DIY Disinfectant

Homemade disinfectants save you money and are better for the environment

It is possible to disinfect your home without using commercial cleaners. Instead of spending a lot of money on cleaners that cause irritation to the skin and eyes, make your own at home with common ingredients. Some areas in your house, such as the bathroom and kitchen, often need to be sanitized to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tsp. borax
• 4 tbsp. vinegar
• Small bowl
• 3 cups hot water
• ¼ tsp. castile soap
• Spray bottles
• Washcloths
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

White Vinegar and Borax Disinfectant

1. Combine 2 tsp. of borax and 4 tbsp. of white vinegar in a small bowl. Pour in 3 cups of hot water, and stir until the borax dissolves.

2. Add ¼ tsp. of castile soap to the disinfectant. Stir until it mixes well.

3. Place the disinfectant in a spray bottle. You can also wipe the area down by soaking a washcloth in this solution.

4. Rinse off the solution with a clean washcloth.

White Vinegar and Peroxide Disinfectant

1. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.

2. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a separate spray bottle.

3. Spray each chemical alternatively onto the surface you want to disinfect. Wait 5 minutes.

4. Rinse the homemade sanitizer from the surface with a moist washcloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a spray head on a hydrogen peroxide bottle instead of pouring it into a spray bottle to make it last longer. Light destroys hydrogen peroxide, which is why you must store it in a dark location or in an opaque bottle.

• Never combine hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in the same bottle. Large amounts of these two ingredients will produce a harmful vapor when combined.

References

• Lime: Make Your Own Natural Disinfectants
• EarthEasy: Non-toxic Home Cleaning
• Using Hydrogen Peroxide: Home Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection and Sanitizing