away viruses too!

15 Toxin Busting Essential Oils to Purify Air

Struggling to rid your house of germs, smoke or mold smells?

Many times you may find that your home is emitting stale air with an intolerable smell.

Indoor air pollutants and molds can bring innumerable health hazards.

Winters can be even more difficult with heated and closed rooms and trigger smoky and stale air.

Using natural essential oils to purify air can be a natural and 100% chemical-free way to keep your loved ones safe.

In this post, I am going to show you how you can use essential oils to purify your home easily.

Don’t forget to get your Air Purifying Kit that has a step-by-step checklist and simple essential oil recipe blends to help you make a pure home!

Why Consider Essential Oils to Purify Air

Have you ever tried a commercial air freshener?

If you have, you would have noticed its sweet smell when it is being used.

Well, that fragrance is derived from hundreds of chemicals.

The majority of synthetic fragrances are made from single or chemical mixtures. These chemicals have a damaging effect on the overall health of your family.

One of the core ingredients used in artificial air purifiers and sprays is known as toluene. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon used to make all synthetic fragrance materials.

As reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toluene is found in the indoor air of majority households.

This chemical-laden toxic substance is used in all artificial household products. It plays a vital role in increasing indoor air pollution.

It is found in many products such as:

• Adhesives
• Paint thinners
• Paints
• Cigarette smoke
• Synthetic fragrances/ Air Fresheners
• Nail polish

A research report published in 2014 by The Harvard School of Public Health revealed that toluene is mostly used as a solvent in household products.

Exposure to this toxic hydrocarbon is linked to slow brain development and attention deficit in newborns.

Toluene is also mixed with the gasoline to improve Octane ratings and results in highly toxic automobile emissions.

When it gets into our body in any manner, it damages the central nervous system, i.e., our brain and spinal cord.

The EPA reiterates the fact the indoor air consists of more airborne contaminants than outdoor air.

With people spending more than 90% percent of our time indoors, let’s see how we can address this issue.

What are the Benefits of Using Essential Oils to Purify Your Indoor Air

Let the multi-purpose and all-natural essential oils come into our rescue.

Essential oils help to improve moods and treat our psychological issues. They are also useful as a complementary practice with modern medical treatments.

Essential oils are also highly effective in clearing the toxic air surrounding us.

Essential oils are natural extracts that are typically distilled or pressed from roots, leaves, stems or different other parts of selected aromatic plants.

Each oil is known to have a unique smell and chemical composition. Each oil’s porosity and the reaction is different with every individual.

The plants from which we extract these essential oils are classified based on their unique medicinal properties despite belonging to the same species.

These wonder oils have continuously been praised all over the world for playing a pivotal role in traditional and alternative medicine.

They have gained in popularity since the rediscovery of aromatherapy in the early ‘80s.

When ingested or applied topically, they can play a significant role in improving your cosmetic, emotional, and spiritual health.

These sweet-smelling aromatic oils come packed with a wealth of psychological benefits, some of which are beyond explanation.

How Essential Oils Can Help in Indoor Air Purification

Essential oils have a host of health benefits. Did you know that purifying indoor air is an effective result of using essential oils?

The majority of essential oils have antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties that are incredibly effective in removing toxins when dispersed in the indoor air.

They destroy the living cells of deadly airborne viruses, dust particles, harmful bacteria, and antigens when in contact with these toxins.

The essential oils settle on the floor of your home and make your indoor air pollution-free.

As per National Library of Medicine, essential oils can inhibit the growth of airborne bacteria and germs.

The International Journal of Aromatherapy corroborated this fact with their own research paper that confirms essential oils are effective at disinfecting and inhibiting microbial development.

Apart from purifying indoor air, they help in aromatizing the indoor atmosphere.

Top 15 Essential Oils for Air Purification

Essential oils can be used for purifying indoor air.

For topical uses, to use them safely, you will need to dilute them with a carrier oil.

For the appropriate quantity of usage of these essential oils, it is strongly recommended to seek help from medical professionals and get desired results.

Let’s look at the top ten essential oils to purify air.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil is famous for its versatility. You can apply this oil to stimulate your senses and flex tired muscles.

It is loaded with strong antiseptic properties, which can disinfect any surface by removing the dirt and stain.

It is great at eliminating unpleasant smells with its comforting fragrance. It also acts as a natural and effective insect repellent.

You can only use peppermint oil or mix it with other essential oils in recommended ratios to get the desired result.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is a world-famous tea and exceptionally well known for its calming and soothing effects on our senses.

Chamomile oil has been successfully used in ancient medicine to heal various skin diseases like eczema, canker sores, and much more.

It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that are fantastic to cure skin ailments.

Lemon Essential Oil

The lemon essential oil is known to have curative properties and health benefits.

