This DIY antiseptic aromatherapy spray is handy to carry in your purse, brief case, backpack to easily disinfect the air or germy surfaces anytime there’s a need. Photo © Karen Peltier
Got people sneezing and coughing near you? Don’t get sick! Disinfect the air with this easy-to-make, powerful antiseptic aromatherapy spray.
I find it super useful during cold and flu season and it’s great to use while traveling (just be sure to use a 2 oz. glass spray bottle or smaller so you can pass through airport security).
By the way, the essential oils you use in the spray can be used other ways, too, such as in massage oils, green cleaning recipes, and more, so they are well worth the investment.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 oz. distilled or spring water
- 1/4 oz. vodka (1 1/2 tsp.) – optional
- 36 – 48 drops of germ-fighting essential oils (see suggestions below)
Makes enough for one 2 oz. glass spray bottle.
Germ Fighting Essential Oils
Feel free to purchase a premixed blend that’s effective against fighting germs, such as “Thieves®,” or make your own by choosing one or a combination of these essential oils that help fight cold viruses, influenza, and more:
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Eucalyptus (e.g., E. citriodora, globulus, radiata, and/or smithii)
- Lemon (Citrus limon)
- Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)
- Sweet thyme (Thymus vulgaris linalol)
- Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
By the way, In my recent post, “Top 3 Essential Oils to Disinfect the Air, Boost Immunity, and Fight Colds & the Flu,” I discussed the benefits of ravensara, eucalyptus, and tea tree and how you can use them therapeutically to relieve cold and flu symptoms, so check it out.
Directions
1. Add the vodka to the essential oil bottle. Vodka acts as a natural preservative and disinfectant, but if you don’t have any, leave it out. Just be sure to use the spray up within a few months. Another option besides vodka is to use witch hazel, because it contains some alcohol in it already (typically around 18%).
2. Add the essential oil.
3. Fill the bottle with water being sure to leave enough room to insert the spray pump. (You may end up using slightly less than 1 3/4 oz.).
To use, shake the bottle to incorporate the essential oils and then spray it upwards to disinfect the air.
Note: In times of need, I’ve sprayed this on hard surfaces that desperately need disinfecting, such as hotel bathroom fixtures. But it is powerful, so test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure the surface isn’t negatively affected. Essential oils can eat away at plastic and furniture finishes if they are highly concentrated, so don’t add more than the recommended amount indicated in the recipe.
General Notes Regarding Essential Oil Use, Safety, & Storage
- Caution! Many essential oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy and for those with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and epilepsy (e.g., eucalyptus, ravensara), so be sure to research the ones you wish to use if you have pre-existing conditions. Likewise, be courteous when using your spray around others.
- Safe Handling of Oils: When using essential oils, avoid direct contact with the skin (tea tree and lavender are an exception), mucuous membranes, and eyes. If eye contact occurs, flush the eyes with water for several minutes (e.g., 15-20) and consult a doctor if irritation persists. If skin contact occurs, immediately wash with warm soapy water. Follow up with a physician if signs of irritation persist. If accidentally ingested, immediately contact a poison control center or call 911.
- Storage of Oils: It’s important to store your essential oils in dark-colored glass bottles, such as amber or cobalt blue, out of sunlight and direct heat to avoid the chemical constituents from changing and thereby affecting their safety and therapeutic actions.
Other Articles Related to Killing Cold & Flu Germs You May Be Interested In:
- 5 Green Cleaning Tips to Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season
- Top Green Cleaning Products to Stock Up On For Cold & Flu Season
Other Articles Related to Natural Cold & Flu Remedies You May Be Interested In:
- Winter Care Eucalyptus Steam to Support Healthy Breathing
- Warm Your Spirit and Boost Your Immunity with Ginger Tea
- DIY Detoxifying Mustard Bath: Soothe Muscles, Fight Colds & Flus, & More
- DIY Warming Winter Ginger Bath: Sleep Better & Fight Off Colds
Copyright © Karen Peltier and Well Gal, 2014 – 2017. All rights reserved.
Photos © Karen Peltier and Well Gal, 2014 – 2017.
i have made many oil scents from my favorite oils using cocnut oil/ olive oil again your choice
Karen, Great recipe! I adore essential oils and I use doTERRA’s On Guard to clean my house and diffuse in the air to get rid of germs and it works wonders! I am going to make a small spray bottle of your recipe with On Guard and keep it in my purse for those times when someone is sneezing or coughing without covering their mouth. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Karen,
these are awesome tips.
I love essential oils and have collected a few over the years thanks to a dedicated naturopath making them available at low cost so people would actually use them.
Your recipe would be very good for people who use the chemical version which aggrevates my respirative system.
I will pass this on and hopefully people will consider using it as an alternative.
Do you have any ‘perfume’ recipes?
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Love and Light
Yorinda
Hi Yorinda. Thanks for the positive input! I’ve never made perfumes, but if I do I’ll be sure to post about it.