Make Your Own Disinfectant Spray – DIY “Lysol” Recipe

Please use caution when using essential oils around pets and babies. Please test any homemade cleaners on an inconspicuous area before use and do not combine chemicals. See our full disclosure here.

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In this post: Learn how to make your own disinfectant spray with our DIY “Lysol” recipe! Keep the ingredients on hand for when you can’t pick some up a the store!

*Please note: this cleaner has not been lab-tested. Use good judgement and always practice good hand-washing and house cleaning hygiene. 

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Are you used to using Lysol to clean your home? Can’t find any at the store? Read on to learn how to make your own disinfectant spray or DIY “Lysol” recipe and let me know how you like it!

Types of Household Disinfectants (Bleach and Alcohol)

Of course, you can use store-bought disinfectants to clean and disinfect hard surfaces. But if you can’t find any, here are some guidelines for the ingredients you need when making your own (according to the CDC).

Bleach

Solutions made of regular ol’ bleach can be used to disinfect, if appropriate for the surface.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using bleach and make sure you’re in a space with proper ventilation.

Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. 

To make a DIY bleach cleaner, mix:

• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  OR
• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Leave DIY bleach mixture on the surface for at least 1 minute.

Alcohol

Any DIY cleaners or disinfectants need to contain at least 70% alcohol. (Conversely, hand sanitizer needs to contain at minimum 60% alcohol.)

See below for making reusable disinfectant wipes. 

Where to Find Alcohol

I know that a lot of places have recently been sold out of rubbing alcohol, so even making your own disinfectant wipes can be tricky. 

Here are some suggestions of places to look for alcohol:

• your local grocery store
• the drugstore/pharmacies
• your corner store
• online places like amazon (they have been working to reduce price gouging and to increase stock of essential items)
• ULINE
• office supply stores, like Staples
• Walmart
• Target
• hardware stores

Why Essential Oils?

Some essential oils are said to have antiviral properties, along with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

An article in the American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products suggests that some essential oils may help fight flu viruses, though more research is necessary [source1,  source2].

However, I’m including a list of possible antiviral/antibacterial/antifungal essential oils here, in case you’d like to add them to your wipes for their scent or potential anti-germ properties: 

• bergamot oil
• eucalyptus oil
• red thyme
• cinnamon leaf
• lemon
• rosemary
• peppermint
• tea tree

What to Use Disinfectant Cleaner on

This make-your-own disinfectant cleaner comes in especially handy during cold and flu season.

Use it to wipe down hard surfaces like:

• stair railings
• door knobs
• light switches (spray on a cloth first, not directly on switch)
• faucets
• taps
• sink
• bathtubs
• toilets

You could also spray it onto soft surfaces like couches, chairs, rugs, and curtains. 

If you’re feeling lazy and want a no-fuss toilet cleaner, try our DIY Toilet Bombs!

How to Make Your Own Disinfectant Spray (a.k.a. Lysol Spray)

*Please note: this cleaner has not been lab-tested. Use good judgement and always practice good hand-washing and house cleaning hygiene. 

Materials

• 8 ounces alcohol 
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops lemon essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree essential oil
• 7 drops rosemary essential oil
• amber glass spray bottle

According to the CDC (March 2020), you want to use an alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol to disinfect surfaces.

Instructions