The innate versatility of lemon essential oil allows you to use it for almost anything, but it is commonly used for purifying stale indoor air and cleaning your home.

This will aromatize your home with soothing lemony fragrance after destroying the air-borne pollutants and other toxic elements.

Lavender Essential Oil

Are you suffering from sleep apnea or experiencing tense moments?

Lavender oil is probably the best solution to have a calming effect on you.

It is a remarkable insect repellent and an excellent air-sanitizing spray. It works equally well as a surface disinfectant.

Depending on your requirement, you can make a single use of this sweet aromatic oil, or you can stir it up with other varieties.

The best trait of lavender oil is its beautiful fragrance, which stays for long in the air and purifies it from stuffy odor and other contaminants.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

In a study by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, certain eucalyptus species were found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They help in regularizing our immune system and its responses.

If eucalyptus oil is applied indoors, it improves the quality of airflow you breathe by eliminating the toxicity and other irritants in the air in a short span.

You can feel the soothing effect of your nerves once you inhale the clean indoor air.

The pure air strengthens your lungs by curing unwanted inflammation and swelling.

Basil Essential Oil

Basil is known for its healing effects on people with respiratory and ear infections.

Its inbuilt antimicrobial properties can be extremely beneficial for your health.

As revealed by some studies, basil has the potential to combats strings of bacteria that are drug-resistant.

Every day as apprehension about antibiotic medication resistance keeps on growing in the medical community, oils such as basil continue to stand out.

Many people may start favoring alternative therapies such as essential oils due to its natural healing properties with minimal or zero side effect.

Basil has even added value to many modern and traditional recipes.

It protects us from listeria and E. coli, the toxic agents of foodborne diseases which can sometimes be life-threatening.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is packed with anti-inflammatory properties, which is used to treat swelling caused by skin irregularities.

Research has proven that this essential oil improves oral hygiene by destroying hidden bacteria and bad breath. If regularly used, it gives relief for swollen gums and bleeding.

Antimicrobial properties in tea tree oil are perfect for use in household cleaners.

When they pass through air, it almost magically neutralizes the harmful effects of bacteria in a few minutes.

Struggling with mold in your home?

Spray tea tree oil in corners of your home and see the mold gradually reduce. 

It’s instrumental in reducing the airborne allergens and irritants, thus providing relief and comfort to residents infected by chronic allergies.

You can also use it as a potent disinfectant in newly purchased apartments or condos before house shifting.

Lime Essential Oil

Lime essential oil is closely related to lemon oil. It is well accepted for its germ-fighting abilities and make your house pollution-free.

It is the right alternative for lemon essential oil, which retains the citrusy scent in every corner of your home.

Lime stands out as the strongest counteract against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

It may be a little less on flavor compared to its lemon counterpart, but the wealth of benefits offered by it should never be ignored.

It can successfully destroy the majority of the air-borne toxins in a few minutes after application.

Jasmine Oil

The sweet and refreshing fragrance of jasmine oil can easily destress you by calming your mind. 

The sedative and antidepressant properties of Jasmine oil is the primary reason for its soothing nature. 

Jasmine oil is also popularly known as “Queen of the Night” because of its mesmerizing aroma. It has been considered a natural aphrodisiac in alternative medicine for millennia. 

Hence, we strongly recommend Jasmine oil for stressed individuals, insomniacs, and young couples.

Pine Oil

Conifer oils like spruce, pine, and fir contain pinene, a chemical component with strong antibacterial properties. 

Regular diffusion of pine-based oil can help you fight chronic respiratory ailments by releasing pressure from your lungs. 

Pine oil can work as a formidable first-line defense against all airborne bacteria and toxins. 

The earthy fragrance of pine oil can bring instant freshness to your stuffy indoor air!

Lemongrass oil

Cinnamon bark and lemongrass oil have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, which you can use to make DIY skincare products. 

These miracle oils work wonders in fighting and thwarting airborne toxins. 

The built-in antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemongrass oil prove highly effective against a wide range of drug-resistant bacterias. 

It works equally well in creating a relaxing in-house spa experience. 

The energizing fragrance and de-stressing properties of lemongrass oil make it the perfect choice of aromatherapy.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil works exceptionally well in eliminating airborne pollutants and purifying indoor air in the process.

Its positive effect on the people with a chronic cold is proven time and again.

It makes your home more liveable and inviting by having a calming effect on your nerve. The best part is that it also gives you clean and aromatic air after it does its job.

Ylang Ylang Oil

If you like your home to be filled with a subtle and soothing aroma, then ylang ylang essential oil should be the ideal choice. 

Multiple studies revealed that these cute yellow flowers have the depression-fighting and stress-busting components. 

Stock up this magical oil and diffuse them every day to spread positivity everywhere in your home.

Red Mandarin Essential Oil

Red mandarin oil comes with a fruity and mood-elevating fragrance that acts as a stress reliever, helps to reduce anxiety and fatigue by lifting your mood.

