How to Make Your Own Disinfectant at Home

In this blog post, we are diving into How to Make Your Own Disinfectant at Home.

In a world where cleanliness is more important than ever, we’ve been trained to trust expensive, chemical-filled cleaners as the only path to a germ-free home.

But here’s the truth, you don’t need lab-made formulas or fancy brand names to keep your space truly clean.

What you do need is a little know-how, a few household ingredients, and a recipe that actually works.

In this guide, we’re ditching the toxins, slashing the costs, and showing you how to create a DIY disinfectant that’s tough on germs but gentle on your health and the planet.

If you’re battling flu season, cleaning up after kids, or just tired of chemical overkill, this is the disinfectant hack that will change your cleaning game forever.

How to Make Your Own Disinfectant at Home

1: Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Spray (CDC-Recommended)

 

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Best for: killing viruses, including cold, flu, and coronavirus

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)

 

• 1/3 cup distilled water

 

• Optional: 10–15 drops of essential oil (like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus)

 

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle.

2. Shake gently to mix.

3. Spray on hard surfaces (counters, doorknobs, phones).

4. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds before wiping.

 

 

2: Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide Combo

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Best for: general antibacterial use (not recommended for virus-level disinfecting)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

 

• 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide

 

• 10 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil (optional)

 

 

Instructions:

• Important: Do not mix them in the same bottle they should be stored separately.

 

• Spray one after the other on surfaces and let sit for a few minutes before wiping.

 

• Works well on kitchen counters, cutting boards, and bathroom surfaces.

 

Note: Avoid using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble, as it can etch the surface.

 3: DIY Disinfectant Wipes

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Great for: cars, purses, or quick cleanups

Ingredients:

• 1 roll of paper towels (cut in half)

 

• 1 cup rubbing alcohol (70%)

 

• 1 tablespoon dish soap

 

• 1 cup water

 

• Airtight container (like a baby wipe box or mason jar)

 

 

 

Instructions:

1. Mix the liquids in a bowl.

2. Place paper towel halves into the container.

3. Pour the mixture over the towels and let them soak.

4. Pull from the center when needed.

4. How to Use DIY Disinfectants Safely and Effectively

 

• Clean first, disinfect second – Remove dirt before spraying your disinfectant.

 

• Leave it wet – Let the solution sit for at least 30 seconds (or up to 5 minutes for stronger disinfection).

 

• Avoid mixing unknown ingredients – Some combos (like vinegar + bleach) are toxic.

5. Storage Tips

 

• Store in a cool, dark place.

 

• Use dark glass bottles if you’re including essential oils.

 

• Label your containers to avoid misuse.

6. When to Skip DIY and Use Commercial Products

 

Homemade disinfectants are powerful, but not always appropriate.

Use commercial-grade cleaners:

• In medical settings

 

• For mold/mildew remediation

 

• When dealing with high-risk viruses (if you lack the correct alcohol concentration).

In this blog post, we dived into How to Make Your Own Disinfectant at Home.