If you've ever wondered how to make a DIY Disinfectant Spray that's effective, cheap, and easy. You're going to find it as simple and quick as you've dreamed it would be.
Estimated Product Cost $0.53
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Whether you're trying to avoid harsh store-bought cleaners or just want to save money, this homemade disinfectant spray comes together in minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely already have. It's a favorite in my rotation, right up there with my DIY Cleaning Paste and The BEST Homemade Window Cleaner.
This DIY cleaning spray is more than just a Pinterest trend. It's one of the best homemade disinfectant spray options you can make at home using isopropyl alcohol. Not only does it kill germs, but it also dries fast, making it perfect for high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes, and countertops.
If you're also a fan of natural cleaners like my All Purpose Citrus Vinegar Cleaner and Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner, you'll love how this fits seamlessly into your frugal and sustainable cleaning routine. This recipe will definitely earn a spot in your DIY cleaning toolkit.
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🍯 Why This Product Works:
- It's quick and easy to make. Just mix and spray, seriously, that's it.
- It's budget-friendly. Uses only a few ingredients that cost less than a dollar per bottle.
- It's effective and simple. No long list of chemicals. No rinsing needed. Just clean and done.
🧼 Ingredients Needed
- Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or higher)- Isopropyl alcohol is the active cleaning agent in this spray. It helps break down oils, remove fingerprints, and evaporates quickly, making it ideal for mirrors, stainless steel, and other shiny surfaces. A higher percentage (like 91%) is preferred because it evaporates faster and is more effective at cutting through grime.
- Distilled Water- Distilled water is used instead of tap water because it's free from minerals and impurities. This helps prevent streaking and buildup on glass or stainless steel and increases the shelf life of your cleaner.
- (Optional) Essential Oils- Essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree can add a pleasant scent and may offer mild antibacterial properties.
⚠️ Pet Safety Note: Some essential oils can be toxic to pets, especially cats. Always use with caution and keep clean areas well-ventilated.
🧹Instructions for DIY Disinfectant Spray
Step 1: Measure out the ingredients (Image 1) and pour into a large glass measuring cup. (Image 2).
Step 2: Pour into your desired spray bottle and shake gently to combine the ingredients.
Step 3: Spray onto surfaces and let air dry. There's no need to wipe. If spraying onto electronic devices (phones, light switches, etc), make sure to spray directly onto a clean cloth before wiping the surfaces.
🧽Expert Tips
Seal tightly! Alcohol evaporates quickly. Store it away from light and heat.
No vinegar needed. Unlike my All Purpose Citrus Vinegar Cleaner, this formula doesn't use vinegar, so it's safe for most surfaces, including granite.
Use a dark-colored bottle to extend shelf life if you're adding essential oils.
🪣Storage
Shelf Life: 6-12 months if sealed and stored properly.
Disinfecting Power: Remains effective as long as alcohol concentration stays above 60%. The higher the percentage of alcohol used, the longer it will stay strong. Bottle type and storage also play a role in the shelf life.
Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses within 30-60 seconds of contact.
💡Pro Tip: If you're unsure whether it's still above 60%, give it a sniff; if the alcohol scent is weak or gone, it's likely lost effectiveness as a disinfectant (though it may still work as a surface cleaner).
🧤Product FAQs
This recipe using 70% isopropyl alcohol is one of the simplest and most effective. It's what hospitals use too, just with added fragrance in commercial versions.
Only if it's at least 120 proof (60% alcohol). Most vodkas don't meet the standard for proper disinfection.
Yes, if you skip essential oils. Just let it fully dry before placing food directly on the surface.
This spray disinfects. My All Purpose Citrus Vinegar Cleaner is great for degreasing and general surface cleaning, but not for disinfecting. So if you're trying to clean a surface, use the all-purpose cleaner and then follow up with this to disinfect after.
You might think combining vinegar and alcohol would give you a super cleaner, but they actually cancel out each other's strengths, so it's better to use them separately.
🫧More Homemade Cleaning Products
If you tried this DIY Disinfectant Spray (or any other DIY cleaner on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!
DIY Disinfectant Spray
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup isopropyl alcohol, 70% or higher ($0.50)
- ⅓ cup distilled water ($0.03)
- 10 drops essential oils, (suggested: lavender, lemon, or tea tree) *Optional
Instructions
- Mix in a spray bottle.
- Spray and let air dry, no need to wipe.
Notes
🧴 Shelf Life
- Lasts 6-12 months if stored in a tightly sealed container, away from heat and light.
- Alcohol evaporates quickly, so always keep the lid tightly closed.
- Using a dark-colored bottle can help extend shelf life-especially if you're adding essential oils.
🧪 Disinfecting Power
- Stays effective as long as the alcohol concentration remains above 60-70%.
- Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses within 30-60 seconds of contact when freshly applied.
- 💡 Tip: If it still smells strongly of alcohol, it's likely still effective. A weak scent may mean the alcohol has evaporated.
🧂 Formula Notes
- No vinegar needed! Unlike my DIY Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner, this mix is vinegar-free, making it safe for most surfaces-including granite and other natural stone.
- Essential oils are optional. Always research their safety around pets before using, as some can be toxic (especially to cats and dogs).
Nicole Durham says
I love keeping this spray on hand, it's especially great during flu season!