How to Dilute Tea Tree Oil

Last Updated: July 19, 2022 References Approved

Tea tree oil is an ideal treatment for many beauty ailments, such as acne and a variety of other skin-related issues, but it can also be mixed with other ingredients to be an all-natural, non-toxic cleaner. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is useful for topical treatments and cleaning. However, it is toxic when ingested. It is important to know the proper way to dilute tea tree oil, so you can safely reap the many rewards this versatile oil provides.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Tea Tree Oil in Your Home

1
Create an all-purpose cleaner. Mix 20-25 drops of tea tree oil with 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before using. You can spray this mixture onto different surfaces, and then wipe the surface down with a clean cloth.^{[1]
X
Research source} This cleaner can be used as an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Always shake well before using because the oil naturally separates from the vinegar and water.
2
Add tea tree oil to a smelly trash can. Trash cans can develop an unpleasant scent and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Mix one cup of baking soda with 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon of tea tree oil. Use a fork to work out all of the lumps. Shake the mixture into a fresh trash bag to reduce odor. This a natural deodorizer.^{[2]
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Research source}
- This deodorizer also works for diaper pails.
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3
Eliminate mold and mildew. Mildew grows on damp, warm surfaces. It tends to be white or black in color with a fuzzy texture. Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture and then spray onto the mildew. Allow the mixture to sit for 3-5 minutes and then wipe with a damp cloth.^{[3]
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Research source}
- The tea tree oil should prevent mildew from forming in the future, but reapply the mixture as needed.
4
Clean your washing machine. Washing machines can develop an odor and house bacteria. Run your empty machine on the hot cycle and add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil. This will get rid of any bacteria or odor.^{[4]
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Research source}
- You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a load of clothes to clean your clothes more effectively.
5
Create your own dryer sheets. Apply 5 drops of tea tree oil to wool dryer balls or 5 inch (12.7 cm) cotton squares (use an old T-shirt to create the homemade sheets). Add the balls or homemade dryer sheets to a load of clothes. These sheets and balls are reusable.^{[5]
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- Add a few more drops to the sheets or balls when you can no longer smell the tea tree oil.
6
Repel insects and pests. Many pests do not like the smell of tea tree oil. Add about 20 drops to a spray bottle and then fill the bottle with water. Shake well, and spray around doorways and cracks where insects and pests are likely to enter.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Tea Tree Oil on Your Body

1
Treat your acne. Tea tree oil can help get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Add 1-3 drops of tea tree oil to your cleanser or moisturizer.^{[7]
X
Research source} Tea tree oil can also be mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil and applied to your face. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to your face and let your skin absorb it.^{[8]
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Research source}
- There is good scientific evidence that tea tree oil is effective for treating acne.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Treat skin conditions. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of a carrier oil - olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil - and 8-10 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the irritated parts of your skin. This can decrease itching, irritation, and symptoms associated with eczema^{[10]
X
Research source}, water warts, and viral skin infections in both children and adults.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} This mixture can also be used for allergic skin reactions to nickel.
- More studies are needed to determine how effective this treatment is though.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- If you mix the tea tree oil with coconut oil, you can dilute it with apricot kernel oil. Although olive oil is an option, it can give a weird smell to your skin.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Julie Brow-Polanco
  Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.}
- Do not try to dilute the oil in water.^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Julie Brow-Polanco
  Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.}
3
Add tea tree oil to your shampoo. Incorporate 3 or 4 drops of tea tree oil into your regular shampoo. This mixture helps to relieve dry flaky scalp, dandruff, and psoriasis. Add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your hair as you usually would.^{[15]
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Research source}
- You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil) and apply the mixture directly to your scalp. Leave it on for an hour, and then wash your hair as you usually would.^{[16]
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  Research source}
- The scientific evidence is unclear on the effectiveness of tea tree oil to treat scalp conditions.^{[17]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
4
Get rid of Athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Mix equal parts tea tree oil and olive oil and rub the mixture on the affected area twice a day.^{[18]
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Research source} It takes about 4 weeks for the treatment to work. For toenail fungus, apply 100% tea tree oil to the infected toe, 2 times a day for 6 months.
- If you do not want to use undiluted tea tree oil, mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil and apply to your toe using a cotton ball. Bandage the cotton ball to your toe and leave it on overnight.^{[19]
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  Research source}
5
Treat a vaginal infection. Tea tree oil can be used for both bacterial and yeast infections. Apply coconut oil or olive oil to a tampon and then add 2 - 4 drops of tea tree oil. Insert the tampon, and leave it in for an hour. Do this for 3 to 5 days if symptoms continue.^{[20]
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Research source}
- It is unclear how effective tea tree oil is for treating vaginal infections.^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
6
Know when to avoid tea tree oil. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing childbirth you need to avoid topical use of tea tree oil. It may decrease the strength of your contractions.^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to tea tree oil, Balsam of Peru, benzoin, colophony (rosin), tinctures, eucalyptol, or plants of the myrtle family, you should not use tea tree oil.^{[23]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Women should not apply tea tree oil to the breast area because it may have hormonal properties.^{[24]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Prepubescent boys should avoid using tea tree oil as well, as it could lead to the growth of breast tissue.^{[25]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- If you have linear IgA, an immune disease, you should not use tea tree oil as it can cause blisters.^{[26]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
7
Be aware of possible side effects. Tea tree oil is safe when diluted properly, but side effects are possible. These symptoms include inflammation of the mouth, skin irritation (e.g. burning, itching, redness, rash, warmness), ear damage, stomach pain, fatigue and drowsiness, diarrhea, weakness, or nausea. Stop using tea tree oil immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. See a doctor if the side effects persist.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is the ratio of tea tree oil to water?

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Julie Brow-Polanco

Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Answer

Well, it doesn't dilute very well in water. It can be used without dilution in some instances, but usually the best option is a 2% dilution to the oil of your choice — my personal recommendations are apricot kernel oil or coconut oil.
Question

Can tea tree oil be used safely on a boil, or should it be diluted?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

Tea tree oil should always be used diluted in a carrier oil. You can repeat the treatment on the boil 4-6 times a day.
Question

For dogs, what should I use to dilute the tea tree oil, and at what ratio?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

You can use water or a carrier oil such as jojoba or castor oil. Start with about 4-5 drops of tea tree oil for every ounce of carrier oil.

Warnings

Tea tree oil should never be taken internally. This can cause severe side effects. Again, do not swallow tea tree oil.

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