This article will look at all of the best substitutes and alternatives for Lysol spray. I’ll walk you through some easy-to-find and affordable options and tips on using products you probably already have to freshen up and clean your home.
Castile soap is one of the best substitutes for Lysol spray because it is all-natural, affordable, and doesn’t include harmful chemicals. However, although castile soap is ideal for cleaning, it doesn’t disinfect as Lysol does. So, bleach is an excellent alternative if you want to sanitize something.
For most uses, castile soap, like this type found on Amazon, will do the trick nicely.
Now, let’s go through all the options so you can select the one that best fits your needs.
1. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a plant-based soap free of animal fats and synthetic chemicals. You can find it in liquid or bar form, and it’s made with plant oils like coconut and olive oils.
Although castile soap is gentle enough to use on your body, you can use it as a natural all-purpose cleaner around the house, too.
You can easily make your own Castile spray by mixing 1 cup of water with 1/4 cup of Castile soap. Then, you can pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as you would Lysol. If you have fragrant essential oils available, you can add them to the mix for extra scent.
2. Bleach Solution
You cause a bleach solution of 1 tsp bleach per 1 cup of water as a sanitizer. To make a disinfectant, you can mix 3/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water. It is important to remember that you will need to make bleach solutions fresh daily since the concentration level will decrease over time.
In addition, you can’t use bleach on most fabrics or carpets since it will lighten colors. So, be careful where you put it and avoid spraying it on colorful textiles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should never mix bleach with other cleaners because they release toxic gases when inhaled. You should wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach.
You can use a bleach solution for:
- Cleaning your appliances.
- Cleaning your toilet.
- Cleaning countertops.
- Cleaning mold and mildew in your bathroom or kitchen.
- Cleaning floors.
Helpful Tip: Be sure to thoroughly wipe surfaces after using bleach.
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3. Hydrogen Peroxide Spray
Hydrogen peroxide, like this spray bottle type found on Amazon, is a strong oxidizer and can kill mold, bacteria, and viruses. Like with bleach, you need to wipe the surface after using hydrogen peroxide since it does not evaporate or dissipate quickly. The chemical can cause skin burns, so avoid applying it directly to your skin or touching your eyes after use.
Hydrogen peroxide is safe for the environment and your family because it breaks down into water and oxygen. You can use hydrogen peroxide on household surfaces, including countertops, refrigerators, and food-contact surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally okay for children’s toys, but test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the spray won’t damage the surface.
Here are some tips for using hydrogen peroxide as a home disinfectant:
- Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) into one cup of water.
- Use the solution on hard surfaces, including kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and floors.
4. Citrus Seed Extract Spray
Citrus seed extract spray consists of all-natural ingredients, so it’s safer to use than chemical cleaners. That means you don’t have to worry about harsh chemical fumes or the potential damage they may cause to your lungs after prolonged exposure.
Citrus seed extract spray includes a concentrated amount of seeds, pulp, and the peel of citrus fruits.
This spray is generally sold as grapefruit seed extract, like this brand found on Amazon, because of its powerful ability to kill bacteria and viruses. You can use it for many different purposes in the home or as an effective cleaner for your body.
Just make sure the product you buy says “citrus seed extract” because those are the ones that kill germs.
How To Use Citrus Seed Extract Spray
- Mix two tablespoons of citrus seed extract with two cups of water.
- Put the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as any other spray cleaner.
- You can use citrus seed extract spray on kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, floors, and even your skin. The mixture is safe enough to use around children and pets but will kill germs like bleach or Lysol.
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5. Homemade Disinfectants
Homemade disinfectants are fantastic because you can make them using ingredients you already have in your kitchen. You can mix and match according to the concentration you desire. Also, depending on the batch you make, they can last a lifetime.
Most homemade disinfectants use essential oils for a burst of fragrant, fresh scents. When choosing essential oils for your homemade disinfectants, go for those with antibacterial properties while providing a burst of freshness, such as tea tree, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon, or lavender essential oils. Here are simple yet effective homemade disinfectant sprays.
