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Tag: DIY

  • DIY Simple Alternative to Lysol Disinfectant Spray

    DIY Simple Alternative to Lysol Disinfectant Spray

    DIY, homemade, disinfectant, spray, lysol, alternative, virus

    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)

    Spray Bottle

    Everclear, alcohol, disinfectant, virus, homemade, DIY

    Instructions:

    These instructions are for 8 ounces of 70%+ alcohol spray sanitizer. Adjust recipe as needed based on the size of your spray bottle.

    1. Pour 3/4 cup of 180 proof Everclear in measuring cup.
    2. Pour Everclear into spray bottle being careful not to spill.
    3. Pour 1/4 cup water into measuring cup.
    4. Add water to spray bottle.
    5. Add essential oils to bottle for frangrance.
    6. 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!!

     

  • DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

    DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

     

    While my “Go To” firestarter is a Bic lighter, matches are super cheap and widely available. One problem is they are very susceptible to moisture. Ever try lighting a soggy match? Yeah. Kinda like trying to write on wet paper. Try as you might the outcome is not very desirable.

    Waterproof matches are available however they run a steep premium over standard wooden matches. Solution? You can buy inexpensive wooden matches and waterproof them yourself.

     

    Making Waterproof Matches

    STEP #1: Dip the ends of the wooden matches into melted candle wax. Set the matches with the waxed tips hanging off the edge of a table.

     

    STEP #2: Once the matches have cooled inspect to ensure that each match head is completely covered in wax.

    Gee…..that was hard. 

    To test the effectiveness of the waterproofing I dipped an assortment of matches made following the two steps above into a glass of water. I held them in the water for about 5 seconds.

     Below is a short video of one of the matches being lit. Interesting is the matches burn slightly hotter once it gets going due to the wax.


    All the matches in my initial batch successfully survived the dunk test.

    The Soak Test

    A final test was to actually soak the homemade waterproof matches directly in water for an extended period of time. I felt that what would happen is the stick section of the match would absorb water and carry it up underneath the wax thus ruining any chance of ignition. I dropped several matches into a glass of water and let sit for 30 minutes.

    Results

    75% lit and burned pretty much as normal AS LONG AS I dried the tip prior to trying to striking. If any water droplets were still on the match head although it would light the flame would fizzle out quickly.

    I have to admit I was pretty impressed. The main reason I have waterproof matches is not to survive a three-mile trip down the river but to protect them from moisture/humidity. So far these are working out well.

    There are other methods of “DIY” waterproofing matches such as coating with fingernail polish. Might try that at some point.