Natural Green Mom

DIY: Natural Disinfectant Spray (Like Lysol But Homemade!)

by 76 Comments

Natural Disinfecting Spray

Natural Disinfectant Spray Like Lysol

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Vodka (look for 180 proof)
1/2 cup Water
15 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
25 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil
15 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
15 drops Lavender Oil

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and add to a glass spray bottle. Shake the spray bottle frequently while cleaning.

To Disinfect:

Spray any surface that is frequently touched in your home.

If you don’t drink alcohol, you may not have vodka at home. Do not leave it out of this spray. It will help sterilize all your surfaces. Get a super cheap bottle from behind the liquor counter for just $4.99 and use it. You only need 1/2 cup.

Make sure you are only buying the highest quality essential oils! I buy USDA Certified organic oils.

The oils you buy at the grocery store can be labeled Therapeutic Grade but only have to have 5% of the essential oil. That simply won’t work in this formula, which is why I’ve since made the switch to a brand that is 100% essential oil. After all, we’re talking about sterilizing and guarding against viruses!

Once you try using this spray, you will find it is addictive. I love cleaning with something that smells so great!

After you’ve sterilized your home, be sure to store your spray in a dark place out of the reach of children. You’ll need to use the spray within 2 to 3 months or it will start to lose its potency.

In addition to this spray, I like to make Homemade Cleaning Wipes to have on hand.

Do you use essential oils to clean your home?


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The links in this post may contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I love using essential oils whenever possible, especially in in place of cleansers and insect repellants etc. However, I had a near fatal reaction to orange oil, so I would also add the note to clean a small test area & check for adverse reactions. There is also the chance if you overdo it that people with sensitive systems can develop allergies to essential oils, particularly if skin is coming in contact with it, such as on door knobs etc. But again, I do love not only using natural ingredients, but going shopping in your cupboards is a great way to save money.

    Reply

    • Hi Devin, There are a couple drawbacks to using rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is a skin irritant, and I’m not sure how diluted it needs to be to minimize that. Even if you are just spraying surfaces, you’d need to be careful. You also need to keep in mind that it is a poison, so keep away from children. Finally, it does have a pretty strong odor, and I’m not sure that it wouldn’t overpower the essential oils. However, it does sterilize and kills both bacteria and viruses. So basically, having never used it, I can’t really endorse it. Hope that helps just a little, Andrea

      Reply

    • Hi Kari, Rum has more sugar which lessens it’s ability to sterilize. Plus, you might not get the great smell of the essential oils since it also has a stronger scent than vodka. Andrea

      Reply

  6. I have been making a version of this for several years now, sometimes I dilute the vodka and sometimes I don’t. It is great for an air freshener and a fabric freshener as well as a surface disinfectant. I used to use it on my phone and keyboard at work, especially after a weekend when other people would use my office and as an air freshener to clear the smoke smell from the office and furniture.

    I don’t use rubbing alcohol just for the reason that I believe the medicinal smell would over power the scent of the EO’s. Aside from the fact that I hate the smell of rubbing alcohol – ick.

    Reply

    • Trish, I agree that it makes a lovely air/fabric freshener. There aren’t many cleaning products out there where you can spray, sniff the bottle, spray, sniff the bottle. 🙂 Andrea

      Reply

  8. I am in love with this recipe!
    Just making sure it is considered “Safe” as I have two and four year old boys (Haha hence the need for disinfectant). I’ve heard mixed things about eucalyptus.
    Also I would like to give some to my sister but she is pregnant. would any of the above be considered “unsafe” for a pregnant woman and could I substitute tea tree (melaluca) oil.
    THANK YOU!

    Reply

    • Hi Cassy, I’m so glad you like this recipe! I would consider this “safe” even though you have a 2 and 4 year old because you aren’t applying it directly to them but are using it on household items. If you are concerned, I might use it when they aren’t around (naptime?) and allow it to dry thoroughly before they come into contact with whatever you have sprayed. I’m back and forth about how I feel about pregnant women and eucalyptus. Again, it shouldn’t be used directly on her, so it should be safe. But if you feel more comfortable using tea tree, I think that is an excellent substitute! Andrea

      Reply

  9. Hi! I’m excited to have found this just in time for a family member’s travel plans. I’m wondering though, if tangerine oil could be subbed for the orange with the same effect? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Jen, Most of the citrus essential oils have the same properties, so tangerine would work. However, if you have Lemon, that would be an even better substitute. Have a safe and fun trip! Andrea

      Reply

  10. The essential oils…do these ave any disinfecting properties? I much rather prefer mint and the citrus oils deter the cats…would vodka and essential mint.oil have an equal disinfecting effect as your original recipe?

