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It is finally here y’all! An easy homemade Lysol cleaner recipe that can ALSO disinfect.
Chemistry Cachet is very selective about our homemade cleaners, and we do NOT share anything unless it mimics something ingredient wise.
I have a story about that below this recipe. Of course, we are also going to dig into ingredients plus the proper way to use this!
Easy Homemade Lysol Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/2 tbsp water
- 15 drops orange essential oil
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
- 15 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 1 tbsp blue Dawn or any dish soap (OPTIONAL, please read details below)
- Dark glass spray bottle (must be DARK and glass is preferred, I love this one)
Directions on Mixing:
- Add in the hydrogen peroxide to your dark spray bottle.
- Add in the water, then essential oil drops.
- If you want to add in dish soap for cleaning, add in the 1 tbsp now. This is optional, read why below.
- Give solution a little shake. Follow directions below on cleaning or disinfecting.
Are The Essential Oil Necessary?
This solution mimics the store-bought product in this post, so the essential oils will create the same scent. Citrus oils do aide in cleaning, but they won’t make a difference for disinfecting. I recommend still using them to create the same scent like the store-bought version 🙂
Directions for Cleaning with DIY Lysol Spray:
For cleaning, I recommend using the dish soap in the mixture. The surfactant makes this solution clean well. It will clean without it, but I really love the addition of dish soap. Spray the mixture onto your surface, scrub or wipe off with a microfiber towel.
Directions for Disinfecting with DIY Lysol Spray:
After you have cleaned your surface, now you can disinfect. Spray the solution (no dish soap needed for the disinfecting) onto surface and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Make sure area is saturated. This step is crucial for all disinfecting!! You can read this on the back of all disinfectants purchased from the store. After 10 minutes, wipe off with a towel. Be sure to read about cleaning vs disinfecting in this post.
Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good For Disinfecting?
Hydrogen peroxide is such a fantastic, safe, green home disinfectant for many reasons. It will also kill viruses in about 6-8 minutes (I do 10 minutes for good measure). It also makes the list of EPA’s approved disinfectants because it is effective on even hard to kill virus strands. So, there is no doubt hydrogen peroxide is a great option for home disinfecting.
Why are cleaning and disinfecting separate??
I know this question will come up, but there is NO product that will do both at the same time. Even store-bought products. Here is a picture of the store-bought Lysol we are replicating (look at picture below). You can see the back clearly states two separate steps for cleaning and disinfecting. To learn more about this, please read our post from last year. We go into detail on why there are two steps, and the definition of each one. If you are new to cleaning terms or making your own products, this post is very important to read.
Safety Precautions
As always, test a small area of a surface if you have never used hydrogen peroxide on it to make sure no discoloration happens (this rarely happens, but always be safe). Hydrogen peroxide is referred to as “oxygenated bleach” which means it oxidizes things like stains, but also cleans surfaces. This is why you always see it being used in stain removers. To read everything about hydrogen peroxide, read this great post we have.
Why Has It Taken Chemistry Cachet While To Share a DIY Lysol Recipe?
If you have found a homemade Lysol online, odds are it doesn’t mimic Lysol at all! Why? Because traditional Lysol cleaners contain the active ingredient benzalkonium chloride which you can’t really make at home. In fact, I was digging around Pinterest a few months ago when I had a few readers asking me for a DIY “Lysol” cleaner. I wanted to see if I could find a good website to send to them since we didn’t have a recipe on Chemistry Cachet. I was disappointed to see all of the ones I found had nothing to do with Lysol at all, nor did they even talk about ingredients in Lysol.
I realized, most DIY cleaning recipes online don’t go into details on things, and they also don’t research ingredients.
Then, I was browsing the cleaning section at the grocery store (which I like to do a few times a year), and discovered a new Lysol cleaning product called “Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-Purpose Cleaner” which is a cleaner and disinfectant killing 99.9% of all germs. After investigating the details and ingredients, I found the main active ingredient is good old fashioned hydrogen peroxide! This is when I thought YES! We can create a DIY version of this Lysol on Chemistry Cachet.
This is just a background story for you because I know readers sometimes wonder why Chemistry Cachet might not have a certain homemade version of something. I do not share homemade cleaners if they cannot mimic store-bought 🙂
What can you use easy homemade Lysol on?
Pretty much everything! It is AMAZING for bathroom and kitchen surfaces. I just cleaned my entire bathroom with this a few days ago. It really helps whiten bath tubs, toilets, and sinks. I like to spray it on the surface for a few minutes, then scrub off.
Here is a quick list on all the things we have been using it on. Also, head to Instagram and follow our account. I have been posting videos and stories on different cleaning options too!
- Toys
- Toothbrush Containers
- Hair Brushes
- Baseboards
- Handles/Door Knobs
- Toilets/ Toilet Seats
- Faucets
How Does This Differ From Other Hydrogen Peroxide Based Cleaners in Ebook?
