Disinfectant sprays have become essential tools in our daily lives, especially in recent years. Commercially available options often contain harsh chemicals that can be detrimental to our health and the environment. Fortunately, you can create your own effective and natural disinfectant spray using doTERRA essential oils. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making your own doTERRA disinfectant spray, including the benefits, ingredients, recipes, and safety precautions.
Why Choose doTERRA Essential Oils for Your Disinfectant Spray?
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. doTERRA essential oils are known for their purity and potency, making them a fantastic choice for creating a natural disinfectant spray. Unlike synthetic disinfectants, essential oils offer a range of benefits beyond just killing germs.
One of the main advantages of using doTERRA essential oils is their natural origin. These oils are extracted from plants and are free from harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and artificial fragrances, which are commonly found in commercial disinfectants. This makes them safer for use around children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities.
Another benefit is the aromatic properties of essential oils. doTERRA essential oils not only disinfect but also leave behind a pleasant and uplifting scent. This can help to improve your mood and create a more welcoming environment.
Furthermore, many doTERRA essential oils possess potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This means they can effectively kill a wide range of pathogens, making them a reliable choice for disinfecting surfaces in your home or office. Some oils also offer additional health benefits through inhalation.
Understanding the Science Behind Essential Oil Disinfectant Properties
The disinfectant properties of essential oils stem from their complex chemical compositions. Many essential oils contain compounds like phenols, terpenes, and alcohols, which have been shown to disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses.
For example, tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a compound known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Similarly, lemon oil is rich in limonene, which exhibits strong antibacterial and antiviral effects.
The effectiveness of essential oils as disinfectants has been supported by numerous scientific studies. Research has demonstrated that certain essential oils can effectively kill common household pathogens, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and influenza viruses.
When creating a disinfectant spray with doTERRA essential oils, it’s important to understand the synergy between different oils. Combining oils with complementary properties can enhance their overall effectiveness. For instance, a blend of tea tree, lavender, and lemon oil can provide a powerful and broad-spectrum disinfectant solution.
Essential Ingredients for Your doTERRA Disinfectant Spray
To create a doTERRA disinfectant spray, you will need a few key ingredients. These ingredients work together to create an effective and safe cleaning solution.
Essential Oils: The star of the show! Some of the best doTERRA essential oils for disinfection include Tea Tree, Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Oregano, Clove, Rosemary, and On Guard Protective Blend. Each of these oils has unique properties that contribute to the overall disinfectant power of the spray.
Distilled Water: Using distilled water is crucial because it is free of minerals and contaminants that can interfere with the effectiveness of the essential oils or promote bacterial growth. Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can also interact negatively with the oils.
Witch Hazel or High-Proof Alcohol (e.g., Vodka): These act as emulsifiers, helping to disperse the essential oils evenly throughout the water. Essential oils are not water-soluble, so an emulsifier is necessary to prevent them from separating and to ensure even distribution when sprayed. High-proof alcohol also has its own disinfectant properties, adding to the spray’s effectiveness.
Spray Bottle: A dark glass spray bottle is ideal because it protects the essential oils from light, which can degrade their quality over time. However, a high-quality PET plastic spray bottle can also be used. Avoid using cheap plastic bottles, as the essential oils can break them down over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your doTERRA Disinfectant Spray
Creating your own doTERRA disinfectant spray is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started.
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Gather Your Supplies: Collect all the necessary ingredients and equipment, including your chosen doTERRA essential oils, distilled water, witch hazel or high-proof alcohol, and a dark glass or PET plastic spray bottle.
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Choose Your Recipe: Select one of the recipes below or create your own blend based on your preferred scents and desired properties. Be sure to consider the total amount of liquid your spray bottle can handle.
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Add the Emulsifier: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel or high-proof alcohol into the spray bottle. The amount will depend on the size of your bottle; larger bottles will need closer to 2 tablespoons.
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Add Essential Oils: Add the recommended number of drops of your chosen doTERRA essential oils to the spray bottle. Start with the lower end of the range if you’re sensitive to scents, and adjust as needed in future batches.
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Top with Distilled Water: Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top.
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Shake Well: Secure the spray bottle lid and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure that the essential oils and emulsifier are well combined with the water.
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Label Your Bottle: Label the bottle with the name of the blend and the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of your sprays and ensure that you use them within a reasonable timeframe.
Effective doTERRA Disinfectant Spray Recipes
Here are a few effective doTERRA disinfectant spray recipes you can try:
On Guard Protective Blend Disinfectant Spray: This blend is specifically designed to support the immune system and protect against environmental threats. Combine 20 drops of On Guard Protective Blend, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, and fill the rest of a 16-ounce spray bottle with distilled water.
