My all-natural disinfectant spray can help protect your family from germs during cold and flu season. It can also be used to clean cutting boards and kitchen counters while cooking. Learn how to make your own lemon disinfecting cleaner for an easy, frugal cleaning solution that is also beneficial to your health.
I stopped using commercial disinfecting cleaners in my home when I learned that they can contain hazardous chemicals and indoor air pollutants. These substances can cause health problems including asthma, hormone disruption, heart disease, cancer, headaches, eye irritation, congestion, and nausea.
I am also disturbed that manufacturers of cleaning products in the United States do not have to list the ingredients on the label of cleaning products. This means that you have no idea what you are exposing your loved ones to when you reach for most commercial cleaners.
Natural Disinfecting
This DIY disinfectant spray uses two simple ingredients to naturally kill germs: ethanol and lemon oil.
- Ethanol is commonly used as an active ingredient in hand disinfectants. Healthcare workers are advised to use alcohol-based hand disinfectants for routine hand disinfection. Vodka sold in the United States has a minimum ethanol content of 40%.
- Lemon citrus peel oils have show strong antimicrobial activity. Read more in this study from the British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
There is no need to run out and buy lemon oil, the lemon oil in this cleaner naturally comes from the rinds of a lemon when it is steeped in vodka. You can save the lemon fruit or juice for other recipes.
Lemon Infused Disinfectant Spray Cleaner Ingredients
- Unflavored Vodka (use a cheap variety for cleaning)
- 4-6 Fresh Lemons
Lemon Infused Disinfectant Spray Cleaner Directions
1.Wash and peel the lemons, place rinds in a glass jar. Cover the rinds with vodka and allow to steep in a cool dark place for 3-6 weeks.
2. The cleaner is ready when it becomes a deep yellow color. Remove the lemon rinds and pour into a spray bottle.
3. Download the PDF label from my free printable library and attach to the jar. (I print mine on full size labels for easy application.)
How to Use All-Natural Disinfectant Spray
- Pour the lemon cleaner into a spray bottle and spray directly on areas you want to disinfect including countertops, cutting boards, toilet seats, floors, and more!
- Allow the disinfectant at least 10 seconds of dwell time to kill germs. (Dwell time is the amount of time a cleaner must stay wet on a surface to be effective. According to the CDC, ethanol can kill Serratia marcescens, E, coliand Salmonella typhosa in 10 seconds. )
- Wipe the surface dry (if desired) there is no need to rinse.
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Brooke says
Can you re-use those lemon peels by adding more vodka back into the lemon rind jar?
Bren says
The lemon rinds are pretty mushy/vodka logged by the time the mixture sits for 4-6 weeks so I have never reused them. I do put them down the disposal and they clean deodorize it well.
Catherine says
Is this safe to use on granite countertops?
Bren says
Catherine, I use it on my granite and have had no problems. You should check with your manufacturer’s recommendations if you have concerns.
Jess says
Do you have a preference for when or where you use your ethanol based cleanser versus vinegar based? Are they not both disinfectant so it’s up to you which to use when? I didn’t know you could add 4 cups of water to the vinegar cleanser and it would still retain antibacterial properties….that’s amazing! I have been using straight vinegar and an essential oil. Thank you for your website, feedback and great ideas!
Bren says
Jess, I generally clean with the vinegar cleaner unless we have a sick person in the house. I am not particularly concerned with killing bacteria all the time. For the 4 cups of water I am not sure which cleaner you talking about, sorry! Glad you are enjoying the site!
Liz Barz says
Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of vodka?
Bren says
I have never tried making this cleaner with rubbing alcohol. I do not generally use rubbing alcohol in my home as it contains synthetic fragrance ingredients which can be made with cancer causing chemicals. You can read more about rubbing alcohol’s ratings here.
amie a says
what services would vodka damage? Does it make your home smell funny?
Bren says
I would not want to use it on wood or fabric surfaces. It works great on linoleum, solid surface counter tops, granite, tile, porcelain, etc. If you have concerns about a surface I would test a small area. The vodka has virtually no smell which is why I love to use it in cleaners.
Melissa says
I am an avid quilter and Sewer and so wanted to interject about using this on Fabrics. Many of us make a pressing spray using vodka water and essential oil. There is a product on the market called best press and this replaces the expensive commercially made version. Nobody I know, and there are a lot of us, have ever had a problem using this mixture on any fabric. Since what Bren is making here is essentially the exact product, I would say there is no reason to be concerned about using it on fabric based products.
Bren says
Thanks for the information, Melissa! It’s great to know what avid quilters are using. Have you seem my DIY spray starch recipe? -Bren
Melissa says
I didn’t see your recipe posted previously, but that’s an old one I’ve used. Unfortunately the cornstarch version doesn’t work well for Quilters as it tends to leave a white residue. The Vodka spray is the best by far!
