Herbal Toilet Spray: A Simple DIY Bathroom Freshener
A few sprays of a lemon, peppermint and lavender mix before you go can make a shared bathroom far more pleasant. Here is a simple recipe, what it really does, and the safety rules for children and pets.
Every home has the same awkward moment: someone has just used the bathroom, and the next person is waiting. Shop-bought pre-toilet sprays promise to stop the smell before it starts, but they are pricey and often heavily perfumed.
You can make a gentle herbal version at home in five minutes with water, a little alcohol and a few drops of lemon, peppermint and lavender oil. It will not make odors disappear by magic, but it does give the room a fresh, clean scent. Here is how to make it, how to use it and how to keep it safe.
How a toilet spray works
You spray it onto the surface of the water in the bowl just before you use the toilet, then once more into the air afterwards if you like. The fragrance from the oils fills the small space and covers unpleasant smells.
That is all it does. It does not clean, disinfect or remove the cause of an odor. Flushing straight away, closing the lid before you flush, opening a window or running the extractor fan, and cleaning the bowl regularly do far more than any spray.
Lemon, Peppermint and Lavender Toilet Spray
You need
- cooled boiled water or distilled water100 ml (scant 1/2 cup)
- rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, to help the oils mix1 tbsp (15 ml)
- lemon essential oil10 drops
- peppermint essential oil5 drops
- lavender essential oil5 drops
- clean 120 ml glass or plastic spray bottle with a label1
Method
- Pour the alcohol or witch hazel into the spray bottle.
- Add the lemon, peppermint and lavender oils and swirl gently to mix them with the alcohol.
- Top up with the water, screw the lid on tightly and shake well.
- Label the bottle clearly, for example "Toilet spray - do not drink", with the date.
- Shake before every use, then spray 3 to 4 times onto the water in the toilet bowl just before you use it.
Tips
- Oil and water separate, so always shake before spraying.
- Make a small batch and replace it every month or so, or sooner if the smell changes.
- No oils at home? A small bowl of dried lavender, rosemary or mint on the shelf gives a gentle scent without spraying anything.
Choosing the herbs
Lemon, peppermint and lavender are a good trio: fresh, sharp and soft. Lemon and lavender are both on NCCIH's list of oils commonly used in aromatherapy, and peppermint adds a cool, clean note. You can also use rosemary or a little eucalyptus.
Keep the total small. Essential oils are strong, and a light scent is more pleasant in a small room than a heavy one. About 20 drops in a 100 ml bottle is plenty.
What the evidence says
We found no studies testing whether homemade or shop-bought toilet sprays reduce bathroom odor. Treat this as a scent, not a treatment, and judge it simply by whether you like how the room smells.
Research on scents and mood is limited. NCCIH reports one study in people under stress in which lemon scent had a positive effect on mood, while neither lemon nor lavender changed stress markers. NCCIH also says there is little rigorous research on aromatherapy for sleep. A pleasant smell can make a room feel nicer, and that is the honest benefit here.
Safety first: children, pets and skin
Essential oils are not harmless just because they come from plants. MedlinePlus explains that swallowing more than a normal amount of peppermint oil can cause poisoning, with symptoms such as vomiting, breathing problems, dizziness and convulsions, because of the menthol it contains.
Pets are sensitive too. The ASPCA says concentrated essential oils can be dangerous for dogs and cats, especially if they walk through spills, get oil on their coat or lick it, and advises keeping oils up and out of their reach. Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, so keep the spray light and the room aired.
Questions people ask
Does a toilet spray stop the smell completely?
No. It covers the smell with a fresher scent. Flushing promptly, closing the lid, airing the room and regular cleaning do the real work.
Can I use it without essential oils?
A spray of plain water will not do much. Without oils, a small bowl of dried lavender, rosemary or mint and good ventilation are the simplest options.
Is it safe to use with a dog or cat in the house?
Use it sparingly, keep the bathroom door closed and aired, and keep the bottle and any spills out of reach. If your pet has breathing problems, it is safer to skip it.
Sources
- Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets? What You Need to Know — ASPCA
- Peppermint oil overdose — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Lavender: Usefulness and Safety — NCCIH
- Aromatherapy — NCCIH
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
