This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
DIY Disinfectant Spray with Tea Tree & Lemongrass
January 24, 2018
With the kids back in school and cold and flu season in high-gear, disinfecting the home may be in order. Disinfecting is different from cleaning because disinfectants kill bacteria so that it is unable to reproduce. Cleaning pretty much just moves it around the surface, but does not actually kill bacteria that may be present.
It is not uncommon for bleach to be used as a disinfectant. However, bleach can be very dangerous and I don’t recommend it. In fact, one of the best reasons to make your own DIY disinfectant spray is that the amount of chemicals found in most off- the-shelf cleaners is very high and can be dangerous. (1)
Check out my recipe below to make your own homemade disinfectant spray — which includes two antibacterial essential oils. This recipe is easy and can leave your home fresh and bacteria-free.
DIY Disinfectant
Ingredients
Makes 16 ounces
- 2/3 cup high-proof vodka
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 30–40 drops tea tree essential oil
- 30–40 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 16-ounce spray bottle
Instructions
Make sure you use a clean spray bottle. It should not have any bleach or other product residue. A new bottle may be the best way to go, but regardless, just make sure it is clean. Pour the vodka, vinegar and water into the bottle. Vodka is a great disinfectant. Just use the cheap stuff. While vodka does not kill bacteria, it helps clean surfaces and it works to eliminate odors. Vinegar is next up and is a great option since it can help remove dirt and grime. Next, add the distilled water. Using distilled water is important because it is bacteria-free. (2)
Now, let’s add the essential oils. But what essential oils are good for disinfecting? Tea tree essential oil is my favorite since it is antibacterial. Tea tree oil has shown effective wound-healing properties due to its ability to fight infection that can be caused from bacteria. That is why it is a great option for your DIY disinfectant spray. (3)
Lemongrass is known for its antibacterial qualities too. Studies have shown that it is effective at fighting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) skin infections. This makes it a good choice for getting rid of bacteria that may be living on your kitchen countertops too. (4)
Now that everything has been placed in the bottle, simple screw the cap on and shake well. It’s important to clean the area first (you may even want to try making my homemade household cleaner) so that you remove any visible waste particles. Next, rinse the area and dry it. Then apply the homemade disinfectant spray. Shake well before each use.
DIY Disinfectant Spray with Tea Tree & Lemongrass
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup high-proof vodka
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 30–40 drops tea tree essential oil
- 30–40 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 16-ounce spray bottle
Directions:
- Pour all ingredients into a clean 16-ounce spray bottle.
- Place the cap tightly on the bottle and shake well.
- Shake well before each use.
Comments
Please keep comments under 200 characters.
Leave a Reply
43 Comments
Do you have to use the vodka?
Can I just use 91% alcohol?
Am going to make this and use it. I will let you know how it works.
I have used it directly on the outside of my throat in the neck area and behind the ears for sore throat and earaches and the next day am fine.
Also with qtips on swollen gums ..just very little…and kills infections.
But please don’t recommend unless you consult your doctor’s. We use Melaleuca oil in our home for sore muscles, bits, even aches and pains. Thank you for the added info. Hope you don’t mind me using all your recipes.
Does the essential oils disintegrate in the vodka & vinegar? Or is it still as good.
Can you tell me if there is a recipe for a disinfection spray I can use on clothes that have been donated to charity shops.
Many peoples had been allergy with lemongrass oil too
It seem this oil could make it worse for sensitive allergies persons
And some children will also developing hive too
Use of Oregano, in the disinfectant spray also works with Tea Tree (Melaleuca,) essential oils. It also will make cleaning the yellow stains off the toilet seats without the use of the harsh chemicals used in toilet cleaning.
Is this safe for granite?
Can the DIY Disinfectant spray be used on granite, marble or other natural stone countertops?
Yes – it can be used anywhere. Spray it on and wipe dry with a paper towel.
Do you wipe up the disinfect after or just let it on?
I spray it on and wipe dry with a paper towel.
What substitute can one use instead of vodka!
Rubbing alc ohol
Tea tree oil is very poisoness to pets..
These essential oils are very toxic to cats. As are most essential oils.
