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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Flora
Hi how long was lemon infused disinfectants spray take after made? (Mean expire date ) and is it necessary to use vodka?and how long this mixture with leamon peals and vodka stay?for a good result
Bren
Flora, I have kept bottles around for at least 6 months with no problems. If the mixture smells off or develops mold it should be discarded. The peels can be in the voka for up to 8 weeks as long at they are completely covered with alcohol.
Eva
Sorry to pick your site a part. But not every one knows how to Infuse citrus peels.
My be helpful to explain:
Where did you place the bottle?
In dark place? Dark cool place?
On a sunny window?
Do you know that this infusion needs to be kept in a dark cool place and kept in dark colored bottle. The longer the oils are in the light and hot/warm place the less effective it’s going to be.
Advice: Don’t assume that all your readers have any common sence.
Just trying to be helpful.
Bren
Hi Eva. In the directions above it says “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.” Hope this helps! Bren
Amanda
I’ve found that the spray leaves my counters sticky. What do you suggest to help with this?
Bren
Amanda, use a damp rag to wipe and rinse it often. That should keep the sticky away!
Jools Wood
I LOVE this! Thank you for sharing it, I’m going to make it this weekend. It’s essentially disinfecting with sugar-free Limoncello! If cleaning gets you down, take a swig haha!
I would like to point out however that citrus oils are harmful to most pets so please make sure that surfaces are dry before allowing pets access to them.
Bren
Great reminder, Jools! Use good vodka if you’re going to take a swig! 😉
Karen
Do you have a recipe for deodorizing furniture, I have two dogs.
Bren
I use this fabric deodorizer or this carpet refresher. We have two huge German shepherd and they can be stinky! Be sure to use pet safe EOs!
Maelynn
Does this need to be put into a glass spray bottle or will plastic work also?
Bren
You can use either, but I prefer glass to be certain the plastic doesn’t leach chemicals into the solution.
Chelsea
I’m curious, I made this mixture a few months ago and I’m wondering if it’s still okay to use? The peel has been soaking in vodka since February.
Bren
Yes, I leave mine to soak for months sometimes. Just make sure the peels are submerged and there is no mold growing.
Kim
If I wanted to use the lemon essential oil-Do you know how many drops for a cleaning bottle? Then I’m thinking I could use it right away…
Kim
Sorry my email was wrong in my previous post. Commenting again to ensure you have my correct email.
Bren
I would start with 5 or 10 and see how you like the smell.
Maria J
Do you have a cheat sheet for the diy cleanerabd where you use it?
Ie vinegar n e/o n h2o cleaner for multi surfaces around the house
Baking soda/cornstarch n e/o as carpet deodorant
Vodka lemon spray disinfectant 1x a week on all surfaces
Bren
I don’t have one… but I’ll try to make one soon!
Leslie
Hi. Trying this today and I just shaved the yellow part of peels before I realized you were putting the whole rind in!! Is there something special about the rest of the lemon or will the outer peel still work just as well
Thanks.
LOVE this idea
Bren
The yellow part of the rind will work fine because it contains the lemon oil. I use the whole rind because it is easier. The most important detail is to leave out any fruit or fruit pulp. Hope you like the cleaner!
Andrea
Where do you buy your glass spray bottles? I have tried plastic ones and they don’t always spray well.
Bren
I upcycle them or buy at a natural food store or on Amazon.