As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in quarantine, it seems only fitting to share an easy recipe for making your own "earth-friendly" disinfecting spray. We all are spraying the surfaces in our homes more frequently, why not skip the aerosol cans and use something just as effective while also being more earth friendly (not to mention people-friendly)?
Homemade “Earth-Friendly” Disinfectant Spray
According to the CDC, you want to use an alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol to disinfect surfaces.
You can use either ethanol (the kind you drink) or isopropyl alcohol (commonly called rubbing alcohol). Both ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are effective disinfectants. The key is to use a product that is at least 70% alcohol.
A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection suggested that viruses could be “efficiently inactivated” with disinfectants that contain alcohol and .5% hydrogen peroxide.
What you need:
- 70%+ ethanol products — Look for 140 proof or higher drinkable grain alcohols OR 70%+ isopropyl alcohol – You’ll find these in the pharmaceutical section of your local drug store. Look for bottles labeled isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol.
- 1/2 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
- Essential oils: tea tree essential oil, lemon essential oil, lavender essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil
- Empty spray bottle (bonus if you can clean out and reuse an old spray bottle that would have otherwise become trash)
Get Started
1. Fill a 16 oz glass spray bottle most of the way full with alcohol that is 140 proof or greater (70%+ alcohol - such as Everclear or rubbing alcohol)
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
3. Add essential oils:
- 30 drops tea tree essential oil
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
4. Put on spray top and shake to mix well
5. Add a label to your bottle and you're good to go!
Happy Earth Day!
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