Tea Tree and Lemon Disinfectant Spray: This combination offers potent antibacterial and antiviral properties with a refreshing scent. Mix 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil, 10 drops of Lemon essential oil, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, and distilled water in a 16-ounce spray bottle.
Lavender and Eucalyptus Disinfectant Spray: This blend is known for its calming and respiratory-supporting properties. Combine 10 drops of Lavender essential oil, 10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, and distilled water in a 16-ounce spray bottle.
Citrus Burst Disinfectant Spray: This blend creates an uplifting and energizing aroma while effectively disinfecting surfaces. Combine 7 drops of Lemon, 7 drops of Lime, and 6 drops of Wild Orange essential oils, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, and distilled water in a 16-ounce spray bottle.
How to Use Your doTERRA Disinfectant Spray Effectively
To maximize the effectiveness of your doTERRA disinfectant spray, follow these guidelines:
- Shake Well Before Each Use: Essential oils can separate from the water over time, so it’s important to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure an even distribution of the oils.
- Spray Surfaces Generously: Spray the surface thoroughly, ensuring that it is visibly wet. This allows the essential oils to come into contact with any pathogens present.
- Allow Contact Time: Let the spray sit on the surface for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the essential oils to work their magic. For optimal disinfection, let it sit for up to 10 minutes, if possible.
- Wipe Clean (Optional): After the contact time, you can wipe the surface with a clean cloth if desired. However, allowing the spray to air dry can further enhance its disinfecting properties.
- Use Regularly: For ongoing protection, use your doTERRA disinfectant spray regularly on frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures.
Safety Precautions When Using doTERRA Disinfectant Sprays
While doTERRA essential oils are natural, it’s important to use them safely and responsibly.
- Dilution is Key: Always dilute essential oils properly. Using undiluted oils can cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions. Follow the recommended dilution ratios in the recipes.
- Patch Test: Before using the spray on a large area, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any sensitivities or allergic reactions.
- Avoid Contact with Eyes and Mucous Membranes: Essential oils can be irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid spraying directly into the eyes or nose. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Store your doTERRA disinfectant spray in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. Essential oils can be toxic if ingested.
- Pregnancy and Medical Conditions: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying medical conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
- Proper Storage: Store your doTERRA disinfectant spray in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help to preserve the quality and potency of the essential oils.
Areas Where You Can Use Your doTERRA Disinfectant Spray
Your homemade doTERRA disinfectant spray can be used in a variety of settings to help keep your environment clean and healthy.
- Kitchen: Use it to disinfect countertops, sinks, cutting boards, and appliance handles.
- Bathroom: Spray it on toilets, sinks, showers, and doorknobs to kill germs and freshen the air.
- Living Areas: Disinfect light switches, remote controls, and other frequently touched surfaces.
- Bedrooms: Use it to freshen linens and disinfect bedside tables.
- Office: Keep your workspace clean by spraying it on desks, keyboards, and phones.
- Car: Disinfect the steering wheel, dashboard, and door handles of your car.
- Travel: Take a small bottle of your disinfectant spray with you when you travel to disinfect hotel rooms and other public spaces.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter a few issues when making or using your doTERRA disinfectant spray. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
- Separation of Oils and Water: This is a common issue due to the fact that oil and water don’t mix. Ensure you’re using an emulsifier like witch hazel or high-proof alcohol. Shake the bottle vigorously before each use to remix the ingredients. If the separation persists, you may need to increase the amount of emulsifier slightly in your next batch.
- Cloudy Spray: A cloudy spray can be caused by using tap water instead of distilled water. Minerals and impurities in tap water can react with the essential oils, causing cloudiness. Always use distilled water to avoid this issue.
- Weak Scent: If your spray doesn’t have a strong enough scent, you may need to add more essential oils. Start by adding a few extra drops at a time until you achieve your desired scent strength. Keep in mind that some essential oils have a stronger aroma than others, so adjust accordingly.
- Spray Bottle Clogging: Essential oils can sometimes clog the nozzle of your spray bottle, especially if the spray is not used frequently. To prevent this, make sure to shake the bottle well before each use. If the nozzle does become clogged, try running warm water through it or soaking it in a solution of vinegar and water.
- Skin Irritation: If you experience skin irritation after using the spray, you may be sensitive to one or more of the essential oils in the blend. Discontinue use immediately and try a different recipe with gentler oils, or dilute the current recipe further. Always perform a patch test before using any new essential oil blend on a large area of skin.
Exploring Other Natural Cleaning Alternatives with doTERRA Oils
doTERRA essential oils can be used in many other natural cleaning solutions beyond just disinfectant sprays. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine water, vinegar, and your favorite doTERRA essential oils (such as lemon or tea tree) in a spray bottle for an effective all-purpose cleaner.
