SAVE FOR LATER
We all want our homes to smell fresh and clean, especially our bathrooms. Over the years, I’ve bought countless air fresheners and sprays, until one day I turned the bottle around and actually read the warning label. “Use in well-ventilated areas,” “Keep away from children,” “Avoid eye contact” – these warnings stopped me in my tracks.
My youngest was just starting to toddle around then, touching everything in sight, and my older two were always racing through the house, stirring up whatever might be floating in the air. The thought of them breathing in those mystery chemicals day after day made me uneasy.
I started researching natural alternatives, and after some trial and error (and a few interesting experiments), I created this simple DIY poo pourri spray recipe that actually works better than the store-bought versions. The best part? I know exactly what’s in it, and I can feel good about using it around my family.
Also See: DIY Natural “Lysol” Disinfectant Spray Recipe
Understanding Why Natural Works Better
The solution to bathroom odors isn’t masking them with harsh chemicals – it’s preventing them from escaping into the air in the first place. This is where essential oils shine. Their molecular structure creates a natural barrier on the water’s surface, trapping odors underneath instead of letting them waft into the air.
Commercial sprays often work by coating your nasal passages with chemicals that dull your sense of smell or by releasing strong artificial fragrances that overwhelm the unwanted odors. Essential oils work differently – they float on water’s surface because of their natural properties, creating a protective seal that keeps odors where they belong.
Here’s another bathroom fact that might surprise you: when you flush with the toilet lid open, tiny water particles spread through the air. Scientists call these “sharticles.” By closing the lid before flushing and using this natural essential oil toilet spray recipe before you go, you’re creating a double barrier of protection.
Creating Your Natural Spray
What You’ll Need
- 4 oz glass spray bottle
- Distilled water
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Dish soap
- Essential oils (find a combination that works for you, but I like lemon, vanilla, and lavender)
Understanding Your Ingredients
Each component in this natural toilet spray serves an important purpose. The essential oils aren’t just for pleasant scents – they’re the workhorses of the formula. When these oils float on the water’s surface, they create an invisible barrier that prevents odors from escaping into the air.
Rubbing alcohol might seem like an odd addition, but it plays a crucial role. Oil and water naturally separate, but the alcohol acts as a mediator, helping them mix together properly. This ensures the essential oils disperse evenly across the water’s surface instead of clustering in droplets.
The choice of distilled water matters too. Regular tap water contains minerals that can interact with the essential oils over time, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Distilled water gives you a pure base that helps your poo pourri spray work better and last longer.
Glass bottles protect the potency of your essential oils. Unlike plastic, glass doesn’t react with essential oils, so your spray maintains its effectiveness. Plus, glass bottles can be washed and reused indefinitely, making them an environmentally conscious choice.
Also See: Fun & Easy DIY Essential Oils Christmas Gifts
Making Your Spray
- Fill your glass spray bottle about 1/4 full with rubbing alcohol
- Add:
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 8 drops of vanilla essential oil
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of dish soap
- Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a small space at the top
- Shake well before each use
Using Your Natural Spray
This spray works differently than typical air fresheners because you apply it before using the bathroom. A few spritzes directly onto the toilet water creates that protective essential oil barrier. After finishing, close the lid before flushing to maintain the barrier’s effectiveness.
Proper Storage and Care
Your natural bathroom spray needs proper storage to maintain its effectiveness. A cool, dark place works best since sunlight can break down essential oils over time. Under the sink or in a bathroom cabinet provides ideal conditions.
The mixture stays fresh for about 2-3 months when stored properly. Writing the creation date on your bottle helps track when it’s time to make a fresh batch. Between batches, wash your glass bottle thoroughly with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely.
If you notice the spray becoming cloudy or the scent changing, it’s time for a new batch. These changes mean the essential oils have started breaking down and won’t work as effectively.
Alternative Scent Options
While the lemon-vanilla-lavender combination offers a fresh, clean scent, you might prefer:
– Orange and eucalyptus for an invigorating blend
– Tea tree and lemon for extra natural cleansing properties
– Lavender and chamomile for a gentle aroma
Common Questions
Why does my spray sometimes look cloudy?
When essential oils and water separate, the mixture can appear cloudy. A quick shake before each use recombines the ingredients.
Can I use regular tap water?
While tap water works, distilled water prevents mineral buildup in your spray bottle and helps the mixture last longer.
Will this affect my septic system?
The natural oils and small amounts of alcohol won’t harm septic systems. Unlike chemical sprays, these ingredients break down naturally.
How often should I replace my spray?
Making a fresh batch every 2-3 months ensures maximum effectiveness. If you notice the scent fading sooner, it’s fine to make a new batch earlier.
Making your own bathroom spray might seem like a small change, but it becomes part of creating a healthier home environment. My mother still gives me commercial sprays, but now they stay unopened while my natural version stands ready to use. Once you start using this natural alternative, you’ll notice not only how well it works but also how much better it feels to use something pure and simple in your home.