Andrea says
Is this safe on quartz countertops? Thank you!
Bren says
Andrea, I have never used it on quartz countertops but I have used it on granite with no problem. I would recommend checking with the manufacturer if you are concerned.
Julia says
Do you need to use the entire rind or could you just peel off enough of the pith to make sure you are getting all of the yellow? I would think the left over fruit would keep longer with most of the peel intact than if you peel them completely, and isn’t the essential oil mostly in the zest (yellow part), anyway? Also, I would think you could mix it up with different citrus fruits if you wanted to.
This actually might be safer to use on some surfaces than vinegar. Vinegar is highly acidic, which can damage some protective finishes.
Kimberlee says
I like infusing vinegar with Lavender, Rosemary or Sage, sometimes all three together, for cleaning. I was inspired to start mixing herbs with antiseptic properties by the legend of the vinegar of the seven thieves, and this is my variation!
Bren says
Great ideas Kimberlee!
Sidonie says
It defeats the object of frugal living tho as this recipie makes a cleaner which is many times more expensive than any store bought cleaner!
Bren says
I make this Disinfectant spray to avoid dangerous man made chemicals,. If you’re looking for a great frugal cleaner I’d try orange infused vinegar.
Bonnie says
I’m fairly new to these concepts, but right now I have pine needles steeping in vinegar with eucalyptus oil for my homemade pinesol. About 4-5 days. Not bad, but needs a couple more weeks, I believe.
Bren says
Sounds like a great scent combo, Bonnie. I make Evergreen Scented Vinegar too. You should also check out my Herb Infused Vinegar and Orange Vinegar for Cleaning.
Loredana says
I’m Italian (so please excuse me for my bad English), I often prepare homemade liqueurs with food alcohol (which is composed of 95 or 96 parts of alcohol and 5 or 4 parts water), and also use the same alcohol for cleaning. To prepare “quick cleaners” I usually heat the alcohol with lemon rinds on the stove. It’s a little bit dangerous because it may catch fire, but with a little attention may prevent accidents and the detergent (or the liquor!) is immediately ready.
Bren says
Thanks for the tip, Loredana! I have never tried heating vodka, I have been afraid to flambe the cleaner. I will have to give it a try.
pikermigrl79 says
If the vodka is heated, it will evaporate the ethanol which negates some of the cleaning properties of the vodka
Bren says
Excellent point!
Karen says
Regarding buying cheap alcohol to use in cleaners I buy nips when I only need a little. I’m not a big drinker and discovered this trick while making rum balls for the holidays. This way you don’t accidentally use the low end stuff in your cocktail.
Bren says
Excellent idea, Karen. I forget about those tiny bottles!
Deb says
In looking over your site, I didn’t find anything against using some bleach in a household cleaner. What is your opinion on that? And would it be safe to mix some lemon juice with a little bleach? Maybe cleaner-to-water ratio of say 10:90%?
Bren says
I don’t actually use bleach because it rates a D on the EWG scale. I use vodka in this mix because it is a safer substitute and does not bleach surfaces/fabrics.
Deb says
I wanted to use bleach to get white sheets whiter, and lemon juice to get out perspiration stains. Thought I might just put them together. Do you use something other than bleach to get whites whiter?
Bren says
I use hydrogen peroxide or washing soda to get my whites whiter. I’ve tried lemon juice too. To get out perspiration stains I use this stain remover.
Heidi says
Where are you people buying your vinegar? It costs anywhere between 15&30 dollars for a gallon on amazon!
Bren says
Heidi, I buy my vinegar at the grocery store or local big box store. It’s around $2.50-$3.30 a gallon.
Heidi says
gotcha! ???????? Thanks @Bren
Shauntel says
Great article. Is there a disinfectant that would be safe to use on couches, beds… Things like that for when someone was or is sick? I know you can simply wash the bedding but something to use before hand.
Bren says
You can spray this on bedding, etc. I would double check it on the fabric on your couch before spraying.
Anni says
Alcohol is pretty expensive where I’m from, could you substituted the vodka with vinegar/water. If so what ratio would you use for vinegar to water? Thank you so much for your help!
Bren says
You can make infused vinegar using these directions. Good Luck!
Melissa Dean says
First of all I love everything you write and how much research and detail you put into your post! Unlike some other pinners and bloggers out there who don’t even take the time to present people with good information. But, I’ve tried several of your cleaning recipes and they are hands-down the best that are out there ( I used your Wonder Dressing® on my mother-in-law’s dresser and nightstand, and oh my goodness! I would have given anything if I would have taken a before picture…. because the results were astonishing. And I also use the 5 o’clock somewhere glass cleaner, and as I type this I am trying the wood floor restore! ) Okay so anyway, what do you use on your kitchen counters just on a day to day basis? The lemon vodka? The citrus vinegar? Or what do you recommend?
