With cold and flu season already here, keeping our spaces clean and disinfected is a great way to help keep germs at bay.  Make your own disinfectant, and feel free to add in a powerhouse essential oil to up the scent factor and help knock out those germs!

Disinfectant can be several dollars at the store, but if you make your own you’ll save tons of cash.

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
  • 15 drops thyme essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a  spray bottle. Use this product as a mist after you’ve cleaned a surface with the appropriate cleaner to deal with any additional bacteria.  No need to wipe it up – rubbing alcohol dries quickly and is safe for surfaces.  On any surfaces like light switch plates where you cannot spray the product directly, mist a cloth and wipe the surface.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. Is there a “life” for this DIY disinfectant? How long before the mixture is no longer effective (I assume the alcohol will eventually evaporate)?

    How about if we have that supermarket-available disinfectant? Do you have a recommendation for the right mix of water and disinfectant chemical?

    • Hi Allan, rubbing alcohol has a shelf life of about two to three years. If stored in a sealed container, this DIY cleaner can last a year or two. However, if you don’t plan to use it often I would recommend whipping up a small batch when you’re ready to use it. This will ensure the rubbing alcohol and essential oils (if using) are potent. But this recipe will certainly last for months if you store it in a sealed bottle.

      If you have super marketdisinfectant, use as per the instructions on the bottle.

  2. I’ve used this recipe for almost a year and I love how easy it is to make, as well as the cost. Since COVID, I’ve used my store-bought disinfect for hot spot areas around my house (front doorknob, car keys, etc) but then use this DIY product for other areas in my house that I am not highly concerned about (kitchen sink, tv remotes).

  3. Thank you very much! I always appreciate your videos. They are well researched, professionally put together and enjoyable to watch. Question: What percentage of alcohol can you use for this DIY disinfectant? Our local store only had 50% alcohol left in stock. We are now in lockdown quarantine so it’s all I have in the house. Your help would be appreciated.

  4. Hi, I see that there are two types of rubbing alcohol. Which one do I use for this recipe? I want to make sure I don’t dilute it too much by using the wrong one. Thanks.

  5. I have a question for the disinfectant spray my mom says rubbing alcohol takes the finish off of surfaces could my mom use this spray on granite countertops and porcelain?

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