Disinfecting with Grapefruit Seed Extract

Essential oils are always oils, but plant extracts can be water soluble salts or other organic matter. Essential oils can be plant extracts, but not all plant extracts are oils. Clear as mud, huh?! In general, both have similar attributes. With grapefruit, the extract is a very potent disinfectant that can be an extremely cost effective, nontoxic choice for cleaning.

Grapefruit essential oil (GEO) is a favorite of mine because of its uplifting scent. When diffused, a vibrant, energizing and happy scent permeates the air. This essential oil is typically extracted from fresh grapfruit peel by cold compression. GEO has many positive attributes, but some of the most noteworthy include that of diuretic, antidepressant, antiseptic and disinfectant.

For an all purpose cleaner, I sometimes add a few drops of GEO, along with a few drops of tea tree oil, to a base of grain alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. But generally speaking, I prefer to use grapefruit seed extract for powerhouse cleaning because it is so effective at blasting nasty bacteria. And a little goes a long way, so it is very cost effective.

Quality grapefruit seed extract comes from organically grown Grapefruit (Citrus paridisi). If it is in concentrate form (i.e., full strength), it MUST be diluted in water, vinegar or another emulsifier. Regular use in household cleaning helps prevent mold and bacteria growth. The extract is nontoxic and has no smell, so it safe to use around children and pets.

Because of the harsh nature of traditional germicidal cleansers, many hospitals are making the switch to using grapefruit seed extract (GSE) as an alternative. One of the benefits of using GSE is that it kills bad bacteria without harming the good bacteria. One major issue with the harsh cleansers is they kill all bacteria, which often leads to the formation of new bacteria strains that are resistant to the cleansers.

It’s not a pretty thought, but hospital linens are notorious for being breeding grounds for fungi, mold, bacteria and rancid odors. Hospitals are also using GSE in washing linens because it provides protection from fungal and bacteria infections. In fact, following many hours of exposure to the various bacteria strains that commonly live in hospitals, several studies have shown that linens cleaned with GSE were found to be free of all harmful or pathogenic organisms. Some hospitals are even using GSE to sterilize surgical tools in operating rooms.

Hospitals are adding GSE to floor cleaning machines because the substance is effective against many pathogenic organisms. Just between 10 and 15 drops of GSE per reservoir gallon is plenty, making this option a fantastic nontoxic and cost effective way to clean!