DIY Disinfectant spray!

There are several DIY disinfectant spray recipes on the internet. 

Keep in mind that DIY disinfectant is not a dependable source of killing COVID-19 since the concentrations are unknown. Always clean surfaces with soap and water. Soap will effectively inactivate viruses, including COVID-19.

Alcohol disinfectants will primarily kill bacteria; however, viruses cannot survive at concentrations higher than 60%. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alcohol mixed with water is actually more effective at denaturing bacteria then alcohol by itself.

Vinegar needs to sit on a surface for at least 10 minutes due to its low disinfectant speed. If using hydrogen peroxide and vinegar make sure to keep them in separate bottles as the combination can create a highly corrosive acid.

Vinegar, vodka, hydrogen peroxide or ethyl alcohol may be part of your recipe. My daughter and I made one just the other day using the following ingredients. 

1/4 cup malt vinegar

½ cup vodka or 70% ethyl alcohol

1 cup of water

15 drops of lemon essential oil

This was a fun activity for me and my daughter and we use our homemade spray on all surfaces to keep off the “germs”. 

I have been using our DIY spray on our produce. I let it sit for at least 10 minutes and rinse it off prior to eating.

I also like this for spraying surfaces that food touches since it’s non-toxic. 

Over-the-counter disinfectant sprays will have a better ability to kill viruses, but usually contain chemicals so make sure to use gloves and avoid spraying close to your face when using such chemicals.