Natural Disinfectants Organic Cleaning

Natural Disinfectants

By Gabor Timis

Commercial disinfectants contain many harmful chemicals so use them only when absolutely necessary. For everyday cleaning, use natural disinfectants instead.

Vinegar
Undiluted distilled white vinegar (5% solution), which can buy in the supermarket, kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses.
Vinegar is a weak form of acetic acid, the pH of which is too strong for most germs to survive.
Undiluted Vinegar can be used to clean counter tops, greasy ovens, dishwashers with soap residue, coffee pots, and cloudy glassware.

The smell of the vinegar goes away after it is dried. For a nice post-cleaning scent, add a little bit of organic peppermint extract or other essential oil extract to your vinegar solution.
Organic clove oil adds a nice spicy scent, too.
Diluted Vinegar is non toxic and can be used all around the home as an all purpose cleaner and deodorizer – just fill a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar to 1 part water (50/50) and you’re ready to go.

Hydrogen Pyroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to disinfect your kitchen.
Fill a spray bottle and wipe down your kitchen surfaces with 3% hydrogen peroxide (the strength you can purchase at the drugstore) to kill germs. Another bonus: peroxide adds a streak free shine to reflective surfaces.

Some studies have shown that using undiluted vinegar followed by 3% hydrogen peroxide is more effective than either one alone.

Homemade Antiseptic Spray for Surfaces

15 drops lemon essential oil 10 drops thyme linalol essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
2 Tablespoons vodka, witch hazel, or vinegar.
3 ounces distilled water
Dissolve essential oils in vodka, witch hazel or vinegar in a spray bottle. Add water. Shake well before using and keep out of reach of children.

Borax is also a good natural all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant.
Combine 2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups hot water. Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a spray bottle. Use as you would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.