How to make it
- 1Choose distilled water for longer shelf life
Tap water contains minerals and microbes that can shorten shelf life. If you plan to use the spray within two weeks, tap water is fine. For a batch that lasts a month, use distilled water.
- 2Combine all ingredients in the bottle
Pour water into the glass spray bottle first, then add vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils. Adding water first prevents the alcohol from splashing.
- 3Attach nozzle and shake gently
Attach the spray nozzle and shake for 10 seconds to combine. Do not shake vigorously — you want to blend, not foam.
- 4Label with contents and date
Write the date on a piece of tape and stick it to the bottle. This helps you track freshness and prevents the bottle being confused with water.
- 5Use and allow to air dry
Spray onto surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth or leave to air dry. No rinsing is required. For heavily soiled surfaces, wipe first with a damp cloth before spraying.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has well-documented antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is the ingredient that gives this spray genuine disinfecting ability beyond what vinegar alone provides. Do not skip it or reduce to fewer than 10 drops, especially if you are using this in bathrooms or on food-preparation surfaces.
Surfaces guide
- Swap lemon oil for eucalyptus oil for a more medicinal, spa-like scent
- Add 5 drops of lavender oil for a calming fragrance suited to bedroom surfaces
- Use only water and tea tree oil (no vinegar) for a version safe on all surfaces including stone
- Replace rubbing alcohol with vodka (at least 60% proof) if that is what you have
- Add 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide (3%) for extra disinfecting power in bathrooms