Whether you’re using essential oils on your house or yourself, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use them. And if you want to get the most out of them, it’s important to know what not to do. Luckily, Apartment Therapy has investigated all the most common errors so you don’t get it wrong. Here are the biggest mistakes you’re making with essential oils.

According to Caleb Backe, health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, “There is a misconception that all essential oils are the same quality, but this is not the case.” Depending on who manufactured the oil, it could be 100 percent pure, diluted, or even synthetic, so it’s important to check the ingredients to see what you’re working with before using. While Apartment Therapy believes all oils should be diluted before use, this is only relevant if the product is pure or super concentrated.

Essential oils can be harmful to skin

Of particular importance, you should also be aware that some essential oils may actually be harmful when using it on skin. “Citrus oils are one of the worst oils to use on your skin,” esthetician Melissa Picoli Philips told Apartment Therapy. “They are highly phototoxic, meaning they cause your skin to absorb even more damaging UV, leading to cellular disturbances, hyper-pigmentation, and potentially even skin cancers.” 

Philips warns you should also be careful when using tea tree oil. “While tea tree oil may help a pimple go away immediately, it may also cause long-term damage to your skin’s healing because it disrupts the natural biome at a deeper level,” she explained.

When it comes to using essential oils for cleaning, it’s best to remember that they won’t solve all your problems. Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, points out that they might be a good temporary fix for bad odor, but if the smell persists, it could be a plumbing issue that will need to be professionally checked out. The same goes for your dishwasher and dryer. Basically, you need to remember that essentials oils don’t replace the general cleaning process.

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