If you are somewhat disgruntled by the prices of commercially available disinfectant sprays, you always have the option of following instructions on how to make it at home. A homemade disinfectant spray is not only more affordable, but it is also often much more effective.
Why Use Disinfectant Sprays?
Most experts acknowledge the fact that the traditional way of fighting germs with soap and water is still the best. You can clean just about any surface this way, and leftover virus and germs can be taken care of by disinfectants and other cleaning solutions. While most people prefer to use disinfecting wipes, they have their limitations. They can’t get to every nook and cranny. But a disinfectant spray can, and the mist can reach more inaccessible areas. They can also be used for a more even coverage.
A typical disinfectant spray works at its most efficient when you let it sit first for a few minutes. According to the experts, letting it sit for 5 minutes is enough to get rid of just about every germ in the area. But the problem with commercial disinfectant sprays is that (aside from the fact that they cost too much) they cause this rather terrible smell. Some manufacturers try to mask this odor with fragrances, but it almost never works. And once you’ve encountered the chemical stench of these disinfectant sprays, you never forget it and you begin to try harder to find more suitable alternatives.
A Homemade Disinfectant Spray for the Kitchen
You should use a natural disinfect spray on your kitchen countertops to lessen the chance of food-transmitted diseases when you prepare your meat and fish dishes. Seafood and meat generally have germs like salmonella and E. coli, and these germs can cause food poisoning and extreme diarrhea.
1. Get a spray bottle. If you are reusing it, make sure to eliminate trace chemicals by washing it thoroughly.
2. Pour about two cups of tap water into the spray bottle. If you want to be super-precise, that’s 473 milliliters.
3. Follow that with 20 drops of tea tree oil. You can find tea tree oil easily enough in the beauty section of most health food shops. If all else fails, just go online. Tea tree oil is a naturally-produced essential oil. It has inborn antifungal abilities, and it can get rid of salmonella, E. coli, shigella, and staphylococcus.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of regular white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar is effective in eliminating germs and slowing down the growth of microbes.
5. Once you’re done mixing the vinegar to the water and tea tree oil, give the bottle a good shake.
6. Now add ½ teaspoon liquid dish soap for additional cleaning capacity. Shake again and begin cleaning with it.
A Homemade Disinfectant Spray for the Bathroom
This spray is just as effective as commercial sprays. This kind of spray also uses biodegradable components, which makes it much safer as well.
1. Get a spray bottle that can comfortably hold 3 cups (or 710 ml) of water.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons of borax into the bottle. Borax is a natural powder that disinfects and repels insects without damaging plumbing and septic systems.
3. Now add the 3 cups of hot water.
4. Add 4 tablespoons of white vinegar. For more stubborn dirt and grime, also add a half teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Shake.
Now you have an effective and eco-friendly homemade disinfectant spray for your bathroom.