Keeping our families healthy and safe is a top priority. If items aren’t readily available or you prefer more natural ingredients, making your own cleaning products is as easy as hitting up your pantry. Fight dirt and germs with these easy, make-at-home recipes.
Note: The CDC recommends using alcohol that’s at least 70 percent to kill viruses.
Hand Sanitizer
What you’ll need: 3/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel and 10 drops of essential oils and an empty bottle for storage.
This hand sanitizer recipe from Healthline is simple to make, smells good and will kill 99.9 percent of germs after 60 seconds. While hand washing with soap and water is always preferred, a sanitizer is convenient on the go. Note: Sanitizer does not work well on hands that are dirty or greasy, so soap is a better bet in if you need hardcore cleaning.
Find the tutorial at Heathline.
Baby Wipes
What you’ll need: 1 roll of paper towels, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons of liquid baby bath soap, baby oil and a 7 to 8 cup container
While baby wipes aren’t effective at killing viruses, they are essential to an infant’s hygiene routine (not to mention a great on-the-go way to clean up messes). These gentle wipes will save you money and you can whip them up in mere minutes.
Find the tutorial at Favorite Family Recipes.
Disinfecting Wipes
What you’ll need: One pound coffee canister (make sure it has a lid), paper towel roll, sharp knife, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap, essential oil of your choice, needle and scissors
Clean and sanitize with products you already have around the house. Even better? They cost pennies on the dollar compared to the store-bought version. Tip: This recipe can be customized with essential oils for an added boost. Recommended scents include lemon, eucalyptus, orange or lavendar.
Find the tutorial at PopSugar.
No-Fume “Bleach”
What you’ll need: 1 cup distilled water, 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap, 1/2 cup baking soda, 20-30 drops tea tree oil.
Sure, bleach is an ultra-effective disinfectant, but it can also be toxic for you and your children to inhale. Keep cleaning safe and sanitary at the same time with this ultra-powerful bleach alternative.
Disinfectant Spray
What you’ll need: High proof alcohol, 1/2 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide, essential oils and a spray bottle.
There are so many areas in our homes that could use a good scrubbing. Apply this spray to highly-used areas like door knobs, counter tops, light switches, toilets and sinks to help ward off sickness. In addition to sanitizing, the spray can also be used to deodorize stinky surfaces like trash cans, furniture, shoes and athletic equipment and it can prevent mold and mildew as well.
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