Citronella Oil — Uses, Safe Ways to Use It, and Quick Tips
Love being outside but hate mosquitoes? Citronella oil is one of the easiest natural options to try. People have used it for decades as a bug repellent, for freshening rooms, and in DIY cleaners. Here’s a straight, practical guide to where it works, how to use it safely, and what to watch out for.
How people commonly use citronella oil
Citronella oil is mainly used for keeping mosquitoes and flies away. You’ll find it in candles, sprays, lotions, and diffusers. Outdoors, citronella candles can reduce bugs in a small area for a few hours. On skin, diluted citronella can help repel mosquitoes for short periods — but it usually won’t protect as long as a chemical repellent like DEET.
Other uses: add a few drops to a diffuser to freshen a room, mix into homemade cleaners for a fresh scent, or blend into non‑irritating soaps. It’s also used in some pet products, but that needs caution (see below).
How to use it safely — simple rules
Essential oils are concentrated. Never use undiluted citronella directly on skin. For adult skin, a common safe dilution is 1–2%: that’s about 6–12 drops of essential oil per ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond. For children or sensitive skin, lower the dilution to 0.5% or skip topical use and rely on diffusers or clothing treatments instead.
To make a quick spray for clothing or outdoor surfaces: mix 10–15 drops of citronella oil into 100 ml of water with a small squirt of mild alcohol or solubilizer to help it blend. Spray on clothes, patio furniture, or screens. Don’t spray on the face or near eyes.
When using candles or diffusers, don’t leave them unattended and keep them away from pets and children. Citronella evaporates fairly quickly, so reapply topical blends every 1–2 hours for continued effect when you’re outside.
Storage and quality tips: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place and use within 1–2 years. Look for pure Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus oil from a reputable brand — cheap blends can be weak or mixed with fillers. Smell quality: citronella should smell bright, lemony and grassy, not musty.
Precautions and who should avoid it: Don’t use undiluted oil on babies, pregnant women without medical advice, or pets. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils; avoid diffusing in small rooms where cats spend time. If you get skin redness or itching, stop use and rinse the area. If swallowed or if a severe reaction occurs, seek medical help.
Want a quick starter recipe? Mix 10 drops citronella, 10 drops lavender, and 2 tablespoons carrier oil in a small bottle. Apply a little to wrists or spray lightly on clothing before heading outdoors.
Citronella oil won’t beat every mosquito every time, but used wisely it’s a handy, natural tool for short trips outside, patio evenings, or adding fresh scent to your home. Try small tests to find what dilution and method work best for you.