I know this question will also be asked, so let’s talk about it for a minute. We have a few hydrogen peroxide cleaners in the Ebook which are fantastic to use for CLEANING. This is the key difference. Homemade cleaners are formulated to be safe for everyday cleaning. They are safe on all surfaces to use all the time. This is a homemade disinfectant which means it is more for disinfecting surfaces, but can also be used for cleaning. I would recommend for everyday cleaning you continue to use your favorite cleaning recipe from our ebook. Keep a batch of this on hand for disinfecting. If you are disinfecting a surface like handles, toilets, or something like that, you can certainly use this to clean first, then disinfect. Hydrogen peroxide is a very safe product for surfaces, but using the full percentage like in this recipe makes it stronger. So, just keep that in mind. Always remember cleaning and disinfecting are separate tasks and trickier for DIY solutions.
Which is better rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting?
They are completely different, but both are good options for DIY cleaning and disinfecting. Rubbing alcohol has always been my go to option for DIY cleaning. I love it and think it works amazing in homemade cleaners. It is also more stable than peroxide so it doesn’t require a special dark bottle. Hydrogen peroxide is safer for food surfaces, so you can disinfect kitchen surfaces, kids toys, toothbrushes, and thinks like that better with peroxide. That is really the only difference when it comes to effective disinfecting! It all comes down to personal preference and availability. This is why we offer so many great options on Chemistry Cachet.
I hope you enjoy making this fantastic spray!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Have you had any trouble with essential oils clogging your spray nozzle? If so any ideas how to unclog them.
Thanks much
This spray bottle I have linked is specifically for essential oils, so I have never had issues with them clogging
Thanks very much
Hi! Regarding Hydrogen Peroxide- you mentioned that it is less stable than rubbing alcohol, which is why it needs to be stored in dark bottles. I buy 35% Hydrogen Peroxide in Bulk containers and dilute it because I use it for everything- in the house, the barn, and with the horses (their hooves). I transferred it from the large bulk container to smaller gallon jugs. Some of them were plastic you couldn’t see through (ie. Downey jugs), but some I have in clear plastic jugs and clear glass bottles. How will this affect the 35%Hydrogen Peroxide? Also some of the jugs are sitting under a cabinet on my kitchen floor- which happens to have in-floor heating (set at about 74-75* in the winter. Will that temperature have any effect on the 35% Hydrogen Peroxide? Thank you so much for any information you can provide! Patti
Hi Patti! Hydrogen peroxide degrades quickly in light, so even though you are using a 35%, it will continue to breakdown in a clear container. Environment plays a large factor in it, but typically a 3% peroxide lasts about 6 months once opened even in a dark bottle. It would be a little longer for 35%. Heat will also break down the peroxide, so that will make it happen quicker. To test if your peroxide is still active, pour some down the sink to see if it bubbles. If not bubbles show up, then the peroxide is no longer active. Hope this helps!
Hi Alexis! Thank you for your reply. That is very helpful information. I will get it transferred into dark jugs and off the heated kitchen floor ASAP!
Thanks again!
I love your site and your emails- been following for quite some time now! ?patti
Thanks Patti! So glad you enjoy our website. Feel free to reach out anytime 🙂
Didn’t know; most def. useful. Thank you for ALL that you are sharing.
This post is the most! Will definitely begin this regime and have shared link with family.
I am glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for sharing with your family. Let me know if I can help with anything!
This was really interesting
Thank you!
Hi Alexis- such a fabulous site that I’ve just discovered and looking very forward to reading more of here In sunny Edmonton!
I apologize if you’ve answered this elsewhere and I’ve just not seen it yet. I presume the essential oils have an expiry date after opening as well, but there are no dates on the ones I have, though the only one older than three months is the lemon one that I’ve had for about two years, all in dark glass bottles, and I’m telling you all of this to query whether I can use any of the following:
eucalyptus globulus, lemongrass, mandarin, peppermint,lavender, and the old lemon mentioned above.
I have none of the ones from your recipe. If the ones I have aren’t of comparable efficacy, I’ll just add more to my Amazon cart- I’m just wanting to make this today!!!
(Thanks for bearing with me on this long post!?!)
Maria
Maria
Hi Maria! Welcome to our website, so glad you found us 🙂 Essential oils will be good about 3 years as far as their highest potency. They will start to degrade after this. They degrade pretty slow though, so it is at least another 3-5 years before they lose all of their strength. If you notice your essential oil is slightly off in smell or coloring, that is a good indication to replace it 🙂 Hope this helps!
Thanks for the welcome Alexis, and the reply on the longevity of the oils. The other question I have is about using the other oils that I listed, in terms of their cleaning power.?
Any citrus oils can be used and you will get the same shining effect for cleaning. So the mandarin and lemongrass would be good. The others mentioned you are welcome to use for scent, but only the citrus oils get the same shining aspect as all the ones I have in this post. Hope this helps!
Your posts are so helpful. Thank you for doing all of your research and sharing with us. I would like to know about the difference between brown(amber) and cobalt blue bottles with regard to UV protection.
Thank you !
