I started coughing the second I sprayed a well-known brand of disinfectant on my kitchen counter. And that hit me hard – if these cleaning products made me cough, what were they doing to my kids? The artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, and warning labels suddenly felt completely wrong in our home.
You’re probably spending $7-8 on each bottle of store-bought cleaner right now – I know I was. But what if I told you that you could make your own natural disinfectant spray for less than half the cost? One that works just as well, without making anyone cough or your eyes water? I’ve got a simple solution that can save the average home $44 each year, and I’m about to show you exactly how to do it, too.
Also See: How To Keep Your House Smelling Good All The Time
What Store-Bought Cleaners Really Cost You:
- Bleach: $4-5 per bottle
- Commercial disinfectant spray: $7-8 per bottle
- Natural cleaners from the store: $8-12 per bottle
My DIY Natural Disinfectant Spray:
- Cost per bottle: $3-4
- Works on bacteria and germs
- No harmful chemicals
- Safe around kids and pets
The Real Money Math:
Store-bought cleaning supplies for spring cleaning and year-round use:
- Commercial cleaners: $84/year
- “Natural” store brands: $144/year
- My homemade version: $36-48/year
That’s up to $108 back in your budget every year!
Also See: All Natural Window Cleaner
Why Make the Switch from Bleach?
- Money savings
- No more breathing harmful chemicals
- Works just as well on germs
- Safe for all surfaces
- No white stains on clothes
Your Shopping List (With Smart Savings Tips):
High-proof alcohol (70% or higher)
- Kills bacteria effectively
- Budget tip: Choose 70% rubbing alcohol over pricier options
Distilled white vinegar
- Natural disinfectant properties
- Budget tip: Buy store brand in bulk
Hydrogen peroxide (.5%)
- EPA-approved germ fighter
- Budget tip: Dollar store prices beat drugstores
Essential oils
- Natural antibacterial properties
- Budget tip: Start with tea tree oil – most bang for your buck
Quick Natural Disinfectant Recipe:
- 1 cup high-proof alcohol
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
- 30 drops essential oils
- Top off with distilled water
Spring Cleaning Money-Saving Guide:
- Replace bleach with this spray
- Use on counters, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces
- Safe for kitchen use
- Perfect for daily disinfecting
- Great for spring cleaning deep disinfection
How It Fights Germs (Without Breaking Your Budget):
- Alcohol kills bacteria on contact
- Vinegar’s acidity fights germs
- Hydrogen peroxide adds extra germ-fighting power
- Essential oils provide natural antibacterial properties
Where to Use Your Natural Disinfectant Spray:
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom surfaces
- Doorknobs and light switches
- Kids’ toys
- Pet areas
- High-touch surfaces
Also See: Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Comparing Germ-Fighting Power:
Bleach:
- Kills germs ✓
- Harmful fumes ✗
- Stains clothes ✗
- Safe around food ✗
- Cost-effective ✗
Commercial Disinfectants:
- Kills germs ✓
- Harsh chemicals ✗
- Expensive ✗
- Strong artificial scents ✗
My DIY Natural Spray:
- Kills germs ✓
- No harmful chemicals ✓
- Budget-friendly ✓
- Safe everywhere ✓
- Natural scent ✓
Storage Tips:
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Label with the date
- Make fresh batches as needed
- Store cleaning recipes in your phone
Common Questions:
Q: Does it really kill germs like bleach?
A: Yes! The alcohol and hydrogen peroxide combination is EPA-approved for disinfecting.
Q: How much can I really save?
A: Most families save $50-100 per year just by switching to this spray.
Q: Is it safe for all surfaces?
A: Yes! Unlike bleach, it won’t damage or discolor surfaces.
Making this switch isn’t just about saving $100 a year, though that money adds up fast. It’s about taking control of what goes into your cleaning supplies and onto your surfaces. I used to worry about my kids touching the counters right after I cleaned them. Now? I watch them help me clean without holding my breath or rushing to wash their hands.
Your next bottle of cleaner is a choice. You can spend $8 on something that makes you cough, or spend $3 on ingredients you trust. Start with one batch – that’s all it takes to see the difference in your budget and your home. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever spent so much on store-bought sprays in the first place.