Homemade Herbal Antibacterial Spray

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/antibacterial-spray.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Jan 10, 1999 10:05 pm

filed under: Healthy Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

24 comments

By Annie B. Bond, Care2 Green Living Executive Producer

New research is proving that the old folk recipes using herbs and essential oils to kill germs, such as those used by 14th century doctors during the Black Plague, were based on good science. Many essential oils, such as the oils of lavender and thyme, are more antiseptic than phenol, the industry standard. Research is also showing that antibacterial plant oils may not cause drug resistance as could be the case with common chemical disinfectants.

The essential oil-based spray, below, leaves a lovely, clean scent. It is a good choice to use for misting your cutting board after use.

Lightly Lavender Antibacterial Spray

1 cup water
20 drops pure essential oil of lavender

Pour the water into a spray bottle. Add the lavender essential
oil and shake to blend. Spray on the surface and let set for at least
15 minutes, or don’t rinse at all.

Makes: 1 cup spray.

Shelf life: Indefinite.

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James Dunn says
Jul 5, 2008 8:22 AM

Looks useful

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Christine S. says
Jun 30, 2008 3:29 PM

We use a variation on the Vinegar of the Four Thieves formula everywhere that we previously used disinfectants (door knobs, countertops, etc.). www.ForMyKidsOnline.com

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Shellie Enteen says
Jun 18, 2008 11:54 AM

Clear essences like Lavender and Eucalyptus won't stain, but others like chamomile, cedar and orange could easily leave a color trace...you can always test by putting a drop on a tissue and see if there is a color remaining after the essence dries.

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Rachel Markel says
Jun 18, 2008 10:49 AM

Eucalyptus is my first choice when I am looking for an essential oil that is also antibacterial. According to Jean Valnet, MD " a spray solution containing 2% Eucalyptus will kill 70% of staphylococci. Just be sure to shake your spray bottle each time before use, oil and water do not mix.

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Rhiannon Myst says
May 7, 2008 5:28 PM

Using herbs and EO's have become the way I clean, bathe, disinfect, did use for my pet for years now. Not only are they safer, they do the best job and the scent in the house is an added bonus. Air freshener sprays can't hold a candle to them. Its much better, cheaper and multi-purpose in the long run they can't be beat.

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Christine S. says
Apr 6, 2008 11:01 AM

Emily, I use a variation of Lightly Lavender on my leather sofa and I've never had a problem with staining. In fact, I use a spray that's just water and essential oils, and I've never had a problem with staining on ANYTHING.

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Patricia F. says
Apr 4, 2008 11:27 AM

Emily B. - I've never had a problem with essential oils leaving a mark on anything.

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Emily B. says
Mar 22, 2008 3:29 PM

I am hesitant to use the "oil" sprays for fear they'll leave oil marks on my furniture and greasy countertops. Please tell me how Naive I am....

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Christine S. says
Mar 5, 2008 7:32 AM

We love Lightly Lavender. It's so easy to make and you just feel good after using it. We also like Vinegar of the Four Thieves to use on places where you would use a disinfectant. You can get it at www.ForMyKidsOnline.com. We especially like it because it gets the germs without making our kid- and pet-filled house toxic.

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Heidi Keitz says
Jan 19, 2008 3:13 PM

great ideas,with parrots in the home I have to be esp careful of what I use including essential oils that are sprayed as they could potentially inhale the droplets and that would be bad

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.