Kill germs with this easy to make and affordable DIY disinfectant spray. With Lysol more difficult to find than Waldo, this homemade disinfecting spray is one solution to clean and disinfectant your home which is so important right now.
Why a Disinfectant Spray?
Probably in no time in history are people more aware of germs and the need to disinfect. The vast majority of us are very conscious of what we are touching, who we come across, and the need to not bring invisible “friends” home with us. Even with the most strict protocols used it is still possible to crosscontaminate germs picked up from point A and transport them to point B. While I have joked many times that I have a strong immune system due to NOT washing hands as often as I should and swimming in less-than-clean rivers, I’m making serious efforts to keep my place as germ-free as possible.
Enter: DIY Disinfectant Spray
Uses
Disinfection of all kinds of items can be done with this spray. Examples include toys, doorknobs, cabinet and drawer handles, couches and recliners, steering wheels, car seats, sink knobs, light switches, doorway entrance, etc.
This spray can also be used to disinfect hands. A few sprays to wet the hands thoroughly and then spread the mixture rubbing hands together while it evaporates very similar to using hand sanitizer.
Recipe
This is very simple to make. It is important that the amount of alcohol in the recipe be above 60% in order to effectively kill germs.
Materials Needed:
180 Proof Everclear Grain Alcohol(95% alcohol)
Water – distilled or boiled
Essential Oil of your choice for scent(optional)
Instructions:
These instructions are for 8 ounces of 70%+ alcohol spray sanitizer. Adjust recipe as needed based on the size of your spray bottle.
- Pour 3/4 cup of 180 proof Everclear in measuring cup.
- Pour Everclear into spray bottle being careful not to spill.
- Pour 1/4 cup water into measuring cup.
- Add water to spray bottle.
- Add essential oils to bottle for frangrance.
- Shake to mix contents.
I found that with the peppermint essential oils I tried only 6 drops in about 15 ounces provided enough scent, but, you’ll have to see for yourself. Lavender is a good essential oil to use as well as peppermint.
Notes:
- Store in an airtight container otherwise the alcohol will evaporate and the efficacy could be reduced.
- Do not use vodka as the percentage of alcohol is too low.
- High percentile rubbing alcohol can be used, however, at the time of this writing, it is not available in most locations.
- DO NOT USE NEAR A FLAME!!! VERY FLAMMABLE!!
Stay safe everyone!!
Thank you JR. Any thought about using peroxide as a disinfectant?
– Keep Looking Up ☝🏼
Thanks JR. J Bern, 16 oz. of 90% alcohol 2 tbs. of provide and 25 drops essential oil, again your choice of oil and again it is flamable.
👍🏻 Thank you
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a disinfectant. It kills the coronavirus. It can also stain colored fabrics so be careful.
Thank you
Grain alcohol (sometimes known by another brand name – Everclear) is very expensive. An equally effective disinfectant is one ounce of plain chlorine bleach in a quart of water. Much less expensive too.
Bleach is very effective and much less expensive, however, it cannot be sprayed on many surfaces as it will cause damage. FOr surfaces such as kitchen counters, the bleach would be great. FOr clothing, and anything fabric such as a couch a spray such as this works well.
Thanks JR. Vinegar is also an exc. cleaner- just dilute it a bit.
Tomorrow Fox news around 5 – 6 pm will have President Trump on for the next steps in possibly opening up some of the states.
I am glad he is considering de-funding WHO. China may have a nuclear test site .They may have purposefully let this pandemic out to weaken the rest of the world.
I just finished reading INFLUENZA by Dr, Jeremy Brown. written in 2018. It is exc.
We just finished planting our peat pots for the spring garden when the frost threat abates. This week 30s every night and snow tonight – about an inch.
Be safe everyone. Arlene