4 Homemade Green Cleaning Disinfectants

Sanctuary

No one likes germs – that’s why disinfectants are so darn popular. But chemicals in disinfectants (all hail the powerful and creepy bleach) aren’t so great for anything that’s alive. Luckily, there are green cleaning disinfectants you can concoct that will pack a punch to bacteria and leave your home healthy and clean. 1. Vinegar + Water This is my go-to green cleaning disinfectant. Just add a 50/50 mix to a spray bottle and you're good to go! 2. Lemon Juice Sink stinky? Cutting board smelling foul? Simply slice a fresh lemon and use! For suraces: rub the slice over the surface you wish to disinfect. For drains: Either squeeze lemon jucie down the drain, or stick a slice down the garbage disposal and run it for a few seconds. 3. Tea Tree Oil Add a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle filled with warm water. Spray and enjoy the fresh, clean scent. 4. Herbs + Vinegar You can distill herbs and use them as natural fungicides and antiseptics. Just add the essential oils to a vinegar, water mix. How to quickly make an essential oil: Chop herbs Pack herbs into airtight container Heat vegetable oil, olive oil, or a nut oil on the stove Remove oil when it's hot to the touch Pour oil over herbs When the mixture has cooled, store it in a dark place for at least a week Strain the liquid into a spray bottle Don’t forget to test surfaces before spraying and spreading your new, green cleaner all over your stuff (wood, marble, fabrics, upholstery, granite, etc.)  Written by Abbie Stutzer