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DIY: Common Homemade Disinfectants

Spray bottles filled with safe homemade disinfectants for cleaning

DIY: Common Homemade Disinfectants

Published: May 2020

By: Holly Denton, Health & Wellness Writer

Scientifically Reviewed By: Michael A. Smith, MD

With demand for cleaning supplies at an all-time high, it can be deflating to head to your grocery store, all suited up in your mask, only to find an empty space where the items you were looking for once sat. If it has been a struggle to find the coveted Clorox spray or Lysol wipes in stores or online, getting creative with what you already have at home might be a good option—and sometimes the only one.

Why is Disinfecting Important?

Good hygiene has always been important—but right now, a thorough cleaning is about much more than gleaming countertops. Even if you are practicing social distancing, it’s more important than ever to ensure that you’re washing your hands often and wiping down surfaces after each use. Disinfecting can inactivate viruses on inanimate surfaces within a minute.

Hand with plastic glove cleaning door knob

We don’t always think about how often we interact with surfaces and items around us, but making sure that we are cleaning and disinfecting as often as necessary is essential for preventing germs and other unwanted viruses and bacteria from living in our homes, according to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning high-contact surfaces, including:

Doorknobs
Countertops
Light switches
Handles
Desks
Toilets
Faucets
Sinks

Are Homemade Disinfectants Safe?

Hand with plastic glove sprying disinfectant over surface

Yes! Homemade disinfectants are safe to make and use. There are a handful of different active ingredients that can act as a base for a household disinfectant, all of which are common household finds. These active ingredients focus not just on surface cleaning, but on making contact with germs and killing bacteria, especially since some viruses can live on surfaces for several days.

These include:

Bleach
Rubbing/Isopropyl Alcohol (at least 70% alcohol)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)

Be sure to follow all instructions on labels to safely and carefully handle any chemicals you come in contact with.

Learn more about Respiratory Immune Support

How Do You Make Your Own Homemade Disinfectant?

There are plenty of great options for making your own homemade disinfectant that only take a few minutes to make. Not sure where to start? The CDC currently recommends a bleach-based solution for tackling hard non-porous surfaces.

Bleach
Water
Measuring Cups
Spray Bottle
Funnel
Gloves (optional)

Step by Step: DIY Disinfectant Spray

Put on your gloves or wash your hands in preparation
Measure out 4 cups (1 quart) of water
Carefully measure out 4 teaspoons of bleach to add to the water
Use a funnel to avoid spilling excess liquid and pour into spray bottle
Make sure solution is mixed and cap the bottle

And voila! This solution should have a contact time of at least a minute before wiping it off the surface being cleaned. If you want to make a larger batch of disinfectant, use 1/3 cup of bleach for every gallon (16 cups) of water.

This can be a cost-effective option as well, as several batches of disinfectant can be made from one bottle of bleach and most of the items needed are everyday items you can find at home.

How Do I Make Homemade Disinfectant Wipes?

Already made disinfecting spray, but want to disinfect other surfaces without using bleach? Homemade alcohol-based disinfectant wipes can be just as easy to make!

What Do You Need?

Rubbing Alcohol (containing at least 70% alcohol)
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
Paper towels
Tupperware or other storage container with airtight lid
Container for mixing
Measuring cups
Essential oils (optional)

While the essential oils are completely optional to add, some essential oils, such as bergamot, eucalyptus, thyme and cinnamon, will add a pleasant smell to your homemade wipes.

Step by Step: DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Mix 3 cups of alcohol with ¾ teaspoon hydrogen peroxide in mixing container
Add essential oils to mixture to desired level of fragrance
Pour 2 cups of the mixture into the storage container
Take 40-50 paper towels and fold them in half
Place folded paper towels in the storage container with the mixture
Place airtight lid on the container and swirl the mixture around, making sure to fully saturate the wipes
Open container and pour remaining 1 cup of mixture onto the paper towels
Seal the lid until ready to use

There should be excess liquid at the bottom, to make sure that they stay moist over long-term use. Like the spray, these homemade disinfecting wipes can be used on hard non-porous surfaces and even for wiping down phones and other electronics, constant contact items that are often overlooked.

Making some of these homemade supplies when the commercial option has been scarce is a helpful way to follow health guidance and have some added peace of mind.

Meanwhile, remember that cleanliness is only part of the equation. To optimize your immune defenses, get enough sleep, ensure you’re eating a balanced diet, exercise and keep stress under control.

About the Author: Holly Denton got her degree in English Literature from Florida State University and previously worked in English education abroad with the Peace Corps and other development organizations before joining Life Extension, where she is currently a Copywriter.