April 16, 2014
Lavender + Lemon Bathroom Disinfecting Spray
Here’s a great recipe for a safe and effective bathroom disinfecting spray. It smells clean and will get rid of germs in a hurry! (Go to this post to see my favorite products to DIY your cleaners.)
Today I’m sharing the recipe for Lavender and Lemon Bathroom Disinfecting Spray from The Organically Clean Home – you’ll love how the recipes are organized and layed out. Each recipe has clear (easy and quick) instructions and a lot of the recipes have other tips and tricks included as well. Many recipes have variations so you’ll see unscented versions as well as other scent combinations to try.
Gather your simple ingredients (this recipe can easily be cut in half if you don’t want to mix up a whole batch).
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup vodka (excellent germ-killing properties)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 1/2 cups water (distilled or boiled and cooled)
I find that using a funnel makes it really easy to pour ingredients directly into a spray bottle. Alternately, you can use a measuring cup or container with a spout with good results too.
Once you’ve mixed up your bathroom disinfecting spray you can spray away. I like to spray all surfaces thoroughly, let it sit for about 10 minutes (to kill germs), and then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. In the bathroom it’s important to avoid any cross-contamination so I wipe in this order with separate cloths – mirror, sink, tub/shower, toilet. Go to this post for my amazing bathroom cleaning strategy.
Let’s just talk about labeling for a minute, shall we? For me (and most people) packaging will get me to look at and sometimes even purchase a product. If you want your quest to DIY your own cleaners to be a little more fun and to stick, you might want to add a little cuteness. I put a little washi tape on my clear glass spray bottles and it makes it so cute! I added a little hanging tag and put the recipe on the back of the label. I can swap the bottle out for a different cleaner or it’s super easy to mix up another batch with the recipe at the ready.
Are you ready to make your own cleaners? It’s so easy! It’ll save you loads of money and be so much better for you and your family! What are you waiting for?
Have you ordered my book The Organically Clean Home? It’s full of practical tips and 150 cleaning recipes!
Karen Says
Looking forward to getting your book – it looks great!
Tammy Says
Where did you get those spray bottles? I have tried different ones and none of them seem to work well for any extended time or they come in ugly colors.
Thanks Becky!! Looking forward to your book!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Tammy! I got them from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Cleaner-Bottle-Clear-Nozzle/dp/B00DGI2ZOC/ref=as_li_tf_mfw?&linkCode=wey&tag=clemam06-20
Michelle Says
Just a note – that spray bottle is 16 ounces. I bought it on your recommendation, added my 1/2 cup each of vinegar and vodka. Went to add the 1 1/2 cup of water and realized ummm… 2 1/2 cups won’t fit in a 16 ounce bottle. lol. So, if anyone else is following your recipe precisely for this bottle…they’ll need to scale it appropriately. I just used 1 cup of water and figured a little extra vodka/vinegar wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Becky Says
Post authorYes, always measure your bottle first and reduce ingredients accordingly 🙂
xo, Becky
Elaine Says
I just purchased a 16 oz bottle on Amazon… Can you provide the recipe for the lavener / lemon disinfectant that would be to scale and fit the 16 oz. bottle? Please? Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorJust cut the recipe in half 🙂
AngellaF Says
Hi. How long will this mix last before it’s ineffective?
Becky Says
Post authorAt least 2 months 🙂
Limeade Gal Says
I have been looking for a good DIY cleaner for a while, this sounds heavenly. Thank you for sharing.
Sinea Pies Says
Thanks for the recipe! How exciting about your new book! I am an Amazon affiliate so I put a link to your book on my homepage. My readers will love it!
Sinea fromr Ducks ‘n a Row
Beverly Says
Good luck on your book! I was wondering… where is the best place to purchase essential oils? Thanks for any info!
Caitlyn Says
This recipe sounds great! Do you know if it would be safe to use on marble counters, though?
Becky Says
Post authorNo, it’s not safe on marble counters because of the white vinegar. xo, Becky
Carol Says
Sounds great, but is there another choice besides Vodka?