It works equally well if blended with other essential oils yet maintains its distinct fragrance.

It’s my all-time favorite for purifying the air in my home by eliminating airborne allergens and deadly toxins that cause allergic reactions.

Nutmeg Oil

If you feel low, stressed, or worked up, the refreshing aroma of Nutmeg oil can infuse a calming effect on your nerves. 

It helps you fight against the negative thinking disorder by instilling positivity in your mind. 

Add a few drops in the diffuser just before you sleep or on the shower floor to calm your mind with its spicy and sweet aroma. 

It’s widely used throughout the fall, and that’s why Nutmeg oil is considered a fall favorite. 

Regular diffusion of Nutmeg oil in the indoor air can eliminate deadly airborne toxins due to its potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. 

The spicy and strong aroma of this wonder oil can work as a big stress-reliever. It promotes energy and vitality by alleviating tension and anxiety. 

If a false sense of failure clouds your mind, the refreshing aroma of nutmeg oil can pull you out of the darkness by offering encouragement, strength, and stamina.

How to Use Essential Oils for Air Purification

When you are using essential oils to purify air, a diffuser is very useful.

Diffusing essential oils for air pollution in your home is a 100% natural and highly effective way to get clean and fresh air.

Diffuse & Use

If you are diffusing the oils in your home, you can start with 2-6 drops of essential oil in 180ml of water. Do you have infants or small babies at home?

I would suggest you use a lighter dilution ratio of 1-2 drops of oil in 180ml of water. Since your little one’s organs are still forming, it is advisable to enjoy lighter diffusions to make it safe for them.

Diffusion – The Right Time

Diffusing oil in a room for about 15-20 minutes is just right. It gives the oil diffuser a lot of time to disperse oil in a regular-sized room.

The recommendation may differ depending on the sizes of the rooms, existing indoor temperature, and airflow inside the room.

You will sense a subtle fragrance in the indoor air, which lasts for hours. Once the scent subsides, you can turn on the diffuser once more in the day.

It is safe to use an essential oil diffuser 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes one time.

Room Space Diffusion

In my house, I have a huge mezzanine floor in an open format. It has nice big doors with large French windows.

When I diffuse essential oils to purify the air in this room, the scent sticks around for about an hour, never more.

So, I diffuse for longer, like about a quarter of an hour or so, before I switch the diffuser off.

But if you use it in a closed room or have little children or pets at home, the standard diffusion time of 15 minutes is safe.

If you or a loved one have any respiratory irritation, stick to the standard time advised. 

Also, remember to keep the room well ventilated with an open window to allow fresh air to mingle with the aromatic scents.

Essential Oils Best for Beginners

If you are starting with essential oils for the first time, I would recommend starting with mild scents such as:

• Lemon
• Frankincense
• Lavender

They have great healing properties and considered safe to use around pets and little children. You will be simply delighted with the light and sweet discernable aroma.

Use them on their own as single oil diffused in water. Gradually when you get used to the aroma, you can start experimenting with essential oil blends.

How to know if you used too much essential oil in your diffuser

 Watch out for the 4 warning signs to know if you have put too much oil in your diffuser.

• The majority of the time, if you use excessive essential oil, its smell can hit hard on your nose. But if you have any congestion in your nose, then you may not even sense the smell that well.
• Your eyes may get watery, stinging and itchy
• You may have a runny nose
• You or a loved one experience a throbbing headache

How to Correct Essential Oil Diffusion Ratios

If you have accidentally used more than the normal quantity of essential oils in the diffuser, do this immediately:

• Increase the flow of natural air into the room by opening doors and windows. A fresh burst of air can diffuse the strongest blends of essential oil.
• Switch off the Essential Oil Diffuser.
• Use a large glass container. Put essential oil into the water and mix it well.
• Dilute the mixture by pouring an additional 180ml into the essential oil mixture and stir well with the water.
• Refill the oil diffuser with the newly created essential oil mix and fill it up to the fill line.
• If the smell seems too strong, dilute further to have the right proportion

I also made a lot of mistakes the first few times before I could finally get it right. I remember the early essential oil diffusions took multiple blends to reach the right mix.

With experience, I realized that testing out the essential oil mix is very important before actually using it.

So, if you are trying out a new essential oil blend or using a new brand, add 1-2 drops of one oil to test its aroma.

Once you diffuse them in the indoor air, they will slowly sanitize the air you breathe, cleanse your mind and body and work as a stress buster. Incredible, isn’t it?

10 Easy Tips to Purify Your Air Using Essential Oils!

If you are enjoying your newfound love with essential oils or treating yourself as an expert, aromatherapy is the best and simplest way to use them. 

Using essential oils in aromatherapy is convenient and simple. Not many of us are aware that essential oils can also purify indoor air with regular diffusion. 

