January 2024 DIY Recipe: Herbal Infused Disinfectant Cleaner

We are revisiting an oldie (but a goodie!) with this Herbal Infused Disinfectant Cleaner. Herbs infused into this highly effective disinfectant add an extra layer of extracted aromatics, and they are darn pretty as well! Thanks for the inspiration from one of our favorite herbalists over at JKB Journal. Check out her beautiful video below.

Ethyl Alcohol is one of the best ways to zap germs. Not only does this revised recipe look gorgeous in a glass bottle, but it contains no chemicals and is SO easy to make. Use different herbs to change up your scent, although rosemary and lavender is a great combo to start with!

Ethyl Alcohol at a 70% or higher concentration is proven to kill respiratory viruses and other unpleasant germs. For the best results, clean your surfaces and then spray your Herbal Disinfectant Cleaner and let sit for at least 10 seconds before wiping with a clean cloth.

As with anything containing high-proof ethanol or essential oils, beware of spraying on some surfaces or fabrics, and never spray near heat sources or open flame (this is high-proof!). If you would like to dilute the mixture and reduce the alcohol content, using a 3:1 dilution (3 parts alcohol to one part water) will keep the mixture over 70% still making it effective at killing germs.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• • • Fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme (organic or from your garden is always best)

• • • 8-12 oz Organic Denatured Lavender Alcohol (you can use any of our alcohols, but this one has the lavender oil already in it)
    • 1 tbs Castile Soap

• • • Distilled water (if you plan to dilute!)
      
      
      
    • Glass spray bottle (Jess uses recycled apple cider vinegar bottles!)
      
      

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. 1. 1. Place washed herbs in your bottle
         
         
      2. Pour in your measured Denatured Lavender Organic Alcohol or other 190-Proof Organic Alcohol (remember your 3:1 ratio alcohol to water for germ-blasting)
         
         
      3. Add in your soap
         
         
      4. Fill to the top of bottle with distilled water
      5. Lid it, and give is a little shake
         
         

And Voila! 

If you opt for another one of our 190-Proof Organic Alcohols that isn't already denatured with lavender oil, you can add a few drops of your EO of choice. Another option is to make your soap in a large mason jar allowing more time for the herbs to extract, and then transfer to bottle as you run out. Just make sure to keep herbs covered in liquid and replace them every few weeks for best results!

⚡Check out JKB Journal for more great ideas and inspiration! ⚡