Becky Says
Post authorRubbing alcohol would work too Carol 🙂
Nova Says
Rubbing alcohol is not a good substitute for Vodka. Rubbing alcohol will not evaporate as vodka will and it it will irritate the skin unlike vodka.
susan Says
So, if rubbing alcohol will not work, what CAN be used instead of vodka? Thanks! 🙂
Becky Says
Post authorRubbing alcohol is a perfectly fine substitute for vodka 🙂
Cayley Says
Can I use gin instead of vodka?
Becky Says
Post authorNo, but you can use rubbing alcohol 🙂
Kerry Says
I already have my book on pre-order through Amazon. Totally excited to get it in the mail.
kerry
Food Daily Says
Hey Becky,
I love this article! We just wrote a piece on non-toxic kitchens and this article would have been a great addition! http://fooddai.ly/1f
Would you be interested in collaborating to promote your book to our audience? Your work is just the type of thing we love.
Cheers,
Tom
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Tom! Yes, please email me at clean.mama@yahoo.com to discuss.
Becky
Dorie Says
I have pre ordered your book and can’t wait for it to be delivered. I am not sure if you have this covered in the book but I was wondering how long can you store the homemade cleaners before they lose their effectiveness. Thanks!
Laura Berndt Says
Beverly, the best essential oils are from DoTerra. Ive noticed thats what Becky also uses.
Beverly Says
Laura,
Thanks for the info!
Beverly
Susan Says
I use doTerra, too.
Allison Says
Very inspiring! Gets me excited about cleaning! Where do you get your spray bottles? I love them! Are they glass?
Becky Says
Post authorYay! Yes, the spray bottles are glass and they can be found in my Amazon store on the lower sidebar 🙂 xo, Becky
Jewel Says
Hi Becky, I preordered your book, it should be here tomorrow! Do you have a recipe in it for a cleaner that is safe to use on marble?
Thanks,
Jewel
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Mrs U Says
What can I use instead of vodka? Is there a substitution? We do not use or keep alcohol (well, rubbing alcohol… quite different LOL).
Also, is this safe for granite counter tops??
Thank you!
His,
Mrs. U
Sam Schasteen Says
Becky, I have loved your blog for a few years now, and when I saw you wrote a book, I pre-ordered it right away!! I’ve been looking through it and it’s just fantastic! Congratulations. Wishing you loads of success!!
-Sam Schasteen
Becky Says
Post authorThank you SO much!
Happy Cleaning!
xo, Becky
Michelle Says
I wonder if you could use this in the kitchen (granite countertops) for disinfecting, instead of this one: http://www.cleanmama.net/2013/05/diy-homemade-cleaners-disinfectant.html
I prefer the smell of lavender and lemon over tea tree oil. Would this one work just as well? (Also be nice to have ONE disinfecting spray for all rooms 😀
Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorVinegar on granite is a no-no, but this cleaner can be used for all-purpose:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2014/03/diy-granite-cleaner.html
xo, Becky
Michelle Says
Thanks so much! Eek – good point! Do you think the alcohol in the granite cleaner is enough to disinfect bathrooms or would you stick with the higher ratio of vinegar and alcohol in this one?
Sandra {simpleispretty.com} Says
Just made it last night, LOVE it! Especially the scent! You are changing my thinking 😉
Patti Says
Hi!
Talking about packaging and labeling, where do you get the clear spray bottles? and what size do you recommend?
Becky Says
Post authorThey’re 16 ounces and from Amazon – if you scroll down on my sidebar you’ll see them!
NadyasMom Says
I just made your disinfectant and I am in love. I made a bottle for my mom n bff not to mention now I have to buy your book. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any essential oils so my bathroom smelled like a salad but it was germ free. Thanks your site is great.
Lisa Reuben Says
Hi. Would rubbing alcohol work in place of the vodka?
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Kristin Says
Hi Becky..I just purchased your book The Organically Clean Home…excited to read it and put it to use. One question is where do you purchase your essential oils?
Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorI use doTERRA! Here’s my affiliate link if you’d like to use it 🙂
http://www.mydoterra.com/cleanmama/
Ellen Says
I have and love your book, somethings haven’t worked out for me but that’s okay. It’s fun to try. You mention here mirrors; do you use this disinfecting spray on your bathroom mirrors also or is that just your general cleaning order?
Steph Says
How do you launder your microfiber cloths? All together? Separately to not cross contaminate? And what laundry soap do you use on your microfiber cloths?
Raquel Says
Can this spray be used on stainless steel faucet handles? I think mine are brushed nickel, but they actually may be stainless steel. Just in case, is this cleaner safe? (LOVE all your stuff!)
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Raquel Says
Thank you!
Raquel Says
Love that you made them pretty – where did you get the cute tags you label them with?
Becky Says
Post authorStaples 🙂
Karla King Says
Hi Becky,
I love your book, thank you for sharing your recipes with the rest of us, I absolute love them! I have granite in my bathrooms and you have mentioned that vinegar is not good for it, what if I try this cleaner without the vinegar, would it have the same effect? Thank you.
Becky Says
Post authorThank you Karla!
You could try it or use this recipe:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2014/03/diy-granite-cleaner.html
anita dotson Says
Just wondering where you get your labels for your bottles?
sasha Says
Where do you purchase your glass spray bottles? Thank you!
Becky Says
Post authorhttp://www.amazon.com/Rail19-Glass-Cleaner-Bottle-Nozzle/dp/B00DGI2ZOC/ref=as_sl_pc_wdgt_ex?&linkCode=wey&tag=clemam06-20
Cassie Says
where do you purchase your pretty microfiber clothes from? i’m just getting into making my own cleaning products and the prettier they are the more i’ll be encouraged to use them!!
ch Says
Can this be used for all rooms in the house, besides bathroom? Also, I was looking for something that I can use like a clorox spray to disinfect, would this recipe serve that purpose? Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorAbsolutely!
Amanda Says
Where did you get your funnel from? I love the color!
Erica Says
Hi Becky! Just one question, I did not see it addressed earlier — do the spray bottles HAVE to be glass? Will the oils react with plastic? I ordered the plastic ones from Amazon, along with the set that includes the juicer — but should I have gotten glass? Thanks!
carla Says
You can buy vinegar in glass bottles & repurpose them for your cleaners & their less than $3
Miranda Says
I also find that Arbor mist bottles work great here. I but cheap sprayers from the dollar tree and they fit fine. Saw a post someplace saying what sprayers hold up to essentials well. I guess you can buy them online. I need to look back into that. In fact looking through the cleaning recipes, I think I need some wine 🙂
Kathy Says
If you repurpose a glass bottle (say a vinegar bottle), where can you buy the sprayer from?
http://stepneycarpetcleaners.org.uk Says
The best ‘mostly’ homemade cleaning potion I’ve used is to clean the bathtub. Fill a spray bottle with 50% white vinegar and 50% liquid soap. spray liberally in the bathtub and sink. let sit for 30-60 minutes. Wipe all the soap scum away with no scrubbing and then rinse! I’ve used liquid Castile soap and method dish soap. Both work beautifully. The vinegar smell will go away shortly after you wipe down and rinse the tub.
Best regards!
Stepney Carpet Cleaners Ltd.
Deb Lervaag Says
Becky do you have any cleaning recipes that work on iron stains from well water? This is my biggest problem in the bathrooms.
B Says
Hi,
I’m wondering if the lemon / lavender are central to the disinfecting properties or if I could use orange oil and get the same results.
Thanks!
Becky Says
Post authorYou can definitely substitute the orange oil 🙂
Melina Says
Hi Becky!
Can i use lavander oil with tea tree instead of limon oil?? Or should I just use tea tree oil??
Becky Says
Post authorYes, you can!
Roz Behan Says
Would I be able to use peroxide instead of vodka I think it’d be a lot less expensive.
