Is essential oil the same as potpourri refreshing oil? If not, can I use the potpourri oil in place on essential oil when making green cleaners? TIA

By Colette on Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 10:42 am:

No. Pure essential oils are pure oils derived from plants. Potpourri oil could be pure essential oils or they can put non green things in it.

By Tunnia on Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 11:34 am:

Thanks Colette! I definitely do not want "non-green" items in my cleaners. I had a severe allergic reaction to a bathroom cleaner a couple of months ago and now every time I use any spray type or strong fume-type cleaner I have a minor reaction that lasts several days so I am trying to avoid as many chemicals as possible, but I would still like my "green cleaners" to smell nice. I was not sure what essential oil was and I have some potpourri oil and thought I'd add it if it was the same thing. Thanks for clearing it up for me.

By Hol on Saturday, September 2, 2006 - 11:41 am:

As Colette stated, essential oils come from plants and flowers. They are very concentrated so you need very little. Potpourri oil is made from some other sort of oil base with some fragrance added.

If you want a "green" cleaning solution, try "Simple Green". It is biodregradable, non-toxic, and safe to use on any surface. It has a slight smell, but it is pleasant and "clean smelling". You can use it full strength on tough jobs, and dilute it for others. It is the only cleaner I buy now, except for glass cleaner.