The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Note: Vinegar and Essential Oils have NOT been scientifically proven to kill Coronavirus. Please consult the CDC for disinfecting recommendations.
 There are many reasons why you should make your own DIY disinfectant spray cleaners. First, they are more cost-effective than using bleach or other store-bought sprays. Second, the smell of bleach or chemical cleaners can be very harsh for people who have sensitive noses. Third, some of the ingredients in store-bought disinfectants can be harmful and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Plus, they’re often not that great for the environment either.
I started using cleaner, safer products for myself and my family a few years ago. I decided to ditch commercial products as much as possible and make my own whenever I could. I wanted to be healthier and have a better understanding of how my actions can affect the environment.Â
Below you’ll find one of the simplest DIY disinfectant spray cleaners you can make yourself that’s powerful and effective. The best part is that it can be made in a few minutes with just vinegar, alcohol, water, and essential oil.
Does it Really Work?
- Natural household sanitizers such as lemon juice and vinegar can reduce the number of pathogens to undetectable levels.
- Vinegar can inhibit the growth of and kill some food-borne pathogenic bacteria such as:
- Ethyl Alcohol destroys germs and bacteria by breaking down the proteins that make up their structure. Alcohol molecules basically rip apart these proteins, and when this happens the cells can’t function properly. They lose their membrane protection, dehydrate, and die.
- Essential Oils – many have antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties
This easy-to-make disinfectant spray works so well, you will be amazed at how effectively it cleans! It’s safe to use on most surfaces, and so affordable you will want to keep it on hand all the time.
DIY Disinfectant Spray Recipe:
- Reusable spray bottle (glass or plastic).
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/4 cup 92.4% ethanol alcohol, try to get the highest proof alcohol you can find (such as Vodka or Everclear which is 190 proof)
- 15 drops essential oil (tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon oil are recommended for their antibacterial and antiviral properties)
Basic Vinegar Cleaner- Â The key ingredients to this DIY disinfectant spray are white vinegar and ethyl alcohol which are a couple of the safest and most effective alternatives to commercial cleaners.Â
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills germs and bacteria, making it an excellent all-purpose cleaner for your whole house and ethyl alcohol is an ingredient often found in hand sanitizers. The only downside is that vinegar has a strong smell, so we recommend mixing it with essential oils to make it more pleasant to use and even more effective.
To create this spray, mix together two cups of water, 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar, and 1/4 cup of the highest proof alcohol you can find (vodka or Everclear), and add it to a spray bottle. Then add in about 15 drops of the recommended essential oil.Â
We especially like tea tree or eucalyptus oil for its antibacterial properties or lemon oil for a fresh citrus scent. If you don’t have essential oils on hand, you can also add in a few drops of lemon juice or lemon zest — they have the same fresh scent without the added cost of essential oils.
Once your ingredients are mixed together, make sure to shake the bottle well before each use to ensure that everything is mixed properly. You can use this spray to kill germs and bacteria on most surfaces, including glass and stainless steel surfaces.Â
Surfaces NOT to Clean With Vinegar
- Do not use vinegar or any type of acid to clean marble, granite, limestone, or any natural stone countertop or floor. The acid in vinegar can etch the natural stone. Use a mild liquid dish detergent and warm water instead.
- Do not use cleaning vinegar to clean cast iron or aluminum pans or surfaces. It can pit the metal.
- Do not use on finished or waxed wood surfaces. It can remove the finish.
- Do not use vinegar, even in a diluted form, on electronic screens like televisions and laptops. The acid can damage the anti-glare properties.
As we have just seen, making your own DIY disinfectant spray is an easy and cost-effective way to clean your house without harming any animals, plant life, or family members. By following the recipe above, you will make your home safer for you, your animals, and the world around you. The best part about it is that you have complete control of the ingredients, making it a safe and non-toxic choice for your family and kids.
Disclaimer:
Please note that we are not medical professionals, doctors, chemical formulators, or pharmacists. We are simply sharing our own families’ DIY germ-fighting household products. Â Use at your own risk.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I would like a homemade spray cleaner for whole home and safe for Children adults, cutting boards, Granite, tile Kitchen, bathroom, or whatever. I do not want to wonder if this is a safe homemade product or will this harm anything that may be in the home solid products or human and pets. Thank You Nelson
I don’t think I could guarantee that any one homemade cleaner would be safe for all surfaces.