Since cold and flu germs are running rampant right now, I spend extra time disinfecting common surfaces around the house. Places we all touch a lot like: door knobs, light switches, computer keyboards, phones and countertops. I don’t like spraying commercial chemicals around, so I found an eco friendlier alternative. Homemade disinfectant spray. This easy DIY disinfectant spray is made with rubbing alcohol and essential oils.
Rubbing alcohol is useful for cleaning and sanitizing many types of surfaces – even glass windows, wood and granite. I have been using my homemade disinfectant spray as an all-purpose cleaner. The rubbing alcohol smell is strong right after it is sprayed, but fades really fast. The Tea Tree scent lingers longer and I like the way it freshens the air.
Many essential oils are useful for household cleaning. I used a mix of Tea Tree EO, Lemon EO and Lavender EO. Each of these essential oils haveĀ antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean, empty spray bottle
- Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender)
- Rubbing Alcohol
Directions:
Pour one cup of rubbing alcohol into a clean, empty spray bottle. Add 15 drops of Tea Tree EO, 7 drops of Lemon EO and 7 drops of Lavender EO. Mix well.
How to Use:
Spray on any hard surface. Allow to dry.
If I’m trying to clean AND disinfect, I spray the surface and wipe it with a cloth. Then spray again and allow surface to try.
Note: I read online that Tea Tree EO can be toxic for cats. If you have a cat, please use a different essential oil so your kitty stays safe.
Where To Buy Essential Oils:
I usually buy essential oils at Amazon and Vitacost. If you shop through my Vitacost referral link as a first time customer, you’ll get a$10 off coupon (and so will I).
Maryann D. says
I love using essential oils for cleaning products. I do use it in my foaming soap also. I will try this recipe!
Gloria says
Can we use this spray on upholstery…and couches and linens or no…? I’m not familiar with essential oils J just now started using my essential oils with a diffuser that was gifted to me but would like to know if this mixture is good for fabrics and sensitive skin. Can we use it inside vehicles and as a room spray to disenfect like lysol since its so hard to find. Can we use any spray bottle plastic or glass? How long does the mixture last and how can we preserve it longer?
Nicole says
Hi! I would not use this on fabrics and upholstery. It could damage. Thanks for your question! Nicole
Michelle says
FYI many of the essential oils are toxic to pets if they are applied directly to pets OR if pets consume them. Odds are you cat wont’ be touching your door knobs, etc, so it is very minimal risk, HOWEVER, if you every have any questions, PLEASE, as your family veterinarian, and not the internet. š Thanks for the recipe!!
Kathryn says
I am new to essential oils and homemade products and am wondering if this would work/be good if I just spray on my 13 mo twins toys before we leave for the day.
Nicole says
Hi Kathryn, Thank you for stopping by and asking about the essential oil disinfectant. To disinfect toys, I would suggest spraying toys and allowing the disinfectant to sit for 1-2 minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow toys to air dry.
If you are wanting a “set it and forget it” type solution that you can do on the way out the door in the morning, you may want to try the Dishwasher method for sanitizing toys. Of course, this option only works with non-electronic plastic toys. The toys can go on the top rack of your dishwasher and be washed with an all-natural dishwasher detergent. If your machine has a Sanitize setting, use that. If not, a regular cycle works.
If you don’t have essential oils, a really inexpensive natural cleaner is vinegar. How to do it: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray toys and allow to sit for 15 minutes, then wipe clean.
Hope that helps answer your question and gives you some other options! Good luck!
Jamie says
Is this good to spray to disinfect catchers gear. My daughter’s helmets do not have removable padding. They need to cleaned as I have noticed she is breaking out where her helmets sit on her face. Don’t want to spray with something that may not be ok to touch her face.