    Reply

      • Please do more research. There are many essential oils that are toxic to pets.
        Euculyptus and orange and citrus are some of them. To sanitizer, alcohol needs to be min of 70% which most vodka are not.
        Just because things are natural, does not mean they are not toxic.

        Reply

    • Hi Katie, I used an opaque plastic bottle and I store it out of the light. I go through it pretty quickly though. If you think you’ll only use it occasionally, you might consider glass. Andrea

      Reply

  12. Hi there;

    I’m not opposed to vodka 😉 Just wondering if you know whether Hydrogen Peroxide would work as substitute for the Vodka portion.
    Would likely have to use up more quickly, or make a smaller batch as the Hydrogen oxides quickly. Any other concerns?

    Reply

  13. I don’t have rosemary oil, could I use dried rosemary and chop it up finely and put that into the spray bottle. Would the oil from that still be effective?

    Reply

      • Hi Cyndy! Any chance you have clove, oregano, or geranium? You could substitute either one. Or, just make the recipe without rosemary. It’s still going to pack a powerful punch. Let me know how it goes! Andrea

        Reply

  14. Hi All,

    I’m wondering if this recipe is pet friendly. We have a dog and two cats, I know lavender is a “no-no” for cats, but what about the other EO’s?

    Reply

  16. Question…
    Do I need to let it air dry, or can I spray, then wipe?
    I’m just starting out with natural products, so I just don’t know the “rules” when it comes to oils yet.

    Reply

    • Hi Mom of 5 Kids, Yay for starting with natural products! I spray and allow to airdry. However, if your spray bottle leaves a thick mist, instead of a fine mist, allow to dry for a bit and then maybe give it a swipe so it doesn’t drip everywhere. Andrea

      Reply

  17. My main concern here is Rota virus and noro virus. What is the accuracy that this kills those two stomach viruses if at all? I’m all for natural substitutes but I’m a fear factory when I comes to tummy bugs and lysol is proven to kill those. Idk what to do here!

    Reply

  19. I’m new to using/making natural products so I’ve never used essential oils before. I had a reaction to something with eucalyptus in it, can/should I avoid that oil? I have a dog so it would need to be pet safe. Also, my husband is trying to quit drinking (and vodka is his drink of choice) does this spray smell like vodka when you spray on furniture, mattresses, etc?

    Reply

    • Hi Beth, If you’ve had a reaction to eucalyptus in the past, I would avoid it and leave it out of the formulation. I’d also skip the vodka for the sake of your husband and maybe trying rubbing alcohol instead. The problem with rubbing alcohol is it has a strong scent that will compete with the essential oils. Hope that helps, Andrea

      Reply

    • Tina, vinegar is an natural disinfectant but not as strong as alcohol. However, since it is combined with essential oils that also have disinfecting properties, it can be an acceptable substitute. Here’s the kicker: vinegar has a strong odor that the essential oils won’t mask whereas vodka has very little oil making it perfect for use with essential oils. I hope that helps answer your question, Andrea

      Reply

  21. I love using essential oils around the home and this sounds like a great combination. However I think you’ve confused sterilize with sanitize. Sterilization usually takes place under high temperatures (boiling water) or high pressure / steam (autoclave). Sanitization is removing contamination either from skin or surfaces with soap and water or chemical application (essential oils contain chemical compounds). Sorry I don’t mean to be picky but the use of sterilize is misleading.

    Reply

  22. Hey, I’m wondering if this is ok to use to fine-mist on a carpet to sanitize in between carpet cleanings, and then let my 7-month-old daughter play on it safely?

    Reply

  24. Hi, is there any other substitute for the rosemary? I have all kinds of essential oils just not the rosemary. Or can I leave it out altogether? We have had a stomach bug running through the house and I want to spray sanitize everything. I would go get some rosemary but I can’t leave until I get over this sickness.

