Ways to Disinfect Your Home Naturally
🌱 DIY Green Cleaning Guide
By Analisa from Under Your Sink
Keeping a home disinfected doesn’t mean relying on chlorine bleach or sprays loaded with unnecessary chemicals. Disinfection is about choosing the right active ingredient and using it correctly. There are simple, proven options you can trust at home.
Here are the ones I recommend
Option 1: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is hospital grade and highly effective against bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi. At home, the 3% or 6% solutions you find in supermarkets and pharmacies can be sprayed directly onto hard surfaces - no dilution needed. The important part is contact time: let it sit for a few minutes before wiping so it has a chance to disinfect properly.
Because hydrogen peroxide breaks down with light and heat, keep it in its original dark bottle. When I use it as a spray, I attach a trigger nozzle to the bottle. Now my daughter is grown up I no longer require the child-proof cap for storage, but this is a poison so store safely, away from the kiddies to prevent accidents.
It’s versatile - great for kitchen benches, bathroom fixtures, doorknobs, and even dealing with fungus gnats in houseplants - but always treat it with care!
Option 2: Alcohol
Alcohol is another fast-acting disinfectant that kills germs on contact. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), usually sold in 70% solutions, is petroleum-derived but still a better alternative than chlorine bleach sprays. It’s especially handy for electronics and surfaces where you don’t want moisture lingering, as it evaporates quickly.
Vodka is a natural alternative if you prefer something less industrial (and my personal choice). Choose a high-proof vodka (above 60%) for it to be effective. It won’t evaporate quite as fast as IPA, but it’s safe, simple, and doubles up for DIY room or linen sprays too and of course a good cocktail!
Like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol works best with contact time. Spray, let it sit briefly, then wipe away. Just remember both IPA and vodka are flammable, so store them carefully and out of children’s reach.
When to Disinfect vs. Clean
It’s worth remembering that disinfecting and cleaning aren’t the same thing. For everyday mess, soap and water are usually enough - they lift and remove dirt, grease, and even germs from surfaces.
Disinfecting is most useful in high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, bathroom taps, or when someone in the household has been unwell. Overusing disinfectants isn’t necessary and only adds extra products to your home. Knowing when to simply clean and when to disinfect saves time, money, and reduces chemical load.