How to Use Tea Tree Oil: Top 10 Everyday Uses

Affordable, readily available, time-tested, versatile—these are just a few of the many reasons why tea tree oil has become one of the most popular essential oils in the home. You can use tea tree oil to refresh your home in the spring and throughout the year. A little bottle goes a long way, but before discussing its uses, let’s explore this natural gift from Down Under.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia.

Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia note that several native Aboriginal communities have long utilized tea tree and its extracts for natural health purposes, especially for topical applications.

As is often the case, our ancient ancestors seem to have been one step ahead, given that we're still discovering all that tea tree oil has to offer.

The name “tea tree” was coined by British explorer James Cook in the 1770s, who observed native Australians brewing tea with the plant’s leaves. Cook referred to the plant as the tea tree and began making his own “health tea” for his crew to support their wellness during travels.

10 Everyday Uses for Tea Tree Oil

1Beautifying Skin Tonic

The most popular way to use tea tree oil is in a variety of skin care applications, with this simple skin tonic recipe being the top choice.

You only need a few drops of tea tree oil diluted in 30 drops of witch hazel. This combination can be used daily, but be mindful not to overuse it, as it can dry out your skin.

2Refreshing Foot Bath

Often overlooked, your feet work hard all day and deserve a little pampering.

For a rejuvenating and comforting foot bath with a fresh scent, mix the following natural ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon Epsom salts
• 10 drops BubbForest Ultra 100% Tea Tree oil

Boil water with rosemary, sage, and ginger in a large saucepan. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the herbs, then mix in the baking soda, Epsom salts and tea tree oil. Pour into a foot spa or basin and soak your feet for up to 15 minutes.

3Skin-Softening Balm

Mix 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of warm coconut oil. Allow the mixture to solidify and apply it to hands, knees, elbows, or any areas needing extra moisturizing and softening.

4All-Natural Bathroom Refresher

Replace store-bought cleaners with this all-natural tea tree oil bathroom cleaner:

• Mix one cup of vinegar (like BubbForest Organic Apple Cider Vinegar) with half a teaspoon of tea tree oil
• Add to a spray bottle and use as needed. Increase the recipe proportionally depending on the size of your spray bottle or the number of bathrooms.

5Humidifier Freshener

Add 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil to your humidifier's water reservoir. The natural cleansing properties of tea tree oil will help maintain the freshness and healthiness of the air released.

This solution is particularly useful for parents with young children using humidifiers to aid sleep.

6Toothbrush Refresher

Consider cleaning your toothbrush by soaking it in a small cup of water with a drop or two of tea tree oil while you are away at work, ensuring a fresh toothbrush upon your return.

7Natural Pest Control

The distinctive smell of tea tree oil naturally repels ants and other insects.

Apply tea tree oil directly to areas where bugs may enter, or create a homemade insect repellent lotion by combining a few drops with some coconut oil.

8Laundry Refresher

Enhance your regular wash by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry detergent, making your clothes smell fresher and enhancing the detergent's effectiveness.

9Mold Spray

Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil with two cups of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to combat mold on window sills or bathroom surfaces.

10Tea Tree Oil Deodorant

Among the many DIY deodorant recipes, those containing tea tree oil are considered the most effective.

You'll need a third of a cup of baking soda, half a cup of cornstarch, five tablespoons of coconut oil, and 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil. Mix the baking soda and cornstarch first, then blend with the softened coconut oil and tea tree oil. Allow the mixture to solidify.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe?

Yes, tea tree oil is generally safe, but it is important to follow label instructions and recommendations. Although skincare is a common use, remember to dilute the oil before application and start with a low concentration to see how your skin reacts. Tea tree oil should not be ingested and is intended only for topical and cleaning uses as described above.

What Else Should You Know?

Tea tree oil is incredibly versatile, a trait it shares with many other essential oils. Don’t limit yourself to just tea tree oil—explore Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Beginner's Guide to Using Essential Oils to discover the full spectrum of natural herbal oils. You might also enjoy Pack Your Pantry: How to Make a Real Food Pantry for tips on maintaining a healthy stock of foods daily.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for ice cream. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food. Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. This inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.