6 Surprisingly Handy Uses for Peppermint Around the House

You know it for it’s tingly sweetness in striped candy form and for it’s tummy soothing abilities. But did you know that you can use peppermint as a shampoo or to clean surfaces too? Turns out peppermint oil is the most versatile essential oil in the world and can be used for much more than just spreading Christmas cheer. You no longer need to use peppermint oil solely for cooking purposes or making Holiday candles. Peppermint oil has many benefits and will soon become a household staple for all of the following reasons:

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Clean Surfaces

Ditch the toxic chemicals under your sink, and go for this healthier, cheaper remedy for cleaning. Peppermint oil is full of antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it perfect for cleaning products. All you have to do is mix together water, vinegar and some of the peppermint oil and boom, you have a new healthier cleaning product for your bathroom and kitchen surfaces!

Odor Control

 You can stop buying those expensive Glade scented trash bags for your kitchen garbage can (and  being honestly? We all know they don’t really work). Instead, put a few drops of peppermint oil at the bottom of any trashcan in your house and it will mask any smelly odor!

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Plant Maintenance

No more expensive plant sprays to kill aphids on your plants. All you need to do is mix together peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle. Spray on your plants and helps kill aphids on your household plants.

Shampoo

As the weather gets colder and we have the heaters blasting, your scalp can dry out and flake. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your regular shampoo, and it will help stimulate scalp and get rid of pesky dandruff.

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Bug Repellent

Peppermint oil will soon become your new favorite form of bug repellent. No more awful smelling, sticky sprays! All you need to do is mix together 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with water and you have created your own, fresh scented bug repellent. Spray this homemade repellent on any cracks were bugs come in, like doorways and window sills, and your problem will be solved. It is also helpful to soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and wipe down areas that spiders, raccoons, and mice would enter your home and they will no longer cross that barrier!

Helps Remove Ticks and Fleas

Peppermint Oil is a great home remedy for your pets if they are dealing with fleas, or for yourself if you are dealing with ticks. For your pets, mix together epsom salts, a few drops of peppermint oil, and warm water in a spray bottle. Swish the bottle around until the salts are dissolved, and then spray on your pet.  If you have ticks, all you have to do is put peppermint oil on the tip of a q-tip and put it around the head of a tick to remove it from the skin.

– Guest Contributor, Cara Meyers