Last Updated on December 6, 2024 by Kiersten
This homemade antibacterial spray with essential oils is an easy, natural cleaning product that can be made in less than 5 minutes with an empty spray bottle and handful of ingredients.
I keep this homemade antibacterial spray on hand in the kitchen to use as a finishing spray after I wipe the counters down with natural disinfectant wipes. The ingredients mix together in less than a minute and I appreciate so much that it doesn’t contain any of the toxins or fragrances found in commercial cleaners.
It also comes in handy for door knobs and frequently touched areas during times of illness throughout the year. For encapsulated adenoviruses, you will still need to use bleach in order to adequately disinfect any contaminated surfaces.
Homemade Antibacterial Spray Ingredients
70% Isopropyl Alcohol: This powerhouse ingredient is effective against both bacteria and viruses, making it a staple in my homemade antibacterial sprays.
Lavender Essential Oil: Beyond its soothing scent, lavender has natural antibacterial properties. It can help combat certain strains of bacteria, making it the perfect addition for cleaning. It also may calm your nerves while the kids are screaming (kidding).
Tea Tree Essential Oil: This oil is like the Swiss Army knife of essential oils. Its known for its strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is particularly effective against a wide variety of germs.. Just a few drops will boost the cleaning power of your antibacterial spray.
Citrus Essential Oils: Lemon and orange oils not only smell refreshing but also carry some antibacterial benefits as well. The citric acid in these oils can help break down grime and reduce the presence of germs, while their uplifting scents make cleaning feel a little less like a chore.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: This oil isn’t just great for clearing out your sinuses; it also has notable antibacterial properties. Eucalyptus oil can help fight off germs and has a refreshing, invigorating scent that will last for an hour or two after you have cleaned.
Use Bleach For Tougher Jobs
This is worth stating again! While isopropyl alcohol and the essential oils listed above are incredibly effective and suitable for day to day cleaning, it won’t kill all germs. For instance, it doesn’t effectively eliminate bacterial spores, like those from serious gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus or rotavirus.
In those cases, or if you’re dealing with surfaces contaminated by blood or bodily fluids, bleach is your best bet to stop the infection from spreading.
How to Make a Homemade Antibacterial Spray
Ingredients:
- 4oz 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 3 drops wild orange essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- Distilled water
- 16oz glass spray bottle (or PET plastic)
Instructions:
- Add essential oils to a 16oz spray bottle.
- Add alcohol.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
- Shake well before each use.
Directions for Use:
Spray the soiled area with antibacterial spray. Let the spray sit on the surface for 60 seconds before wiping clean with a rag or paper towel.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Keep tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Try to use up the cleaning spray within 6 months. Shake well before using.
Homemade Antibacterial Spray with Essential Oils
This homemade antibacterial spray with essential oils is an easy, natural cleaning product that can be made in less than 5 minutes with an empty spray bottle and handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4oz 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 3 drops wild orange essential oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- Distilled or filtered water
- 16oz glass spray bottle (or PET plastic)
Instructions
- Add essential oils to a 16oz spray bottle.
- Add alcohol.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
- Shake well before each use.
More Natural Cleaning Solutions
Hand Sanitizer Spray with Essential Oils
Natural disinfectant wipes (nontoxic and reusable)
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only.