I banished spiders with this $3 cleaning hack — and it actually worked

Spider on white counter
Spider on white counter (Image credit: Shutterstock)

When it comes to dealing with creepy crawlies, spider invasions can be unnerving. Not only can these pests hide in every corner, but can leave unsightly cobwebs in your home. And if you’ve spotted more spiders than usual, you’re not the only one. 

According to pest control professionals, winter is the peak season for spiders and other unpleasant pests to enter our warm homes seeking shelter and food sources. And it seemed like my own spider quota had been rising as the temperatures dropped. Knowing how to get rid of spiders can be tricky; there wasn’t a week when I didn’t hear the shriek of my son rushing out of a room due to an eight-legged creature. So I was on a mission to banish spiders for good. 

Having tried many methods — from sealing entry points around windows to chemical sprays, it was this simple $3 cleaning hack that actually worked. In fact, members of the ‘Cleantok’ community on TikTok have sworn by this method. So what is this clever trick? 

Repel spiders with scents 

Image shows a bottle of peppermint essential oil that gets rid of spiders

Image shows a bottle of peppermint essential oil  (Image credit: Getty Images)

Simply mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a small bottle. Spray directly into corners, around cracks and any other trouble areas where you often spot spiders. What’s more, I added a few drops to my oil burner and placed it on my windowsills. Essential oils can also be added to homemade cleaning products to help deodorize surfaces.

While the fresh scent instantly made my entire home smell nice, spiders, on the other hand, find this fragrance repulsive. In fact, strong, plant-extracted oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus or cinnamon oil are an effective repellent for most household pests including mice, ants, and more.

After doing this ritual every day for two weeks, I noticed that we didn’t see any eight-legged visitors at night. Plus, I was happy to use a non-toxic spider repellent to banish spiders. Best of all, it didn’t cost a thing and since you only need a few drops to a long way. Just beware to use it around pets, as it might be harmful if accidentally ingested. 

Horbäach Peppermint Essential Oil: $3 @ Amazon

Horbäach Peppermint Essential Oil: $3 @ Amazon
This pure peppermint oil is paraben free, and provides a fresh scent. Versatile to use in aromatherapy, or in an oil or reed diffuser. And while the fragrance is pleasant to our senses, it is also known to be a natural pest repellent.

A spider on the floor in a home next to a rug

A spider on the floor in a home next to a rug (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you want to spider-proof your home, always maintain regular cleaning and use a powerful vacuum cleaner to deal with cobwebs immediately. “Regular cleaning and dusting will also help in getting rid of spiders’ webs and egg sacs,” adds Allan Bossel, Operations Expert at BBE Bed Bug Exterminator.  “Some essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus can be used as natural repellents. Spraying them over doors and frames can make spiders go away.” 

Plus, it will leave your home smelling fresh all day too. So it’s a win-win!

More from Tom's Guide

Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

Read more
A mosquito resting on a plant
3 pests to watch out for this spring — and expert tips to prevent them
A woman's hand holding a magnifying glass magnifying bed bugs on a mattress
3 home remedies that can actually get rid of bed bugs
Houseplants arranged by a window
5 houseplant hacks that are totally free and actually work, according to experts
A metal trash can in a kitchen
This TikTok hack completely transformed the way my trash can smells
Dyson V7
I tried this DIY vacuum cleaning hack — and it solved one of my biggest problems
Cleaning items and lemons
The best (and worst) TikTok cleaning hacks of 2024
Latest in Home
a photograph of the dreame h12 pro wet and dry vacuum cleaner cleaning up spilled cheerios on a hardwood floor with an amazon spring sales deals badge
I loathe spring cleaning — but these awesome Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deals might make me change my mind
Corsori 9-in-1 air fryer
I use this air fryer every day — and it's 25% off now for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Shark HydroVac MessMaster floor cleaner
My favorite Shark wet and dry vacuum just crashed in price for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Person using the Command Clear Hooks to organize cables
I use these Command sticky wall strips to hang pictures and organize cables — and they're 34% off right now in Amazon's Big Spring Sale
EcoSmart Universal Select lightbulb, Home Depot sign and Traeger Woodridge Pro pellet smoker
I just got a sneak peek of hundreds of new Home Depot products for spring — here’s the 5 I’d buy
A mosquito resting on a plant
Experts predict a spring surge in these 9 pest populations — here's what's forecast for your area
Latest in Opinion
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 shown close-up on a user's wrist with the snorkeling and surfing workout tracking modes displayed; colorful flowers are out of focus in the background
7 reasons why this budget-friendly smartwatch is my new go-to for surfing and swimming
Apple maps logo on iPhone screen
I avoided Apple Maps for trip planning — but these iOS 18 features are changing my mind
Adam Scott in "Severance," now streaming on Apple TV Plus.
'Severance' season 3 officially greenlit — but I may not watch after that season 2 finale
Woman has taped her mouth shut with a blue I shaped mouth tape
I tried I-shaped mouth tape to fall asleep faster but now I'm more tired than ever — here's why
An angled view of the distraction-free desk setup I built around the Oakywood Standing Desk Pro
I built a completely distraction-free desk setup with these 10 gadgets — and now I’m truly locked in
A Samsung DU7200 LED TV on a side table
I'm a TV reviewer — here's the one type of TV I wouldn't buy