Are your local stores running out of hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, and disinfect sprays? Don’t panic. Here are some easy, effective yet natural disinfectant recipes you can make straight from your pantry.
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5 Natural Disinfectant Options to Replace Alcohol
1. Homemade Hand Sanitizer Gel
This pandemic has brought us a shortage of hand sanitizer gels. It seems like every store in the country is running out it — even Amazon shops don't sell hand sanitizers anymore.
But don't worry! Here's a very simple, easy-to-make hand sanitizer gel that kills harmful viruses, moisturizes the skin, and leaves your hands smelling fresh.
What You'll Need:
- 3 Tbsp 70% or higher rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 tsp. vitamin E oil
- 1 Tbsp aloe vera gel
- Essential oils (preferrable lavender or tea tree oil)
- Plastic squeeze bottle
Instructions:
- Pour all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir until they form a smooth, rich gel-like consistency.
- Transfer to a small squeeze bottle.
2. Simple Coronavirus-Killing All-Purpose Natural Disinfectant
Did you run out of your favorite commercial disinfectant but need to clean your home? Try this simple bleach-based natural disinfectant.
It's important to use bleach if you want to kill the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's one of the few household items capable of eliminating the new coronavirus strain.
Keep in mind, however, that bleach is quite strong so it may damage sensitive surfaces.
Note: This is also the best natural disinfectant for laundry washing. Remember, the virus can stick to fabric so make sure you clean your outside clothes thoroughly.
What You'll Need:
- 4 tsp. household bleach
- 1 liter water
Instructions:
- Scoop the bleach in a one-liter bottle filled with water.
- Shake well before using.
3. Natural Disinfectant Vinegar Spray
This natural disinfectant is the all-purpose cleaner your home needs. It works well on windows, tables, chairs, doorknobs, and other pieces of furniture.
Unlike other cleaning products, homeowners won't have to worry about this solution damaging surfaces because the vinegar is diluted with water.
Also, it won't leave a foul stench since you can mix in any essential oil you want. We suggest strong-smelling ones such as peppermint, lemon, or tea tree.
Note: Is vinegar a disinfectant? Yes. However, vinegar-based solutions won't work on the novel coronavirus. They're more suited for daily cleaning and maintenance.
What You'll Need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup warm water
- 20 drops lemon essential oils
Instructions:
- Heat the water and warm vinegar.
- Let cool then stir in the essential oils.
- Once the mixture is at room temperature, pour everything into the spray bottle.
Here are other variations you can do:
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4. DIY Rubbing Alcohol
Having trouble finding rubbing alcohol? Don't worry!
Head over to the wine and spirits section of the grocery store and purchase a bottle of 190 U.S. proof alcohol. A good option would be Everclear. This'll serve as the mixture's main disinfectant.
Meanwhile, the drops of essential oils will leave your hands smelling nice and fresh. We wouldn't want you to reek of liquor, would we?
Finally, to protect yourself from the harmful drying effects of the other ingredients, add half a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin into the mixture.
What You'll Need:
- 4 Tbsp 190 U.S. proof alcohol (e.g. Everclear)
- 6 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops spruce essential oil
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1/2 tsp. vegetable glycerin
- Small glass bottle
Instructions:
- Pour all the ingredients in a small glass bottle.
- Close the cap and then shake the ingredients well.
- Store at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
Note: We used a glass bottle because alcohol might cause plastic and rubber bottles to deteriorate over time.
5. Rustic DIY Deodorizing, Disinfecting Air Freshener
Ditch your go-to commercial air freshener and opt to make your own!
The combination of lavender, rosemary, and lemon essential oils creates a nostalgic, rustic, wood-like scent perfect for any homestead. It's the kind of relaxing smell that would remind you of your old farmhouse.
At the same time, the 190 U.S. proof liquor acts as a natural disinfectant capable of killing various viruses and bacteria.
What You'll Need:
- 2 Tbsp 190 U.S. proof alcohol (e.g. Everclear)
- 15 drops lavender, rosemary, and lemon essential oils
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Pour the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir until they combine.
- Transfer to a clean spray bottle.
- Shake well before using.
With this many options, you won’t have to worry about running out of hand sanitizers, air fresheners, disinfectant sprays, or rubbing alcohol again. All you’ll need are some basic household items and you’re good to go.
Keep in mind, however, that natural disinfectants are not replacements for soap and water. Make sure to wash your hands after you touch anything that might possibly be infected such as money, mail, parcels, doorknobs, and even groceries. Also, avoid touching your face, practice social distancing, and maintain a clean living space.
Which of these natural disinfectant recipes would you first try out? Share your thought with us in the comments section below!
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