When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we had to get inventive to meet our everyday needs. From baking our own bread to finding creative ways to entertain children, we even stockpiled essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer. As commercial disinfectants became increasingly hard to come by, we discovered that you can create effective cleaning solutions right at home! With more time spent indoors, many are looking for effective methods to maintain cleanliness. If you’re curious about how to concoct your own disinfectant spray, you’re in the right place!
Here are several DIY methods to tackle surface germs, based on the CDC’s three recommended disinfecting agents: bleach, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Before using any disinfectant, remember to clean the area to eliminate visible dirt and dust.
1. Diluted Bleach Solution
Let’s kick things off with a straightforward, CDC-approved method. Household bleach is widely available and potent enough to eliminate harmful germs.
What You’ll Need:
- Unscented 5% to 6% household bleach
- Water
How to Make:
Mix one-third cup of bleach with one gallon of water, or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, seal tightly, and gently shake to combine.
Caution:
Never mix bleach with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, ammonia, or lemon juice, as these combinations can produce dangerous gases.
How to Use:
Spray the bleach solution on a clean surface and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. Wipe away afterward. Use your homemade spray within 24 hours for maximum effectiveness.
2. Rubbing Alcohol Solution
This solution is excellent for eliminating bacteria and viruses without the hazards of bleach. Thyme essential oil adds antibacterial properties.
What You’ll Need:
- 20 drops of thyme essential oil
- Rubbing alcohol (70% to 99%)
How to Make:
Add thyme oil to a spray bottle, fill it with rubbing alcohol, and mix well.
How to Use:
Spray directly onto soft or hard surfaces, letting it sit for about 30 seconds before wiping. Always perform a spot test first!
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is recognized by the EPA for its ability to kill pathogens, including the coronavirus.
What You’ll Need:
- ¼ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup of water
How to Make:
Combine the ingredients in an opaque spray bottle, as hydrogen peroxide is sensitive to light. Shake gently to mix.
How to Use:
Spray on surfaces and let it sit for one minute before wiping clean.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Ethyl Alcohol Solution
This solution uses ethanol rather than isopropyl alcohol, making it effective against germs.
What You’ll Need:
- 3.5 ounces of distilled water
- 12 ounces of 95% ethyl alcohol
- ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide
- 30 to 45 drops of essential oils (e.g., lavender, tea tree)
How to Make:
Combine hydrogen peroxide, water, and essential oils in an opaque spray bottle, then add ethyl alcohol and shake well.
How to Use:
Spray on surfaces and let it sit for two minutes before wiping off.
5. Vinegar Solution
White vinegar’s acidity makes it a good all-purpose cleaner, though it doesn’t kill all germs.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups of water
- 30 drops of essential oils
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
How to Use:
Spray on surfaces and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean. Avoid using it on stone countertops.
6. Vodka Sanitizer
High-proof vodka can double as a disinfectant due to its alcohol content.
What You’ll Need:
- ¾ cup of vodka (at least 60% alcohol)
- ¼ cup of water
- Essential oils (optional)
How to Make:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix.
How to Use:
Spray on surfaces, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean.
7. Lime Sanitizer
Limes’ high acidity can help reduce bacteria and aid in rust removal.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 teaspoons of grated lime
- 2 cups of baking soda
- 1 cup of borax
How to Make:
Combine all ingredients in a jar and seal tightly.
How to Use:
Apply the cleaner to a rag and wipe surfaces, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before drying.
8. DIY Fabric Disinfectant Spray
Don’t forget about soft surfaces! Create a pleasant-smelling fabric sanitizer.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 10 drops each of peppermint and lavender essential oils
How to Make:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
How to Use:
Spray on fabric surfaces to eliminate odors.
Now that you have these recipes at your fingertips, try them out and see what works best for your home! If you’re interested in other related topics, check out this article on home insemination kits or visit this excellent resource for understanding infertility.
Search Queries:
- homemade disinfectant spray recipes
- DIY cleaning solutions
- natural disinfectants for home
- how to make cleaning sprays
- homemade germ killers
In summary, creating your own disinfectant spray at home is not only simple but also effective. Utilize these methods to keep your living spaces clean and germ-free while enjoying the process of crafting your own cleaning solutions.
Keyphrase: homemade disinfectant spray
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]