    Reply

  25. I would like to know what oils would be safe around cats, I don’t want to make my cat sick. I would like to sanitize naturally.

    Reply

    • Hi Cheryl, All the oils in this spray are ok to use with cats. However, you don’t want to spray it while they are in the room, and you want to make sure it is dry before they re-enter. The oils you need to stay away from are: Anise, Clove Leaf/Bud, Garlic, Horseradish, Juniper, Thyme, Wintergreen, or Yarrow. Hope that helps! Andrea

      Reply

  26. Hi! I am wondering if Sweet Orange Oil would work in place of Wild Orange? Or even tangerine or grapefruit? I have all of those citrus oils on hand..but no wild orange.

    Reply

    • Hi Amber! Yes, a sweet orange oil would work instead of wild orange. Grapefruit would also work well. But, I think I would steer clear of any flavored vodkas. I know it would be convenient for you, but I can’t guarantee how the extra ingredients would react. 🙂 Andrea

      Reply

  27. One more! Would a flavored vodka work? We have tons of those from before my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we don’t drink anymore so they’re just sitting here. I just don’t have any plain vodka on hand.
    Thanks!!

    Reply

  29. Thank you so much for posting such an amazing recipe! I have “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils” so I’m glad to have the info you’ve provided to suppliment what I already know. My husband is hacking away, recovering from an awful respiratory infection… In other words, he’s coughing all over EVERYTHING at no fault of his own, and I get sick at the drop of a hat.

    I’m pretty masterful at cleaning, but I’ve never really needed to disinfect anything that couldn’t be easily thrown in the washer, AKA: the entire sofa. Do I risk damaging my beautiful furniture using this recipe? I noticed that you mentioned this is carpet safe, so I’d like to assume this will be safe to use on ALL surfaces–hard and soft.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  30. Hi! The only EO’s i have are Peppermint, Lavender, Four Thieves, Purification and Relaxation Blend. What can i use for me to still sanitize my home? I cant follow the recipe since i only have the lavender essential oil. Thanks!

    Reply

  32. Thanks for the recipe.
    However, I find it overkill to have the mix of essential oils and vodka itself already prohibits bacterial and viral growth while killing it.
    Hence, I’m sticking to lavender rose.
    I’ll experiment further with 2 combinations of essential oils but not overdo it.

    Thanks again for the insight

    Reply

  34. Where can I find information on how effective this is at killing germs and viruses? I would love to see test results where it is shown to kill xx% of various pathogens.
    I haven’t done all the costing, but what is typical price per gallon of this formula, does anyone know?

    Reply

  36. Essential oils are very weak (at best) germicidal agents. Lysol is probably not the healthiest and is certainly overpriced, but it is highly effective against a wide variety of pathogens. Either do it right or don’t do it at all.

    Reply

  37. I’m working with essential oils for the very FIRST time and trying to “Go Green!” and replace all the chemical laden cleaners in our home. To add a little extra “punch” to this cleaner can I substitute white vinegar for the water instead to have a 50/50 vodka/vinegar blend? I just wanted to make sure the was no adverse reactions between the vinegar and vodka. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Dee, Love that you are going green! I can’t wait for you to smell this disinfectant. So different from the commercial cleaner. If you want to “up” the cleaning power I might just add a bit more vodka rather than adding in vinegar. It’s a pretty potent blend as is. Andrea

      Reply

    • Hi Meagan, The spray does contain sweet orange – which cats are sensitive to – but it is a small amount. You could eliminate the orange EO and sub in a few extra drops of tea tree. Andrea

