How To DIY Your Own Disinfectants For Home

How To DIY Your Own Disinfectants For Home

Poplinen is designing with the future in mind, and we're committed to minimizing our carbon footprint all while doing good in the world. This is not just a mission statement for our clothing, but a holistic approach to life. Since we love a good DIY home cleaner, we wanted to find the most effective earth friendly cleaners against viruses like COVID-19.

During this rough time of a global pandemic, we have to prioritize our health (#flattenthecurve) while doing our best to integrate sustainable practices into our daily decisions. While DIY cleaners may work for a common spill, according to CDC, it will actually take more to prevent infection from coronavirus. The easiest way to ensure you’re effectively cleaning your house is to check the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants to combat COVID-19 here.

Common brands include: Clorox, Lysol, and Purell. However, if you have taken a trip to your local grocery store or Target in the last few weeks, you will most likely find these items out of stock. Thankfully, the CDC has provided instructions here with how to make your own disinfectant. 

Another way to combat the virus is with good ol’ alcohol! There are two types of alcohol: isopropyl (rubbing) or ethanol (i.e. vodka and other spirits). According to the CDC, an alcohol solution of 70% or higher is considered an effective disinfectant. While it is not suggested, you can also use vodka (DIY cleaning party, anyone?) as the alcohol based as long as it is 180 proof (illegal in some states). 

The key is to have strong enough alcohol as the main solution, and you can make these disinfectants (shared below) yourself: alcohol solution cleaner, hand sanitizer, and sanitizer wipes.

 

Alcohol Solution Cleaner

  • Spray Bottle
  • Alcohol (70% or higher)
  • Water
  • Scented oils (optional)

If you already have 70% isopropyl alcohol, you are all set. You don’t need to mix any water in. Just pour it into a spray bottle and add a few drops of scented oils for preference and clean away.

  • 1 cup of 91% Isopropyl alcohol
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • Bottle
  • Scented oils (optional)

This will work if you have 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol. By mixing 1 cup of isopropyl and 1/3 cup of water, you will get a 70% alcohol solution. Add scented oils if desired. 

Sanitizer Towel

  • Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or higher)
  • Towels
  • Bag (optional)

Use the recipe provided above for a 70% alcohol concentration solution. Fold your  towels into neat squares and soak it in the alcohol solution. Put it a sealed bag for travel.

Hand Sanitizer

  • Bottle
  • 1/3 cup of Aloe Vera
  • 2/3 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher)
  • Scented oils (optional)
  • Bowl
  • Spoon or other mixing tool

In your bowl, combine the Aloe Vera gel and the Isopropyl alcohol together. Mix well. Add several drops scented oils if desired. Transfer into a bottle for travel. 
Original article found on Business Insider

Keep these recipes in the mind the next time you’re at the store or looking through your cupboards at home, you could already have all the essentials you need to concoct your own disinfectant. Stay safe and healthy out there!