Its refreshing aroma promotes a calm and soothing environment by flexing your stressed nerves. 

You can immediately experience the air-purifying benefits of essential oils due to their strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. 

These potent oils fast disperse in the indoor air, filter out the airborne toxins, VOCs and make it more breathable.

1. You can add 2 – 3 of your favorite essential oils in the diffuser, mix them nicely to make a custom blend. I recommend you to put 1 to 3 drops of every oil blend to create this concoction. 

2. If you want your car air to be fresh and clean, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it nicely into your car air vents.

3. Breathing the refreshing aroma of essential oils can keep you energetic throughout the day. You can mix a few ounces of water with 1 or 2 drops of your favorite essential oils and spray it evenly on your clothes. The aroma will stay with you for many hours.

4. You need a restful and relaxing environment to get a good night’s sleep. Diffuse essential oils at the time of dinner, when your children brush their teeth, read bedtime stories and get ready to sleep. Try Lavender, Clary Sage.

5. While working, you need to pay full attention to it. The energizing and refreshing aroma of essential oils will keep you motivated and promote positivity during the sleepy afternoon hours. Try Lemon, Spikenard, Grapefruit, Spearmint, or Tangerine.

6. You can create your cute little aromatherapy jewelry set using clay beads as clay can easily absorb the drops. Place a few drops of your favorite essential oil blends on the beads and wear them wherever you go. The naturally invigorating aroma will keep you perked up throughout the day.

7. Give a stimulating start of your day by diffusing Eucalyptus, Peppermint oils during your daily morning routine.

8. Get back your lost focus by diffusing stimulating essential oil blends while studying, working on important projects, or preparing for tests or working from home. Peppermint, Basil and Pine oils are great for this. 

9. When you have a party at home and invite your friends, the revitalizing aroma of essential oils can make a huge difference. The fresh scent of your favorite essential oil blends will instantly make your loved ones feel relaxed. Try Lavender, Lemon. Bergamot on this occasion.

10. Carry your diffuser and favorite essential oil blends whenever you are on a business or official trip. You can instantly benefit from the healing properties and enchanting aroma of essential oils in your hotel rooms, office, classroom, meeting room, or any other place. 

Use a diffuser which preserves the aroma and optimizes the potency of essential oils. 

Any diffusers that release essential oils using heat or other elements can make structural changes in the essential oils’ chemical components and make them less effective. You can use a cool-mist diffuser to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oils to Purify Air

Can essential oils really purify the air?

Essential oils can provide tremendous health benefits if you know how to use them.

These potent oils can be used to reduce mold and other toxic microorganisms and purify the indoor air.

Mixing essential oils in the correct dilution ratio and diffusing them in regular intervals can boost your immune system, soothe your nerves, and help you relax.

You can use essential oils to make eco-friendly homemade disinfecting, deodorizing, and cleaning solutions.

Which essential oils are suitable for cleaning air?

Woodsy and citrus essential oils that fight germs are great for removing bad odors from the indoor air.

Clove, ylang-ylang and peppermint have built-in anti-bacterial properties.

Peppermint can effectively absorb and filter out the VOCs with high toxicity and make the indoor air toxin-free.

Using essential oils to purify air of viruses is an alternative option that you can try out in your home safely.

Does peppermint oil kill germs?

The benefits of peppermint oil have been tested scientifically multiple times.

Every time it has been proven that its powerful anti-bacterial properties can stunt the growth of deadly bacterias like listeria, E.coli, and salmonella.

It’s effective in treating several chronic and severe health conditions like meningitis, pneumonia, and other skin infections.

Before using peppermint oil through a diffuser or topically, read the manufacturer instructions carefully.

What essential oils kill bacteria in air?

Clove, cinnamon, oregano, pimento, rosemary, and thyme essential oils are known to have strong antibacterial properties.

It can be effectively used against airborne bacterias like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Out of all, Clove oil proved to be the most successful in thwarting these airborne toxins. 

How can I purify my air naturally?

Using essential oil blends to purify air in your home is a wonderful and natural way to clean air.

There are other simple and natural ways to purify your home such as using beeswax candles, Himalayan salt lamps, houseplants, and more. 

Which essential oil is a disinfectant?

Wondering if you can use essential oils for disinfecting air? Yes, my friend, you surely can!

Tea tree and lavender essential oils have strong disinfecting properties. Tea tree oil is antifungal and antiviral, which can help airborne viruses and moisture-bred fungi.

It can also be used topically to treat skin irritations, rashes, fungal skin infections, and minor skin scrapes. You can mix lavender with tea-tree oil and use it as an aromatherapy blend. Lavender complements the tea tree’s piney aroma.   

Have you used essential oils in your home to bust indoor air pollutants? Any favorite oil blends you would like to share? Share them today and spread the love!