Bren says
Thanks for the kind words, Melissa! I use water and a microfiber rag to clean my counters everyday and use the lemon vodka about once a week (or when I make something with raw chicken, etc.).
Taylor says
Hi Bren,
I’ve been pinning lots of homemade diy cleaners and came across your site and I’m so glad I did! It’s scary to think of all the diy cleaning recipes floating around out there that could be toxic.
I’m moving in a few weeks and I want to make 2-4 of your cleaners, just trying to figure out which is the best variety. Any recs?
For this recipe, does it expire / should it be replaced after a certain amount of time?
Thanks!
Bren says
Thanks, Taylor! I move alot so I am a pro and the move in – move out cleaning! When doing a new move in cleaning I use Sal’s Suds and hot water for most of the cleaning. I use No Scrub Bathroom Cleaner for the bathrooms and Room Refresher spray for counter tops and deodorizing. I use plain white vinegar for sinks and hard water stains. For areas that need scrubbing (like glass stove tops or kitchen sinks) I use all purpose scrub. I also so a dishwasher cleaning. Hope this helps!
Taylor says
Absolutely! Thank you so much for your help! Also, with this disinfectant spray where you have soaked lemons in the vodka — does this work the same if I wanted to soak orange peels in the vodka? Would it still have the same effect?
Taylor says
And should any of these items (made with lemon or orange) be replaced after a certain time period? Thanks!
Bren says
The lemon disinfectant cleaner is infused with lemon oil so it will last quite a long time.
Nicole says
Is there a shelf life for this cleaning solution?
Thanks!
Bren says
Since it is alcohol based it last for months and months (I’ve never had a bottle go bad)!
Lauren says
Hi Bren, I love this cleaner & your blog! I was wondering if you have ever used this cleaner to clean walls? Or, if you have another natural cleaner you would recommend for cleaning walls? Thank you! Lauren
Bren says
I generally use water with a few drops of natural detergent to clean walls. I’ve never tried the Lemon cleaner.
Gretchen says
Hi Lauren and Bren! I LOVE this cleaner! Just FYI, I tried it on the wall and it took the paint off 🙁 Though I assume it was the acid in the lemon, you may be able to use plain vodka on walls but I haven’t tried that, yet.
Thank you, Bren for this amazing recipe!
Bren says
Thanks for commenting, Gretchen! I would stick to using this solution on areas that need disinfecting… like sinks, toliets, faucets, countertops… and use a milder solution of water with a few drops of dish detergent for washing wall. I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
Dale says
Can you use the lemon/alcohol mixture for a hand sanitizer as well?
Bren says
Yes, you could. Ethanol is the active ingredient in alcohol based hand sanitizer. I would add some water to the mix if using it on skin.
MK says
Hi Bren! Thanks for sharing all your safe natural cleaning recipes. I am going to try the lemon disinfectant spray, but I actually need some while the mixture is steeping. Is it okay to substitute lemon essential oil for the fresh lemons so that I can have some right away? If so, how much lemon oil would you suggest? Also, would you still recommend the same dwell time? Thanks again!
Bren says
Yes, you can use EO in place of the steeping lemon peels. I would start with 20 drops and see if you want more lemon scent. I would still recommend the same dwell time if you are trying to kill bacteria/mold/etc. If you are just doing general household cleaning you can just spray and wipe. Good luck!
Kimberly says
Can you use orange peels in this recipe?
Bren says
Yes, you can use any citrus peels.
Becky says
This may be a silly question but I have a huge bottle of gin to use up….can I substitute vodka for gin? I assume the results would be the same?
Bren says
I’ve never tried cleaning with gin! Sorry! Gin is ethanol distilled with juniper berries and of other botanicals so it might work. Let me know if you try.
Vanessa says
Sooo, what did you do with all those lemons?!
Bren says
I juice them and freeze the juice in an ice cube tray (then put the cubes in a baggie) and/or add them to smoothies.
Martha says
Have you used the instant pot to speed along the process? I made lemon, vanilla, and cinnamon extracts this Christmas in an afternoon using my electric pressure cooker. These are essentially the same ingredients I used in the lemon extract.
Bren says
I have not made it in the instant pot as I have read warning about never using alcohol in the instant pot. Apparently alcohol vaporized under pressure could easily ignite.
Athena Suarez says
Thanks so much for this recipe. I really look forward to trying it. Do you think you could put some of the alochol in the vinegar spray to increase its sanitizing properties? Thanks again!!
