Homemade Disinfectant Spray

Image by Willfried Wende from Pixabay

Do you need a spray disinfectant? Chances are the answer is yes.

Do you have some laundry bleach like Clorox and an empty spray bottle?

Then you can easily make your own. But first, there's something very important to know about laundry bleach.

Using Bleach? Use Caution!

Bleach is toxic and can irritate your skin so don't spill it on your hands or body. If you do, flush with water.

Always keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Bleach fumes are bad for your respiratory system so don't be in a closed space when you mix this us.

Bleach can be deadly if mixed with other cleaners that may contain ammonia, vinegar or similar
acetic compounds, or isopropyl alcohol.

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If mixed with ammonia, it creates chloramine gas. Breathing in the fumes can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia!

If mixed with vinegar or other acidic compounds, it creates chlorine gas. Excessive exposure can cause chest pain, vomiting, and even death!

If mixed with alcohol, it becomes chloroform. Breathing in chloroform can cause fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Too much can cause death!

In other words, be smart. Know what you're doing, and take precautions to not mix it with anything other than what is listed below. Also, use in a well-ventilated room.

Spray Sanitizer Recipe

* 2 tablespoons of bleach
* 1 quart of water

This makes 1 quart of a 1,000+ ppm (parts per million) disinfecting solution.

Pour the water into a clean 32-ounce container. Add 2 tablespoons of bleach. Put the top on and secure. Gently shake the solution. Use as you would a product like Clorox Clean-Up® to disinfect sinks, counters, appliances, etc.

If you want to make a large amount of this disinfectant, use these proportions:

* 1/3 cup bleach
* 1 gallon of water 

Use a funnel to pour this into spray bottles. Store in a closed container in a dark corner away from heat.

How To Use

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After cleaning with detergent, spray or wipe surfaces with the homemade disinfectant. Make sure to allow surfaces to air dry completely.

Remember, this solution has bleach so use caution if spraying on a cloth to wipe door knobs, appliance handles, car door openers, a car steering wheel, etc.

If the bleach comes into contact with something that is not color-fast like clothes, carpet, drapes, fabric car seats, etc. it will remove the color.

Takeaway Truth

Good luck. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Practice CDC guidelines.