Thanks Cynthia! Amber bottles have a higher UV protection, so it’s the better choice for peroxide. The blue offers some light protection, but not enough for peroxide to sit in
Happy Birthday to your little one! It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny baby! They grow so fast! Thank you for all your wonderful information!
They do grow too fast! Thanks Terry! 🙂
Alexis,
I have been enjoying your column for about nine months. I am not able to utiluze most of the info as I no longer work, have no children, no extended family… you get the picture. However, since elementary school, I have ALWAYS been OBSESSED with cleaning and cleaning products!!! I’ve always been a nerd like that ( I’m 63 and still like that… ?). Since last Feb., I took it upon my selfish to clean the community laundry room where I live. Some days it was disgusting!! I began using your solution of rubbing alcohol, H2O2, and blue Dawn. WOW.. is this stuff GREAT!!!! I don’t have to scrub as hard, especially if I don’t clean for a day or two. And I now have a tad bit of arthritis in both hands, so I’m grateful for anything that makes the chore eadier.
Thank – you so very much for your knowledgeable column and sharing your expertise with us!!! ?
Also, what type of information does your ebook contain?
Hi Denise! Thanks so much for sharing! Our eBook contains dozens of DIY cleaning solutions. It is a great homemade cleaning handbook. It has a few recipes you see on the blog, but most of them are exclusive to the eBook. Here is the link and you can scroll a little ways to see the table of content.
Is it necessary to use the essential oils? Will the disinfectant spray work without them?
Essential oils are necessary for cleaning, but they do not impact the disinfecting. The hydrogen peroxide alone is the disinfectant portion
If I spray the solution with dish soap, leave it for 10 minutes and then wipe it off, wouldn’t I be cleaning and disinfecting at the same time?
You cannot clean and disinfect at the same time. Here is a detailed post on that subject for you. Surfaces need to be cleaned first before disinfecting regardless of the solution you use
Alexis, I have been using your alcohol and blue dawn for cleaning my granite, bathroom counters, door knobs, and toilets. Is it safe to use the peroxide cleaner on granite? Will I get the same disinfectant properties with the alcohol solution? Thanks. I love the E-Book and all of your posts.
Hi! Yes, you can use the peroxide cleaner on granite. The alcohol solution is strictly a cleaner. To disinfect with alcohol you will need to use pure 70% rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Peroxide is also a disinfectant. It is up to you what you prefer to use. I am not sure if you read our post about cleaning vs disinfecting, but it has some great information about this.
Thanks Alexis
Hi Alexis, I have been using recipes from the e-book for about a year (which I love – thank you) and wonder whether to use this H2O2 spray or the natural stone spray on a client’s travertine tile shower? Some of the grout is moldy, and some of the grout appears to have a dark build-up. I’ll hit the grout with chemistry paste, but I think this solution might be better overall to address both the travertine and grout. Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi! You can use this or the all-purpose cleaner on page 13. I use the one on page 13 for a daily cleaner in my shower and it works great. But this is also a good option for upkeep. You can use both and see which gives better results. Grout definitely does well with peroxide cleaners. Hope this helps!
Where can I find the spray bottle that you used?
Hi! I buy them from AMazon, if you click “dark spray bottle” in ingredient list it will take you right to amazon 🙂
Thank you for sharing this recipe for disinfecting! I’m wondering about this recipe’s longevity. How fast do I need to use this before the disinfecting abilities of the hydrogen peroxide decrease? I read on a comment you responded to that any open bottle of hydrogen peroxide only last 6 months… Does that mean after I open my hydrogen peroxide it goes “bad” after 6 months? How long does this Lysol hack last? And does the alcohol disinfectant recipe last longer? I’m personally ok using an alcohol-based disinfectant but hear it’s not as safe for food surfaces and kids toys for some reason?
Thank you for all of your wisdom and help!
That is the only downside to peroxide is it isn’t as stable as alcohol. The reason I shared this recipe in a 1 cup measurement is it will typically last just long enough to stay potent. Once you open up one of those dark bottles of hydrogen peroxide, it will last about 6 months depending on how much you open it. If you don’t open it much, it will last longer. Every time you expose the bottle to air, it will decrease potency. You can test if it is still active by pouring some into the sink, if it bubbles then it still is active. Rubbing alcohol lasts forever! It is very stable, so it is really the best “all-purpose” cleaner. But you are right, for food surfaces and things like toys, peroxide is a safer choice and you won’t have to rinse it off. The reason rubbing alcohol isn’t the better choice for a food surface is simply because you don’t want to eat rubbing alcohol. You would need to rinse it off before use. This is the same for kids toys. They usually put things in their mouth, so peroxide works better for this surface too. Alcohol works for every other surface and won’t need rinsing.
Hello! What would you recommend for disinfecting soft surfaces? Would this recipe work on something like fabrics?
soft surfaces are tricky to disinfect. The best method is steam cleaning or being able to wash it in really hot water. Here is a post we did on disinfecting clothes. For other things you can’t wash like furniture fabrics, steam cleaning or buying a product designed to be sprayed on fabrics to disinfect is the best option. Homemade disinfectants won’t work the same on fabrics.