Bren says
Yes, you could add vodka to your vinegar cleaner. Good luck!
Lola says
How do you put labels on bottles? Are they sticky ones or you just attach them with scotch? Thank you so much 🙂
Bren says
I use full sheet sticker labels or rubber cement.
Donna says
Hi Bren,
Do you think your lemon/vodka cleaner would be safe to use on Corian counters and would it be safe to use on a Corian desk where I feed my kitties (so the dogs can’t get their food)? Thanks so much.
Patty says
Can you use any type citus peel? Mandarins, oranges, grapefruit?
Bren says
Yes, it works with any citrus peel.
Asking says
Love that this recipe is so simple. Natural cleaners are so much better, especially with little ones crawling around. ❤️
Bren says
I agree! ❤️
Bev says
Instead of lemon peel can I use lemon essential oil for same results?
Bren says
Yes, you can use lemon essential oil. It will not be exactly the same as the infused cleaner and you should shake it before use.
Kathryn Jared says
Will the spray ever “expire “
Bren says
It’s never “gone bad” for me even after several months under the cabinet.
Christine Henning says
Hi there,
Just found your awesome site. Thanks for all the info.
My husband and I are cancer survivors and I’m trying to simplify our cleaning products and go more natural. Right now I use mostly hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen, everyday clorox on tubs, vinegar in the toilets and use swiffer and vacuum for dusting.
I have corian countertops in kitchen and stone tile floors throughout my downstairs, fiberglass, stone tile and vinyl in the bathrooms, wood and cloth furniture and carpet throughout.
Is there a cleaner that I can use for all those surfaces or at least only two? I need the cleaner to kill germs and disinfect and smell nice.
I haven’t been able to find a list of surfaces and what products to use on them.
Would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks,
Chris Henning
Bren says
I would use an all purpose cleaner of 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup vodka and a few drops of dish soap for fiberglass, stone tile and vinyl. It makes a great cleaner with a microfiber cloth. I even use it on floors. For wood I would simply use a damp cloth or swifter tyoe cloth. I use water with a few drops of dish soap for microfiber. I do not use bleach as it is an indoor air polliutant and can cause respritory problems. I use vinegar and detergent to clean the shower, tub and toliets. Hope this helps!
Nicole says
Is there a reason besides added fragrances that you don’t just use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)? I know I sometimes see fragranced ones at the store, but have never bought them. I’ve always just gone for the version that’s just isopropyl alcohol and water. Seems that would be much cheaper than vodka and you’d get added antiseptic properties that you can’t get with using alcohol from vodka.
Bren says
Nicole, rubbing alcohol made in the US is toxic to ingest or inhale. It is denatured or made undrinkable to keep it from being used as an intoxicant. I prefer to use cheap vodka as it is a fragrance-free, dye-free product that is not toxic (unless ingested in large quantities). Hope this helps!
Nicole says
But that does not apply to isopropyl alcohol, only to ethyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol has no need to be denatured as it is not the type of alcohol that contains ethyl/ethanol. Sadly, rubbing alcohol as a generic term includes both denatured alcohol AND isopropyl alcohol, so it’s confusing, but they are different.
I get that you shouldn’t drink isopropyl alcohol, but I do think that you aren’t quite right about the disinfecting properties of your cleaner as it currently stands.
Brittany says
Could you use orange instead of lemon? My husband is allergic to lemon. I have made orange and vinegar in the past but don’t like the smell.
Bren says
Yes, orange peels will work too!
Deborah Cole says
Can I use grapefruit rinds instead lemon rinds in the lemon infused disinfectant cleaner?
Bren says
Yes, any citrus rind will work.
Treena Martin says
Could this be used just as room spray as well?
Bren says
I’ve never tried it as room spray. Let me know if you do!
Stacey says
Hello there I have made this spray, but I am finding that if I leave it without wiping it is leaving a sticky splotchy yellow residue. Any troubleshooting tips? I can likely just wipe it away, but my plan was using it in the bathroom on my toilet for minimizing germs while my little one perfects her toileting. I still get her to wash her hands of course, but just anything to decrease contact as she is young and her hands are on the edge of the seat while she goes and such. I ended up trying to use it around my garbage pails and bathroom sinks, and hoping to add a little extra sanitation, but that was when I left it on and found it was all sticky once it dried. Otherwise I love the idea as I am also looking for ways to decrease exposure to unnecessary toxins in my household
Bren says
Hmmm, mine has never been sticky. I am not sure what caused that result. For toilet seat cleaning I would use hydrogen peroxide with a spray bottle top. It’s a great cleaner/disinfectant.