When it comes to keeping away germs and killing bacteria, nothing beats warm water and soap. Washing your hands is an easy and effective way to clean yourself off and stay safe. There are no harsh chemicals in your hand soap and you get clean, so why does there have to be in your disinfectant spray?
A lot of people believe that they need Clorox or Lysol to keep their bathrooms and kitchens clean and germ free. However, thanks to the coronavirus, a lot of these products are hard to find and completely cleaned out from store shelves.
It is best in these times to be prepared and plan for the worst. If you cannot buy any disinfectant, then you will have to consider a DIY antibacterial spray.
Things you’ll need
First and foremost you are going to need a high concentrate of alcohol, 70 percent to be exact. This can be achieved by either drinking alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. If you are going to use vodka, you are going to have to find one that is at least 140 proof or stronger. With the rubbing alcohol solution, you want to be sure that it is 70 percent and not 40 percent, or your disinfectant will not be strong enough.
You will also need hydrogen peroxide, some essential oils and a spray bottle. It’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide can bleach the color from something, so white vinegar is a suitable replacement.
How to combine
Now that you have all of the ingredients it's time to put them all together. Fill your water bottle sprayer with around 14 oz of alcohol, add around ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide or ½ cup of white vinegar, and around 60 drops of an essential oil mixture. Then just shake to mix and spray.
The essential oils are important to add for your DIY antibacterial spray because not only will it help to make your antibacterial spray smell good, but essential oils have natural disinfecting properties of their own. Some of the best antibacterial essential oils to use are peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus and orange. These four essential oils were proven to be effective against 22 different bacteria strains. When making your DIY antibacterial spray, you can do a mixture of your favorite scents, or do all 60 drops of one.
Where to spray
This DIY antibacterial spray is good for disinfecting, deodorizing and great at preventing mold and mildew growth. You can spray it on door handles, light switches, faucets, countertops and so much more. If you are using it to deodorize carpets or other fabrics, it would be best to not use hydrogen peroxide and remember to spot test it.
An important tip is that each time you use your DIY antibacterial spray you shake it up to mix the ingredients. When using it, do not wipe the spray off, but instead allow it to air dry.
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