How to make disinfectant spray at home

If you are one of those people who firmly believes that “natural” cleaners are potentially safer for routine use at home or in the office you are absolutely right and there are some effective options you can consider. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make disinfectant spray at home by using a few simple ingredients, safe for all kinds of surfaces which you can use at your home, workplace or wherever you like.

 

Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray

What you’ll need:

  • 3/4 cup of distilled water
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • 8 ounces of spray bottle funnel (optional)
  • 7 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 7 drops of tea tree essential oil

 

What you need to keep in mind is both the tea tree and lavender essential oils have their own natural disinfecting properties. Additionally, tea tree oil is antifungal and antiviral, often used for treating minor skin scrapes as well as fungal skin infections.

Tea tree oil is considered a pungent on its own, however, the lavender greatly complements the piney fragrance of oil. If you happen to be a fan of vinegar, you may substitute it with vodka or rubbing alcohol. And, if you want to swap out the vinegar, try testing a small area on the surfaces because vodka or alcohol may not be suitable for every single surface.

The vinegar is not usually noticeable with the essential oils, plus it dissipates quickly. Either way, both alcohol and vinegar are germ killers which will make a surface dry quickly and simply with no streaks. Try using distilled water for all the DIY cleaning supplies as it’s stripped of any natural minerals or contaminants, meaning by using a distilled water in the cleaning applications, there won’t be any mineral residue left on the surfaces.

Creation Process of Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray:

1. Start by pouring the 1/4 cup of white vinegar into a bottle. A funnel will make this part much easier with less chance of the spill.

2. Now add the essential oils but do not overdo it because they are very strong and even a little goes quite a long way. Proceed by pouring in a 3/4 cup of distilled water and then add the top, giving it a shake for distributing the oils.

3. Time to clean away! Gently shake a bottle before each use. Then disinfect cell phones, door handles, table tops, etc.

After making this simple DIY cleaner, you won’t buy chemical-laden stuff again.

 

Homemade Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cups of 100 proof alcohol (vodka) or even higher. Make sure to get the highest proof alcohol or if you won’t be able to do that, get 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol at least. And since rubbing alcohol may damage painted as well as varnished surfaces, it’s best to try a spot test first.
  • 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar or even more alcohol.
  • 50-60 drops of tea lavender essential oil or tree essential oil.

Instructions:

  1. Start by pouring the vodka into a sixteen ounce spray bottle and pour the essential oil(s) afterwards. Then shake the bottle in order to combine the oils and vodka.
  2. Finally, add the vinegar and then shake the bottle again. But keep in mind that you shouldn’t use this recipe on special stone surfaces, such as marble or granite, due to the vinegar.
  3. You can also try using bandit oil to blend it in your spray instead of a tea tree essential oil.

Some important things to keep in mind:

  • 100 proof alcohol in no way equals to 100% alcohol. However, there still is some confusion about this because this is clearly different in some countries. For example, in the US, a 40% ABV or alcohol by volume, is 80 proof, while 45% ABV is 90 proof. A 50% ABV is 100 proof and then it goes higher from there.
  • Usually, essential oil is added as the antibacterial ingredient. Hydrogen peroxide may also work as a disinfectant as well, when it’s used straight, meaning not mixed with vinegar and diluted with anything. However, be very careful with hydrogen peroxide because it may bleach colored fabrics.

 

Final Thoughts on Homemade Disinfectants

As can be seen, making a disinfectant spray by yourself isn’t as difficult as many think. All you need is all the necessary ingredients and a little patience. And soon enough, you’ll have your own efficient disinfectant spray which you’ll use anywhere you like. That said, while it might be safer than using commercial cleaning products, it may not be as effective. So this is an extremely important point to remember. The MetroClick Sanitizing Station provides a high quality and dynamic way to ensure that your office, lobby, or work space has a visible sanitation station that is easy to use. Contact us today for more information.