DIY Disinfecting & Cleaning During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Even as the wait for a Coronavirus vaccine continues, experts have weighed in on the importance of cleanliness and sanitation to keep the virus at bay.

And it comes as no surprise that stores across the country are getting emptied of numerous such products that help us in achieving all-round decontamination. So, how about making some sanitizers and disinfectants the DIY way?

If this thought has crossed your mind, then you’ve come to the right place. In the following sections, we will list some of the most effective methods to get the job done.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

4 DIY Disinfecting and Cleaning Methods

Basics First

Agreed that alcohol-based sanitizers have become the go-to option all over the world, but nothing beats a thorough hand washing session with simple soap and water. We’d highly recommend choosing soap and water over sanitizers, whenever possible.

This also holds true for cleaning the surfaces around the house. If you have nothing at your disposal, mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray it on the desired area. Use a clean cloth to rub the surface, and you may also rinse it with water if required.

Since soap can effectively clean up grease, there’s a good chance that it will also get rid of the fatty membrane that promotes the growth of the virus. Trust us; the effect is as good as that of a store-bought disinfectant!

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Sanitizers are an excellent way to keep your hands free from germs while you’re on the go. But the high alcohol content may result in dry and irritated palms. For this reason, we tried making a more skin-friendly and gentler version of the chemically loaded sanitizers.

In a clean shampoo bottle, take 2 parts of isopropyl alcohol or ethanol with at least 70% concentration. Next, add 1 part of aloe vera gel, either pre-made or freshly scraped from the leaves. Shake the bottle gently until the ingredients combine well with each other. Keep it in your car or bag, and pour a few drops when needed. The consistency may be a bit watery, but the solution is effective nonetheless.

In case you don’t have aloe vera gel, you can substitute it with some vegetable glycerin. Also, make sure that the container has a secure lid to avoid the sanitizer leaking out. And if you notice any sedimentation, just shake the bottle before use.

Pro tip: throw in a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.

DIY Disinfectant

Yes, we are fans of the good old soap and water method, but that doesn’t mean we detest all other disinfectants. After all, an extra round of sanitation is always welcome in such troubling times.

Hydrogen peroxide has a reputation for killing a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Plus, its non-toxic property makes it suitable for cleaning places that store food and utensils. Just pour a few drops directly on to the desired surface, and wait for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

Alternatively, you can also transfer a small quantity in a spray or squirt bottle for easier application. However, make sure that the container isn’t exposed to sunlight, as it can render the chemical ineffective.

Similarly, you can also use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol directly on the surface that needs to be disinfected. Furthermore, you can dilute it with water, but make sure that the concentration is at least 70% for the solution to have any significant effect. Let it sit for around 30 seconds and wipe off with a clean cloth.

A word of caution: due to the high alcohol content, we’d suggest that you do not use the mixture near an open flame.

DIY Wipes

Wipes are one of the most hassle-free methods to clean any surface, but you won’t likely find any in the supermarkets right now. So, here’s how you can make them at home.

Single-Use Wipes

Begin by horizontally cutting a roll of paper towels to divide it into two. Next, take two cups of water and add two tablespoons of household bleach. Stir the mixture with a wooden spatula or spoon.

Take a container and place half a roll inside before pouring the bleach water from above. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate all the liquid so that the paper towels can get fully saturated. Just remove the cardboard center and pull out fresh wipes every time!

While at it, don’t forget to put on your gloves to prevent burns. Also, don’t let the bleach spill on the surface.

Reusable Wipes

To make your reusable wipes, cut out square-shaped portions from any cotton fabric, and immerse them in the bleach solution. Alternatively, you may also use 2/3rd cup of 99% rubbing alcohol and 1/3rd cup of water for the mix.

Store the used wipes in an air-tight container and wash them with hot water. Once dried, they are good to be used again.

Verdict

Before you leave you to try one (or all) of our tested methods, here are some key points that you should keep in mind:

1. Try to go for fragrance-free and dye-free ingredients, including citric acid, lactic acid, and thymol.
2. Some disinfectants may cause a particular surface to corrode or lose color, so we’d suggest trying out any solution on a smaller, less visible portion.
3. Never mix your own concoctions from the available chemicals as they may lead to some dangerous reactions.

Which of the methods was your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below. Stay safe. Adios!

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