Alcohol Disinfectant Spray
Alcohol works as a Lysol substitute because it kills many bacteria on contact. The alcohol helps dilute the essential oils so that they do not separate from the water, which allows for ease of spraying. Here’s how to make an alcohol disinfectant spray:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rubbing alcohol or ethanol
- 3 cups water
- 20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice
Instructions
- Pour the rubbing alcohol into a container.
- Add about half that amount of water and stir thoroughly.
- Add some essential oil.
How To Use It
Spray directly on germ-laden surfaces, such as countertops and door handles. Let it sit for a few minutes and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Tip: Label with date and contents, and store in a cool, dark place.
Note: Rubbing alcohol is flammable. Never mix rubbing alcohol with bleach — the combination produces toxic chlorine gas.
All-Purpose Cleaner With Vinegar
This homemade all-purpose cleaner with vinegar and essential oils is one of the best cleaners. It’s simple to make, uses just a few natural ingredients, and is ready in seconds.
You can use this recipe as a glass cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, or cleaning spray.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 20-30 drops of essential oil of your choice
Instructions
- Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Add some essential oils to mask the overpowering smell of vinegar.
You can use this cleaner on nearly any surface in your home, such as floors, countertops, sinks, and drains. It’s also gentle enough to use on toys, door handles, and glass.
6. Organic Disinfectant Spray
Using organic disinfectants shows kindness to the earth because most ingredients used in organic chemicals are biodegradable. Here are our top picks for the best organic disinfectant sprays that you can find on Amazon.
Eco-Me
Eco-me Natural Disinfectant Spray (Amazon link) is a non-toxic, plant-based option for those looking to avoid synthetic bristles. The formula is EPA registered and kills 99.9 percent of germs on surfaces. It contains no dyes or chemicals and is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. It is naturally scented with essential oils. The blends include:
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
The Honest Company’s Disinfecting Cleaner
The Honest Company’s Disinfecting Cleaner kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses. Its formula is plant-based and works on all kinds of surfaces, from toilet bowls to countertops to toys. It’s available in the following scents:
- Garden Mint
- Sweet Orange Vanilla
- Unscented option
Everyone 3-in-1 Soap
Everyone 3-in-1 Soap is an option for those looking for an all-natural liquid soap that’s for multiple uses such as hand soap, body wash, or dish soap.
When you mix it with water to make a cleaning spray, it is ideal for cleaning countertops, floors, bathrooms, door handles, toys, etc. It is gentle enough that it won’t damage fabrics, and it also has a fresh scent! Just be sure to wipe the soap off after using the spray to avoid residue and slippery surfaces.
The formula consists of plant-derived ingredients like:
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Aloe
Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner
Puracy’s Multi-Surface Cleaner (available on Amazon.com) is another fantastic organic option to replace Lysol spray. It kills 99% of germs, and it comes in several scents such as green tea and lime for a clean-smelling home. You can use this gentle but powerful cleaner almost anywhere, like to clean your phone, countertops, toys, door handles, bathroom, pet beds, etc.
Click here to search the category yourself and look at ratings and reviews.
Thanks for reading!
For more, don’t miss 5 Handy Substitutes for Contact Lens Solution.
Anne James has a wealth of experience in a wide array of interests and is an expert in quilting, cooking, gardening, camping, mixing drinks (worked as a professional bartender), and making jelly.
Anne has a professional canning business, has been featured in the local newspaper as well as on the Hershey website, and has been her family canner for decades. Anyone growing up in the South knows that there is always a person in the family who has knowledge of the “old ways,” and this is exactly what Anne is.
With over 55 years of experience in these endeavors, she brings a level of hands-on knowledge that is hard to surpass. Amazingly, she doesn’t need to reference many resources due to her vast wealth of experience. She IS the source.
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