Before You Go Luxury Hotel Toilet Bowl Mist
If you have been following my blog for a while, you may recognize this recipe. I originally shared my Before You Go Toilet Bowl Mist back in 2017, and to this day it is still one of the most visited posts on my website. Every month, thousands of people continue to stop by looking for a simple, natural way to keep their bathrooms smelling fresh.
That got me thinking....cosmetic formulation has come a long way over the past several years, and so have I. As a certified aromatherapist, I am always learning about new ingredients, better formulation techniques, and safer ways to create products that are both effective and beautifully simple.
So I decided it was time to give one of my favorite recipes a little makeover.
For the updated 2026 version, I have simplified the formula, modernized the ingredient list, and created a brand new essential oil blend inspired by a luxury hotel bathroom. Unlike room sprays that try to cover up odors after they have already escaped, this spray is used before you go. Simply mist the surface of the toilet bowl water with several sprays before using the bathroom. The lightweight botanical ingredients create a thin barrier on the surface of the water that helps keep unpleasant odors where they belong while releasing a spa-inspired aroma into the air. You will notice I suggest Geogard ECT as a preservative since the formula contains water, and it will help protect against the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold during normal use. It is one of those ingredients that is not glamorous, but it plays an important role in making water-based DIY products safer and more reliable.
Formula
120 grams distilled water
5 grams glycerin
5 grams fractionated coconut oil or squalane
10 grams caprylyl/capryl glucoside (I get mine from Formulator Sample Shop)
15 drops bergamot essential oil
10 drops cedarwood atlas essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
1.5 grams Geogard ECT (you can get this one from Formulator Sample Shop or Amazon)
Combine the distilled water and glycerin in a small beaker or glass container and stir until completely blended. In a separate container, combine the coconut oil, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, and the essential oils until blended and then slowly whisk the oil mixture into the water phase until the mixture becomes uniform. Add the preservative. Transfer to a sanitized spray bottle. Just remember to gently shake before each use and spray several sprays over the top of the toilet water.