One morning, while getting my kids ready for school, I picked up our bathroom spray and actually read the warning label. “Use in well-ventilated areas,” “Keep away from children,” “Avoid eye contact” – my heart sank. With three kids running around our house all day, these chemical warnings made me uncomfortable. Commercial sprays cost $10 or more per bottle, and now I wasn’t even sure I wanted them in our home.
Why Natural Matters
Most store-bought bathroom sprays fill our homes with artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals. These chemicals, including phthalates and benzene, don’t just disappear after spraying – they linger in the air, especially in small spaces like bathrooms. For families spending time in these spaces multiple times a day, that’s a lot of chemical exposure.
When I learned about making a natural version for just a few dollars using basic ingredients, it made perfect sense. Not only would we save money, but we’d also create a safer environment for our children. Plus, this natural solution actually prevents odors instead of just masking them with artificial scents.
Understanding How Natural Beats Chemical
Commercial sprays typically work by overwhelming your nose with strong scents or using chemicals that numb your sense of smell. Neither option addresses the actual problem. This DIY poo pourri spray works differently – they create a physical barrier on the water’s surface that traps odors underneath.
Think of it like putting a lid on a pot – the steam can’t escape. Essential oils create a similar invisible “lid” on the toilet water. This natural barrier prevents unpleasant odors from rising into the air in the first place. No harsh chemicals needed.
A note about bathroom science: tiny water particles spread through the air whenever you flush with the toilet lid open. By combining this natural spray with closing the lid before flushing, you create two layers of protection for your bathroom air.
Also See: How to Keep your Home Smelling Good All the Time
What You Need
- 4-6 oz spray bottle
- Essential oil (orange essential oil works beautifully, but choose your favorite scent, such as peppermint essential oil around Christmas)
- Rubbing alcohol or dish soap/hand soap
- Water (distilled water works best, but tap water works too)
- Optional: food coloring (blue or green show up best in water)
Finding supplies doesn’t require special trips to expensive stores. Many dollar stores carry spray bottles. Essential oils appear regularly in Walmart and Target sales circulars. The generic rubbing alcohol from any pharmacy works perfectly.
Creating Your Spray
1. Fill the spray bottle with 4-6 oz of water
2. Add 10+ drops of essential oil
3. Add 2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol OR dish soap/hand soap
4. Optional: 2-3 drops of food coloring to see coverage area
5. Shake well before each use
Making It Last: Storage Matters
Proper storage affects how long your spray remains effective. Essential oils break down when exposed to light and heat, so storing your bottle in a cool, dark place preserves its power. Under the sink or in a cabinet works well.
Seasonal changes also impact your spray. During humid summer months, the mixture might need refreshing more often. In winter’s dry air, it typically lasts the full 2-3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
My early experiments with making this spray taught me several lessons:
- 1. Using Too Little Essential Oil – The spray needs enough oil to create that protective barrier. If you use too few drops, odors might escape.
- 2. Skipping the Alcohol or Soap – Without this ingredient, the oil floats separately on top of the water instead of mixing properly.
- 3. Using Hot Water – Hot water can make the essential oils evaporate more quickly, reducing effectiveness.
- 4. Storing in Direct Sunlight – Light and heat break down the essential oils faster, shortening your spray’s lifespan.
Using Your Spray Effectively
Spray 6-10 pumps directly onto the toilet water before use. If you added food coloring, the water changes color – showing you’ve created enough coverage. Close the lid before flushing to maintain the barrier’s effectiveness.
Cost and Health Benefits
Commercial bathroom sprays often cost $10 or more per bottle. This homemade version costs about $2-3 to make, using supplies you might already have. The spray bottle lasts indefinitely, making future batches even more affordable.
Beyond the money saved, this natural solution eliminates unnecessary chemical exposure for your family. No more worrying about what your children might breathe in during their daily routines.
Scent Suggestions
- Orange: creates a bright, fresh atmosphere
- Lemon: brings a clean, crisp feeling
- Lavender: adds a calming presence
- Peppermint: provides an invigorating environment
Daily Use Tips
Label your bottle with the creation date to track freshness. Start a new batch every 2-3 months. Between batches, clean the bottle thoroughly with warm, soapy water. A quick shake before spraying ensures even distribution of the oils.
Making our own bathroom spray started as a way to save money while protecting my family from harsh chemicals. Now, it’s become such a natural part of our routine that my kids use it without reminders – they understand it’s safe and effective.
This switch to natural bathroom spray might seem small, but it adds up to real savings while creating a healthier home environment. Sometimes the smartest solutions are also the most natural ones.