Thank you for all your cleaning recipes.
Becky Says
Post authorI can only recommend rubbing alcohol in lieu of the vodka 🙂
Jessika Says
Would plastic bottles be ok for this? At least to start? I’m starting my beautiful cleaning collection but the glass bottles are too much for me all at once. I figured I’d start with plastic and get glass when I can.
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Jaclyn Says
I thought you should only use amber or blue glass only bottles with essential oils .. truth to this ??
Becky Says
Post authorIf you are storing pure essential oils they need to be in an amber or blue glass bottle – if you are mixing them with water, vinegar, etc. and using them for cleaning I have never had a problem with them. They are just as effective – DIY cleaners are also not meant to be stored for months at a time so it’s perfectly fine to use clear glass for storage.
Megan's Cookin' Says
I wouldn’t use the rubbing alcohol, I would use witch hazel instead of vodka.
Jenni Says
Can’t use vinegar in the house-what’s the alternative?
Becky Says
Post authorIt depends on what you are cleaning, but I also use rubbing alcohol, castile soap, and vodka. Hope that helps. xo Becky
Joanne Goldberg Says
My 5 children gave me this book for Mother’s Day and I love it. I now make my own laundry detergent, and most of my cleaning supplies. Thanks!
Dana Says
Can I substitute rubbing alcohol for the vodka?
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Kim Says
Is this safe for granite and marble?
Becky Says
Post authorNo, use this one instead:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2014/03/diy-granite-cleaner.html
Caryn Says
Any substitutes for the alcohol?
Becky Says
Post authorRubbing alcohol 🙂
Gail Says
= don’t have Lavender oil, I have Lemon, Peppermint, Tangerine and Thieves. Which combo would be best?
Becky Says
Post authorI’d do either all thieves OR lemon and peppermint 🙂
Susan Says
Hi Becky! I love your site. It seems like this bathroom spray could also be an all-purpose spray – do you think so? Also I would like to know your own favorite all-purpose recipe if you don’t mind sharing 🙂
Becky Says
Post authorYes! This IS my favorite all-purpose cleaner 🙂
Pamela Caldwell Says
I think the lavender and lemon scent is intoxicating, I can’t get enough of it.
Becky Says
Post authorIsn’t it wonderful?
Lou Says
Love the simplicity of this recipe, have ordered the book, looking forward to it arriving. Love your blog too, frequently recommend it to other people xx
Becky Says
Post authorThank you!
Rachel Says
Are the lavender and lemon essential oils necessary for cleaning or are they only for smell? I have all the other ingredients handy and would love to make a batch of this without having to make a trip to the store.
Becky Says
Post authorThe lavender and lemon do have some disinfecting properties, but they are NOT necessary for the cleaners 🙂
Kim A Says
I can’t wait to try this! I’m seeing a lot of comments asking about use on granite and marble. What about wood floors?
Becky Says
Post authorI recommend this just for surfaces, not floors 🙂
Rob Says
Can I use rubbing alcohol for the lavender and lemon bathroom disinfecting spray?
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Rob Says
Thank you
Kathy Says
I read in one of your writings about toilet bowl cleaning, that sounded like you use a store product to clean inside your toilet bowl because you find toilet bowl scrubbers gross (which you’d have to use with your homemade recipe). I totally agree and had been using the Scrubbing Bubbles handle that you attach a scratchy type pad to (rather than the material flaps attachment). I ran out and can’t find either one now in the stores. What are you using? My toilets really need cleaning and I hate to buy a brush.
Becky Says
Post authorHi Kathy! I use Scotch-Brite’s new toilet cleaning brush – it’s awesome – the scrubbers are disposable 🙂
Heidi Gerrol Says
Hi there! Is it safe on polished nickel? Thank you!!!
Becky Says
Post authorYes!
Ke Says
Okay so I love all natural everything. It I detest the smell of vinegar. Suggestions?
Becky Says
Post authorThe essential oils help!
Shelby Says
Where do you get your nifty labels Becky?