DIY & Apartment Hacks

How to Use Natural Disinfectants for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

How to Use Natural Disinfectants for a Cleaner, Healthier Home Expand options

Striking a balance between using natural products and finding effective disinfectants to keep your clean might seem like a difficult endeavor, but it’s a lot easier than you may think. Many of the everyday items have germ-killing properties. If you’re looking for natural disinfectants for your home, there are a few essential products and techniques that can make your cleaning journey easy and effective.

Two hands holding two clear spray bottles

SOURCE: PEXELS

The ingredients

You don’t need to look much further than your own pantry. There are plenty of items that can help disinfect, such as:

+Vinegar

+Hydrogen Peroxide

+Alcohol

+Baking Soda

+Tea Tree oil

You can use these ingredients in homemade cleanser recipes or on their own to disinfect things quickly. Options like alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are a bit stronger, and you can dilute them if necessary. On the other hand, baking soda and vinegar are gentler.

Making your own products

One of the best ways to know exactly what’s in your disinfectants is to make them yourself. This process can also help you tailor your cleaning products to your exact needs. For example, you may want a more potent cleaner for floors than for kitchen counters. There are recipes to clean almost any surface you need.

Windows

For an excellent glass cleaner, mix two cups of water—distilled or filtered won’t leave residue—two tablespoons of vinegar and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. While the oil is optional, it helps mask the smell of the vinegar.

Outdoor furniture

A hand cleaning a wooden table with a damp cloth

SOURCE: PEXELS

Outdoor furniture can get grimy when left in the elements. To cut the crud, add one-third cup of bleach to a gallon of water. For a smaller batch, use four teaspoons per quart.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are easily one of the dirtiest areas in the home. To make an all-purpose cleaner that works on all surfaces—mix warm water, baking soda, Castile soap and essential oils in a spray bottle. 

Laundry

Store-bought laundry detergents often include tons of chemicals, but you can make your own natural version. All you’ll need is washing soda, grated soap and scented essential oil. You can also mix in white vinegar and powdered oxygen bleach.

Buying natural products

If you don’t want to make your own cleaners, search for natural products in stores that include some of the ingredients listed above. Just read the back labels to ensure you’re not getting anything with harmful chemicals. You’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

Clean your home the natural way 

a pair of green rubber gloves on a clear spray bottle placed next to a houseplant

SOURCE: PEXELS

You don’t have to sacrifice your commitment to keeping a natural household to feel satisfied with your deep cleaning and disinfecting. Simply use the ingredients above—many of which kill germs and eliminate odors—to make your own safe products. You can also find pre-mixed versions in the store. With the right options, you can guarantee the health of your household and our planet.

AUTHOR: KACEY BRADLEY

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

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