Transform Your Home with a Natural Essential Oil Disinfectant Cleaning Spray
Revitalize your living space while ensuring it is clean and fresh with this all-natural essential oil disinfectant cleaning spray. It’s an eco-friendly, non-toxic powerhouse that effectively disinfects, sanitizes, deodorizes, and even eliminates mold & mildew. Best of all, it does this while leaving behind a refreshing scent that will invigorate your home.
Years ago, I relied heavily on harsh and toxic cleaning products like Lysol and bleach to keep my home spotless. However, I often found myself battling headaches after using these chemicals. At the time, I believed that only these potent cleaners could truly sanitize my kitchen and bathroom. Thankfully, I’ve learned a better way. No more headaches, no more toxins, and no more chemical odors! Now I can achieve a spotless, disinfected, and mold-free home with natural solutions.
If you’re looking to make your own version of homemade Lysol or Clorox wipes, be sure to check out my recipe for DIY disinfecting wipes.
Why This Homemade Disinfecting Spray Beats Commercial Cleaners
- Made from natural ingredients
- Non-toxic and safe for your family
- Highly effective cleaner and disinfectant
- Neutralizes unpleasant odors
- Combat mold and mildew effectively
- Leaves surfaces shining, including countertops and doorknobs
- Delivers a delightful, clean scent
- Quick and easy to prepare—just a minute with a few ingredients!
Essential Oils with Disinfecting Properties
Even after using essential oils for years, I still marvel at their incredible versatility. Below is a list of essential oils known for their disinfecting properties, such as being antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and deodorizing:
- Tea Tree
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Lemon
- Orange
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Thyme
- Peppermint
Utilizing This Disinfecting Spray Throughout Your Home
This disinfecting spray is an excellent choice for hard surfaces (like countertops and doorknobs), and it also serves as a fabric refresher (similar to Febreeze). Here are some common areas where I use it:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Toilet handles
- Faucets
- Countertops
- Trash cans
- Remote controls
- Upholstery—sofas, chairs, and throw pillows (especially after someone in the family has been ill)
- Odorous shoes and athletic gear
- Mattresses
- Carpets and rugs
How to Create Your Own Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray
Step 1: Fill a 16 oz Glass Spray Bottle with High-Proof Alcohol
According to the CDC, it’s crucial to use an alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol for effective disinfection. You can choose either ethanol (the type found in alcoholic beverages) or isopropyl alcohol (commonly known as rubbing alcohol). Both options are potent disinfectants, but ensure the product you select is at least 70% alcohol.
Here are some effective alcohol options:
- 70%+ Ethanol Products: Seek out 140 proof or higher drinkable grain alcohols. These can be found in the grain alcohol section of your local liquor store.
- Everclear (190 proof, 92.4% ethanol)
- Spirytus Vodka (192 proof, 96% alcohol; ensure it’s at least 140 proof)
- Golden Grain (190 proof, 95% alcohol)
- 70%+ Isopropyl Alcohol: Available in the pharmacy section of stores like Walmart, Target, or your local drug store. Look for bottles labeled as isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol.
- 70% rubbing alcohol
- 91% rubbing alcohol
- 99% rubbing alcohol
Step 2: Add 1/2 Teaspoon of Hydrogen Peroxide
A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection indicates that viruses can be effectively inactivated with disinfectants containing alcohol and 0.5% hydrogen peroxide.
Step 3: Incorporate the Essential Oils
- 30 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
These essential oils not only possess natural disinfecting properties, but their combination also creates an incredibly pleasant aroma. As an added bonus, they help neutralize odors, combat mold & mildew, and are antimicrobial.
Step 4: Secure the Spray Top and Shake Well to Mix
Step 5: Label Your Bottle
(Click here for a free printable label and recipe)
Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray Recipe Recap
1. Fill a 16 oz glass spray bottle with alcohol that is 140 proof or greater (70%+ alcohol), such as Everclear or rubbing alcohol.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Add the following essential oils:
- 30 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 15 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 15 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
4. Secure the spray top and shake to mix well.
5. Label your bottle
(Click here for a free printable label and recipe)
How to Use Your Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray
For Disinfecting:
- Pre-clean the surface you wish to disinfect.
- Shake the spray bottle before each use.
- Spray directly onto counters, faucets, doorknobs, etc. For electronics like remote controls and light switches, spray the cloth first and then wipe the item.
- Allow the surface to remain wet for a few minutes, then let it air dry.
To Control and Prevent Mold & Mildew:
- Shake the spray bottle before each use.
- Apply to a pre-cleaned surface (such as tile grout, shower walls, sink, etc).
- Ensure the surface stays wet for at least 3 minutes.
- Allow it to air dry.
- Use weekly or whenever mold and mildew appear.
For Deodorizing:
- Shake the spray bottle each time before use.
- Spray on surfaces as needed.
- I often spray in stinky shoes and on athletic gear, allowing them to air dry overnight.
- I also spray in and around trash cans.
For Spot Sanitizing, Deodorizing & Refreshing Fabrics (like Febreeze):
- Shake the spray bottle before each use.
- Conduct a spot test on the fabric in an inconspicuous area.
- Spray until the fabric is slightly damp but not soaked.
- The fabric should remain wet for 30 seconds.
- Let it air dry.
- For stubborn odors, reapply as necessary.
Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
Looking for another easy way to disinfect your home? Check out my recipe for homemade Lysol and Clorox wipes. They’re simple to make and incredibly convenient for disinfecting surfaces like shopping carts, restaurant tables, and more.
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Please note: The products mentioned on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.
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