Creating Your Own Disinfectant Spray with Rubbing Alcohol
Last year, the world faced an unprecedented shortage of disinfectant sprays and solutions. Store shelves were stripped bare, and backorders for disinfectants, wipes, and various household cleaners surged. Even hospitals were affected, with top surgeons urging the public to purchase only what they truly needed to ensure everyone had access. Unfortunately, many did not heed this advice. If you’ve been struggling to find your preferred disinfectant spray or are running low, fear not! Today, we will guide you through the process of making your very own disinfectant spray using rubbing alcohol.
So, how do you create a disinfectant spray with rubbing alcohol? Here’s a quick and easy method to make your own:
- Gather a 1-liter spray bottle, rubbing alcohol, water, and optional essential oils.
- Fill the bottle halfway with water, then add 300ml of rubbing alcohol.
- If desired, include 10-12 drops of your chosen essential oil.
- Shake well before use.
Rubbing alcohol is a common household item readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. If you can’t find it locally, it can typically be ordered online, though you may need to wait a few days for delivery. In addition to being an effective disinfectant, rubbing alcohol is often considered a safer alternative to commercial sprays like Lysol, which can emit harmful fumes when inhaled!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Disinfectant Spray with Rubbing Alcohol
In this section, I will show you how to save money while creating a natural disinfectant spray using everyday rubbing alcohol. Not only is this method cost-effective, but it also allows you to avoid synthetic chemicals that can cause headaches or irritation.
Ingredients Needed:
The ingredients and tools required for this concoction are quite simple and can be found at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of rubbing alcohol (50% to 70% concentration)
- 0.5 cup of white vinegar
- 1mL (approximately 20 drops) of your favorite essential oil
- 1 large spray bottle (20 oz. or larger)
- Funnel (optional)
Mixing Instructions
Start by pouring the rubbing alcohol into your spray bottle. Next, add the white vinegar. If vinegar is unavailable, you can simply use more rubbing alcohol. While vinegar serves as a decent disinfectant, its primary role in this mixture is as a deodorizer. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a nice touch!
Once the two main ingredients are in the bottle, add about 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to infuse the mixture with a pleasant aroma. I recommend strong-scented oils like lemon, lavender, pine, or peppermint, as they also possess antiviral and antibacterial properties. After combining all ingredients, securely attach the spray top and shake the bottle vigorously for approximately 60 seconds. This ensures that all components blend into a homogenous solution, maximizing the effectiveness of your disinfectant spray.
Are There Any Concerns When Using DIY Disinfectants?
The beauty of this homemade disinfectant spray lies in its use of all-natural ingredients. Generally, it’s safe to inhale and shouldn’t cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with your hands. Additionally, it is safe for pets, allowing you to spray it on their bedding to eliminate lice, fleas, and other harmful bacteria. However, exercise caution when using rubbing alcohol around car paint; it’s a potent solvent and can damage the paint if it seeps through the protective clear coat. Aside from that, there’s little to worry about!
Effectiveness of DIY Disinfectant Spray Compared to Commercial Brands
Let’s face it—many DIY products don’t always deliver as promised. While they may boast good results, the actual effectiveness can vary. I understand your skepticism when it comes to claims of creating a functional disinfectant spray for a fraction of the cost of Lysol. However, isopropyl rubbing alcohol has been proven to be just as effective at eliminating germs and viruses as its commercial counterparts. Here’s how it works:
Rubbing alcohol is a blend of water and pure alcohol. Upon contact with pathogens, the water penetrates the germs’ cell membranes, allowing the alcohol to dismantle the cell’s internal structure, effectively destroying the germs. In most cases, your homemade solution will be equally or even more effective than the name-brand products you’re accustomed to.
Choosing the Right Type of Rubbing Alcohol
While there are various forms of rubbing alcohol, they all serve similar purposes. I recommend using isopropyl rubbing alcohol or isopropanol for your disinfectant spray. If that’s not available, ethanol (or grain alcohol) is a suitable alternative. In a pinch, you can also create your own ethanol or use high-proof vodka! However, it’s crucial to avoid methyl alcohol (methanol) or denatured alcohol, as their chemical compositions can be toxic if inhaled or applied topically.
Conclusion
Recent models and forecasts indicate that the world is still not entirely safe from COVID-19. Although FDA-approved vaccines are being distributed, the process has been slower than anticipated, and some individuals are hesitant due to potential side effects. Consequently, ensuring that your home and workplace are sanitized has never been more critical.
Historically, Lysol has been a go-to disinfectant, effectively dismantling germs and viruses upon contact. However, this popular product has recently been challenging to find, selling out at unprecedented rates. Furthermore, many consumers report experiencing headaches and coughing from commercial disinfectant sprays. To top it off, these products can be quite overpriced, often costing upwards of $5 for a small container, which is mostly propellant rather than actual disinfectant. By making your own disinfectant spray, you not only save money but also gain peace of mind knowing exactly what you are using in your home.