using out-dated essential oils to disenfect kitchen counters?

Question

Somewhere, I read that a person can use old/expired essential oils to disinfect kitchen counters from germs, bacteria, fungus, and viruses (Depending on the essential oils used) to disinfect kitchen counters. The article said that while the human therapuetic benefits were gone, it would still be potent enough to kill the bad guys.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks,
Sammie

I live an organic lifestyle and do not use harmful chemicals such as bleach.

:)

Answer 1

According to Valerie Ann Worwood, clinical aromatherapist and author of several best-selling aromatherapy books, the therapeutic life of essential oils is around two years. She says that after that, their antibiotic and other properties can still be used for air-fresheners, kitchen surface wipes etc. While stating that the majority of essential oils are antiseptics and bactericides, she recommends the best 'bacteria busters' as being cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender and pine. She adds that the disinfectant quality of eucalyptus oil actually improves with its age, and suggests using 2 drops on a cloth to wipe down kitchen counters, then squeezing out the cloth over the sink, letting the water run down the pipe to kill bacteria lurking there.

Answer 2

Sounds awful fishy to me. Here's an easy and VERY cheap way to clean your kitchen..and anywhere else.

Use a little spray bottle and 2 capfuls of bleach. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Spray on surface and wipe off with a PAPER TOWEL...NOT A SPONGE. Sponges only spread bacteria around.