Please inform your students and customers about the toxicity of some essential oils to pets!!
Cats are missing an enzyme in their liver that can remove the oils from their systems! Dogs can be subject to toxicity as well as birds. Two right off the bat are believe it or not, Lavender and Tea Tree! Please check out various info on essential oil toxicity and pets.
This recipe rocks for cleaning BTW!
I just can’t use it near my cat. That means on the floor walls or in the laundry.
Is this safe to use on hardwood floors? With my little one crawling on the floors, I’d like a way to really clean my floors ( we do remove our shoes upon entering the house to help).
Vodka should be fine on hardwood floors as long as it is diluted. Pure vodka without being diluted could strip it. When in doubt, always spot test!
I’m sooooooooooooooo grateful to you and your staff for sharing your knowledge sooooooooo freely.
Thank you
I’m getting stressed, I have OCD around germs and I don’t know when to clean and when to disinfect, I would love to have one product
I COMPLETELY understand what you’re going through. I also suffer from OCD & need to be certain germs are GONE! You CAN use just ONE product to perform both tasks! I highly recommend using “Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting
Wipes” according to the EPA they are a botanical disinfectant that is listed with bleach for effectiveness at killing germs. If you suffer from OCD & germs are an issue for you then this one quick solution is probably best for you. You wipe & walk away. That’s it. They also carry an aerosol spray for things like door knobs & light switches etc. (Like Lysol but without the chemicals!) Target carries these products. I will warn you they dont smell very good but that is because the main disinfecting ingredient is Thymol which is from Thyme Oil. If you know the oil you will know it isn’t a great smell. But all that matters to me is that it works! So well so that you can wipe a child’s high chair & not have to rinse it! They’re that safe! (They also make a spray cleaner & disinfectant in one!) I hope I’ve helped you a bit.
Does the lemongrass hurt granite or marble
Great information. Thanks
Should vinegar be used on a granite counter?
No….you shouldn’t use acidic cleaner on granite. There is a recipe online for a cleaner using rubbing alcohol. That recipe works for cleaning and shine, but not sure about disenfecting.
Why the Vodka? Could Witch Hazel or Rubbing alcohol be good substitute?
Thank you.
is this safe for people with cats and/or dogs in the house?
No it isn’t.
Fantastic and the smell wonderful
are these oils ok to use with a child who has epilepsy?
If vodka is a great disinfectant, but it does not kill bacteria, what is your definition of a disinfectant?
I would really like to try the disinfectant minus vodka. Thanks for the valuable information regarding strep strain. Bleach is still being used by hospitals and it doesn’t really kill this germ because many people go home only to discover they brought something with them.
Wouldn’t it be a lot less complicated to use a hydrogen peroxide solution?
I was thinking the same thing.
This says ‘vodka is a great disinfectant’, but then in the same paragraph says ‘vodka does not kill bacteria’— which is it?
Vodka does NOT kill bacteria, so not sure why it’s even included. I make my own cleaner using white vinegar and essential oils and use the vodka for drinking!
Vodka is a great cleaner and odor eliminator the disinfectant is your essential oils that’s what they’re saying. They are also saying put your essential oils into your vodka before you add the water so it doesn’t separate
I’ve read that the vodka is needed for the spray because oil and water don’t mix. Adding a little alcohol fixes that. It disperses the oil and also helps the scent of the essential oil last longer in the air
I would recommend doing the steps differently in your recipe. Because essential oils are oils, they aren’t soluble in water. If you’d like not to have them layer in the mix, its best to add them to the vodka first and shake or stir until dissolved. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Also, thyme (thymol) and eucalyptus (eucalyptol) are excellent choices as well. This has some specific info on thymol.
https://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/school_health/documents/disinfectants.pdf
Wow, Thanks Angela for sharing the chart, this is really helpful info.
God bless you Dr.axe and your friend you both a such of blessing for many people.I tried to order some essential oil on your website but it’s hard .when it’s time to pay it saying pay pal I don’t pay pay pal .I pay debit card .
You can use your credit card on PayPal. Just walk through the steps. It’s pretty straightforward to get started. :-)