      Reply

  39. Andrea, I will preface this question by saying that I am a germaphobe, something that I’m sure will become clear as you read on. I work in the heath care field. I also have family members in a nursing home. I generally have a day once every week or two that I feel like I was exposed to yuck. On these days I do a major cleaning of my car. I call it Lysol bombing. I wipe the steering wheel, gear shift, touch screen, knobs, door handle, etc. then I Lysol spray the seat, floor board, etc. the smell is overpowering and I try to leave the windows down for a while after doing this if possible. I then spray my shoes, go into my house, put my clothes in the washer and take a shower. I drive a lot in my car and this is how I don’t feel yucky in it the next day(s). I have a 1 1/2 year old also. I have been doing this for probably 5 years now. I am getting more and more worried about the chemicals I am exposing myself and my family to. I bought essential oils at the beginning of the summer, and a brown glass bottle. (I bought: orange, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, and tea tree- I had seen your recipe before my purchase. With my planned use of essential oils are there any other combinations you would suggest other than this recipe? ) But, shame on me I haven’t mixed them up or used them. Can I use this cleaner for my car? Will it damage the upholstery? How strong will the smell be? Can I also make wipes for the surfaces with this recipe? Can I spray my shoes with it? Are there any indoor surfaces you would recommend not using this recipe on? Do you think I could store the spray and/or wipes in my car on the day I need them or do you think because of heat and cold it would be bad idea? See, I told you I have germaphobia issues. Sorry there is so much info and so many questions. What are your thoughts? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi Kim,
      When I’ve been exposed to yuck, I also go into clean all the things mode! It’s one of our only ways to protect ourselves from illness.
      You can use this on your car. It should be fine on your steering wheel, gear shift, touch screen, knobs, door handle, and floorboards. However, I’d worry a bit about your upholstery. I’d definitely do a small spot first. Also, essential oils are very sensitive to heat and light. Therefore, storing it in your car isn’t a great idea. You can make wipes with this mixture. Or, shake vigorously and pour a bit onto a rag and use it to swipe. Not knowing what kind of shoes you wear, I’d spot check those too before spraying liberally. I love the smell of this solution. Your car will smell amazing!!!! If you find you do have to use the Lysol and maybe your upholstery, use it first, then use the essential oil solution. It may negate the smell a bit. Did that answer everything? Andrea

      Reply

  40. I don’t have vodka but I do have Everclear, which is very high proof. It’s usually used to make tincture from cannubus for pain relief. Similar to CBD. Will that work?

    Reply

    • Hi Dionne, I would add 45 drops to the cleaner if you are substituting germ fighter for all the essential oils. I bet it smells amazing! Happy disinfecting, Andrea

      Reply

  42. I have always used vinegar to clean, but my stepmom complains about the smell, even when I use tea tree.
    I am definitely going to try this as soon as I can get my hands on a bottle of vodka 🙂
    I wonder if I can switch out the oils. What properties are you looking for that you added these specific oils to this recipe: antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic… ?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Hi Teddi, A stainless steel bottle would work. Other metals won’t work with the powerful essential oils. Hope that helps! Andrea

      Reply

  44. Do you think witch hazel would work in place of vodka? The only thing I can find online about witch hazel is that it’s antibacterial for SKIN, but nothing about surfaces… you’d think it would be the same, but weird I can’t find anything about it…

    Reply

    • Hey Angela, I don’t know anything about witch hazel for cleaning. I have never come across a cleaning recipe that uses it. I think I’d stick to the vodka in this recipe. Andrea

      Reply

  46. I am curious as to why you specify overproof or 180 proof vodka then dilute it. Wouldn’t that make it as strong as regular vodka?

    Reply

  47. If you want a true disinfectant you can’t dilute 180 proof alcohol 50%. This might be good to sanitize (reduce but not kill) but will not disinfect (kill) much. In normal times we don’t need to disinfect, just clean and sanitize a bit, because germs are good for us. But if you have a nasty bug going around you need a better recipe to help you kill it.

    Studies have shown you need between 60-80% alcohol to be effective at killing an array of viruses and bacteria (check out the CDC or WHO).

    180 proof vodka = 90% alcohol. If you do 1/2 water and 1/2 vodka your alcohol concentration would then be 45%; which might reduce some things but would leave you susceptible for most nasty bugs.

    Here is a simple way to calculate how much alcohol you need to include to actually disinfect:
    Multiply total volume desired by the concentration of alcohol you want (0.7=70% and a good safe #).
    Then divide that number by your current alcohol concentration (0.9-90%=180 proof)

    Example: You want to make 10 ounces of solution, you have 180 proof vodka and want a 70% alcohol solution:
    10*0.7 = 7
    7*0.9 = 7.77
    So you’d need about 7 3/4 ounces of vodka and 2 1/4 ounces water (10-7 3/4)

    Reply

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