5 Easy Homemade Disinfectant Spray with Essential Oils

Are insects and pests bothering you? Do you have a spritzer at home? Do you have essential oils? Then you’re lucky (pun intended). With the right combination of essential oils, you can make insects and pests go away for good! It’s time to ditch those chemical-laden sprays (or use them as a last resort – your choice) and turn to something natural, effective, and aromatic—a homemade disinfectant spray with essential oils. Not only does this solution help keep bugs at bay, but it also disinfects your home while leaving behind a refreshing fragrance.

Let’s dive into the magical world of essential oils and how you can create your own homemade disinfectant spray in just a few steps! Oh and by the way, these can also be used as multi purpose cleaners.

What Makes Essential Oils Good Disinfectants?

Essential oils are more than just pleasant-smelling liquids. They have unique chemical properties that make them effective in fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Here’s why essential oils are excellent for creating disinfectant sprays:

Antimicrobial Properties

Many essential oils, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme, are known for their strong antimicrobial properties. These oils can effectively kill or inhibit the growth of harmful microbes, keeping your environment clean and safe.

Natural Insect Repellents

Oils like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint work as natural insect repellents, keeping pests like mosquitoes and ants at bay.

Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly

Unlike chemical disinfectants, essential oils are non-toxic and biodegradable. They are safe for you, your family, pets, and the environment.

Pleasant Aroma

Essential oils provide an added benefit of aromatherapy. For example, lavender and citrus oils leave your space smelling fresh while uplifting your mood.

Versatility

Essential oils can be mixed with other natural ingredients, such as vinegar or alcohol, to boost their disinfectant power while remaining gentle on surfaces.

With these qualities, essential oils are a powerful yet safe alternative for making your own disinfectant spray. Ready to try some recipes? Let’s get started!

Best Essential Oils for Disinfectant Sprays

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Known for its strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is a powerhouse in disinfecting surfaces and purifying the air. Its active ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, is native to the Melaleuca tree found in Australia, making it a staple in natural cleaning remedies worldwide.

2. Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon oil is a natural degreaser (cleaner designed to remove grease) with potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. Its high limonene content, derived from citrus trees native to South Asia, makes it effective in breaking down grime and leaving spaces with a zesty freshness.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

With its refreshing aroma and antimicrobial properties, eucalyptus oil is excellent for respiratory health and air purification. Harvested from the eucalyptus trees native to Australia, its cineole content makes it a natural germ fighter.

4. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil isn't just calming—it also has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. The linalool and linalyl acetate compounds found in lavender plants, native to the Mediterranean, make it both therapeutic and effective for cleaning. It is an ingredient in most sanitizers.

5. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil offers a cooling, refreshing scent with strong antibacterial properties. Rich in menthol and native to Europe and the Middle East, it effectively disinfects surfaces while providing a natural pest-repellent quality. It is also useful in disease control.

6. Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass oil is a strong antimicrobial and antifungal agent, ideal for tackling bacteria and mold. Its active component, citral, lends a fresh, citrusy scent and is derived from lemongrass plants native to Southeast Asia, making it a favorite for natural cleaning solutions.

7. Turmeric Essential Oil

Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric oil can combat germs effectively while boosting the immune system through aromatherapy. With curcumin as its key compound, this oil comes from turmeric roots, native to South Asia, and offers a warm, earthy fragrance.

8. Pine Essential Oil

Pine oil is renowned for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties, perfect for cleaning and refreshing your home. Sourced from pine trees native to the Northern Hemisphere, its active ingredient, alpha-pinene, fights bacteria and leaves a crisp, forest-like aroma.

9. Myrtle Essential Oil

Myrtle oil has potent antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, making it effective for disinfecting surfaces and purifying the air. Its natural compounds, including cineole and myrtenyl acetate, are derived from the myrtle plant native to the Mediterranean and North Africa, giving it a subtle, herbal scent.

10. Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil is a powerful natural disinfectant known for its antimicrobial properties. It helps cleanse surfaces by eliminating bacteria and germs while leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent. Often used in homemade cleaning products, citronella is a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based disinfectants.

DIY Recipes – Homemade Disinfectant Spray with Essential Oils

1. Lemongrass Freshness Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.
• Use on and under kitchen sinks, or bathroom surfaces. Shake before each use

2. Citrus Burst Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol / Isopropyl alcohol
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops turmeric essential oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Pour water and rubbing alcohol into the spray bottle.
• Add essential oils and shake thoroughly.
• Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

3. Pine Forest Cleaning Spray Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
• 10 drops pine essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Mix water and hydrogen peroxide in the spray bottle. (Do not substitute it with bleach.)
• Add essential oils and shake well.
• Spray on furniture, doorknobs, or any hard surface.

4. Herbal Myrtle Disinfecting Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon castile soap
• 10 drops myrtle essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 drops of clove essential oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Add all natural disinfecting ingredients to the spray bottle and mix thoroughly.
• Spray onto surfaces, let sit for a minute, and then wipe with a clean cloth.

5. Refreshing Mint & Lemon Homemade Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol or vodka
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• Spray bottle

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.
• Use this refreshing spray for cleaning mirrors, light switches, glass, or sanitize any hard surface.

Precautions Using Homemade Disinfectant Spray with Essential Oils

• Avoid Direct Contact with Skin or Eyes: Essential oils, especially in concentrated forms, can irritate sensitive skin or eyes. Always wash your hands after using the disinfectant spray recipe and avoid spraying near your face.

• Keep Away from Children and Pets: Some essential oils can be toxic to pets or harmful if ingested by children. Store the spray securely out of their reach.

• Use the Right Amount: Too little essential oil may render the spray ineffective, while too much can irritate people due to its strong aroma or potency. Measure carefully for balanced results.

Conclusion

Make a homemade disinfectant spray recipe with essential oils - they are an effective, natural, and aromatic way to keep your home clean and fresh. By combining the power of essential oils with simple ingredients, you can create sprays tailored to your needs while avoiding harsh chemicals. Just ensure proper usage and enjoy a healthier, eco-friendly cleaning routine!