Originally published May 18, 2021. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.
Not only does making your own DIY disinfectant cut down on plastic consumption (most store-bought disinfectants come in plastic packaging), but it also limits the amount of harmful toxic chemicals you’re bringing into your house and around your family. Plus, contrary to popular belief, DIY natural disinfectants work just as good if not better than store-bought varieties that are laden with questionable ingredients.
By adding just one natural active ingredient (typically vinegar or rubbing alcohol), you can create powerful disinfectants on your own, saving you money and protecting yourself, your family, and our planet, too.
Below are three of our favorite DIY natural disinfectants for your home…
1. All-Natural Disinfecting Wipes. To make your own disinfecting wipes, just soak paper towels in the following ingredients: 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon liquid soap, 1 cup rubbing alcohol. To make sure your wipes are truly disinfecting, double check that your rubbing alcohol is at least 70% alcohol.
2. Natural All-Purpose Disinfecting Spray. To make your own disinfecting spray that can be safely used on a variety of surfaces around your home, just combine the following ingredients in a large glass spray bottle: 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 20 drops lemon essential oil, 20 drops tea tree essential oil. Make sure you shake the bottle up before each use and then let the spray sit on the surface for at least a minute before wiping it off.
3. DIY Natural Lysol. Love Lysol but want to make your own natural version from scratch? Here’s how to do it: Combine 1 1/2 cups rubbing alcohol with 3/4 cups water and 15 drops each of lavender and lemon essential oil in a metal or glass spray bottle. You can use this spray to disinfect everything you would typically use Lysol for, including toilets, laptops, bathrooms surfaces, door handles, and more.
What are some of your favorite natural cleaning recipes for your home? Comment below and let us know!
About Sandia Green Clean
Sandia Green Clean is here to help you claim your weekend. Not only do we use all-natural, green products, our mission is to put the Albuquerque community first. Read more about Sandia Green Clean at https://sandiagreenclean.com