- Floor Cleaner: Add a few drops of doTERRA essential oils (such as eucalyptus or lavender) to your bucket of floor cleaning solution for a fresh and natural clean.
- Laundry Detergent: Add a few drops of doTERRA essential oils (such as lavender or lemon) to your laundry detergent to boost its cleaning power and add a pleasant scent.
- Air Freshener: Diffuse doTERRA essential oils (such as peppermint or citrus blends) to freshen the air and eliminate odors.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix baking soda with a few drops of tea tree and lemon essential oils, then pour into your toilet bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub.
- Glass Cleaner: Mix water, vinegar, and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle for streak-free glass cleaning.
By incorporating doTERRA essential oils into your cleaning routine, you can create a healthier and more sustainable home environment.
What essential oils are best for a DIY doTERRA disinfectant spray?
doTERRA offers several essential oils with potent cleansing properties that are ideal for a DIY disinfectant spray. Lemon, tea tree (Melaleuca), eucalyptus, peppermint, and On Guard Protective Blend are all excellent choices. Each of these oils possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, contributing to a highly effective disinfectant.
For a powerful and pleasant-smelling disinfectant spray, consider combining multiple oils. A blend of lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree, for example, offers a refreshing scent while effectively targeting germs and bacteria. Experiment with different combinations and ratios to find the blend that best suits your preferences and needs, always ensuring that each oil is safe for the surfaces you intend to disinfect.
Can I use tap water to make my doTERRA disinfectant spray?
While tap water can be used in a pinch, distilled water is highly recommended for making your doTERRA disinfectant spray. Tap water often contains minerals and impurities that can interfere with the effectiveness of the essential oils and potentially leave residue on surfaces after spraying.
Distilled water is purified and free from these impurities, ensuring a cleaner and more effective disinfectant spray. Using distilled water also helps to prolong the shelf life of your spray, as it minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage within the solution.
How much alcohol should I add to my doTERRA disinfectant spray?
To enhance the disinfectant properties of your spray, add at least 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol to the mixture. The alcohol acts as a solvent, helping to disperse the essential oils evenly throughout the water and also provides its own disinfecting capabilities. This combination creates a more potent and effective cleaning solution.
The amount of alcohol you add depends on the size of your spray bottle. A general guideline is to aim for a final concentration of at least 60% alcohol in the spray. For example, if you are making a 4-ounce spray, you would ideally use at least 2.4 ounces of 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, and fill the rest with distilled water and essential oils.
How often should I shake my doTERRA disinfectant spray before use?
It is essential to shake your doTERRA disinfectant spray thoroughly before each use. Since essential oils are not water-soluble, they tend to separate from the water and alcohol mixture over time. Shaking ensures that the oils are properly dispersed throughout the liquid, providing a consistent and effective disinfecting solution with every spray.
Without shaking, you may end up spraying mostly water in the initial applications, leaving the essential oils concentrated at the bottom of the bottle. This uneven distribution can reduce the spray’s effectiveness and prevent you from receiving the full benefits of the essential oils. A quick shake before each use guarantees a balanced and potent spray for optimal disinfection.
What surfaces can I safely use my DIY doTERRA disinfectant spray on?
Your DIY doTERRA disinfectant spray can be safely used on a variety of hard, non-porous surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, and children’s toys. The combination of essential oils and alcohol effectively cleans and disinfects these surfaces without causing damage when used properly.
However, it is essential to exercise caution when using the spray on certain surfaces. Avoid using it on delicate materials like polished wood, leather, or fabrics, as the alcohol content can potentially cause discoloration or damage. Always test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not harm the surface before applying it more broadly.
How long does a DIY doTERRA disinfectant spray last?
A homemade doTERRA disinfectant spray can last for approximately one to two months when stored properly. The essential oils and alcohol help to preserve the solution, but over time, the effectiveness of the spray can diminish as the oils oxidize and the alcohol evaporates. Proper storage is crucial to maximizing its shelf life.
To extend the lifespan of your disinfectant spray, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Light and heat can accelerate the degradation of the essential oils and alcohol, reducing their potency. Using a dark-colored glass spray bottle can also help protect the solution from light exposure.
Are there any precautions I should take when making and using my doTERRA disinfectant spray?
When making your doTERRA disinfectant spray, prioritize safety by wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area. Essential oils can be irritating to the skin and respiratory system for some individuals, so protection is key. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
When using the spray, avoid direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Always test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to larger surfaces to ensure it does not cause damage or discoloration. Remember to use your disinfectant spray responsibly and in accordance with CDC guidelines for effective disinfection.