Making your own disinfecting bleach cleaning spray is an easy and effective way to sanitize your home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a powerful disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. This DIY bleach spray is inexpensive, non-toxic when used properly, and works on most surfaces. Follow this simple guide to learn how to make a disinfecting bleach spray in your home.
Why Make Your Own Disinfecting Bleach Spray
There are several benefits to making your own disinfecting bleach spray rather than buying pre-made cleaners:
- It’s more economical – Making your own bleach spray costs just pennies per bottle compared to $3-$5 for commercial cleaners.
- You control the ingredients – By making it yourself, you know exactly what’s in the spray. Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals and additives.
- It’s effective against germs – DIY bleach spray made following CDC guidelines kills viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens as well as or better than commercial brands.
- Customizable scent – You can add essential oils to create a light scent rather than strong chemical fumes.
- Better for the environment – Homemade cleaners reduce plastic waste from all those spray bottle purchases.
Making your own disinfecting bleach spray takes just a few minutes, saves money, and keeps your home sanitized.
Supplies Needed
Making disinfecting bleach spray is simple because you need so few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Empty spray bottle
- Funnel (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Liquid household bleach
- Water
- Essential oils (optional)
Look for basic household bleach containing 5%-9% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Avoid bleaches with added scents or cleaners as they may not disinfect properly.
Choose a reusable spray bottle you can sanitize between uses. Plastic bottles with a pointed spray nozzle work best. Make sure it’s clearly labeled.
A funnel helps pour the bleach into the spray bottle without spilling. Measure carefully using measuring cups and spoons for an accurate bleach-to-water ratio.
Essential oils like lemon or lavender add light scent but are optional. Only use food-grade oils.
Now you’ve got everything you need to make homemade disinfecting spray!
Mixing the Disinfecting Bleach Solution
Follow these steps to mix up a batch of DIY disinfecting bleach spray:
Step 1: Add Water
First, add clean water to your empty spray bottle. The amount of water depends on the size of your bottle. For most 16-20 oz bottles, start with 1 1/4 cups water.
Step 2: Add Bleach
Next, use a funnel to carefully add in the bleach. For a 16-20 oz bottle, add 2 tablespoons regular household bleach.
Step 3: Add Essential Oil (Optional)
If you want a light scent, add several drops of essential oil like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil. Start with 5 drops and add more if desired.
Step 4: Mix Well
Put the spray nozzle back on the bottle and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to mix the solution. Make sure the bleach and water are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Label Bottle
Clearly label the bottle with the contents and date mixed so everyone knows it contains bleach. Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight which can degrade bleach over time.
And that’s it – you just made an effective disinfecting bleach spray for pennies!
Using Your DIY Disinfecting Bleach Spray
Now that you’ve mixed up a batch, here are some tips for getting the most out of your homemade bleach cleaning spray:
- Shake before each use – give the bottle a good shake to mix up the bleach and water before spraying.
- Test on inconspicuous spot first – Bleach can discolor some fabrics and surfaces, so test a small, hidden area before wide use.
- Spray thoroughly – The bleach solution works by coming into contact with germs. Spray liberally and make sure entire surface is coated.
- Let sit 10 minutes then wipe – Dwell time is important. Allow the bleach to sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping to kill maximum germs.
- Make fresh batch weekly – Bleach starts losing disinfecting ability after a week. Make a fresh batch weekly for best results.
- Use proper ventilation – Open windows or run a fan when using bleach spray. Never mix with other cleaners.
- Keep out of reach of children – Bleach can be dangerous if ingested. Always keep household bleach solutions securely locked away when not in use.
Follow these instructions to safely eliminate germs with your DIY disinfecting spray!
Sanitizing and Disinfecting Different Household Surfaces
Bleach spray works on most common household surfaces, but always test first in inconspicuous area:
- Kitchen and bathrooms: Use on non-porous surfaces like counters, sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets. Rinse food contact surfaces after required 10 minute contact time.
- Appliances and electronics: Turn off and unplug appliances first. Spray exterior surfaces of machines like microwaves, coffeemakers, stovetops. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Never spray televisions or computers.
- Doorknobs, handles, light switches: Spray generously to kill germs in high traffic spots. Includes faucets, drawer pulls, remote controls, phones.
- Tables, chairs, hard furniture: Sanitize wooden, metal, or plastic furniture in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms. Avoid upholstered furniture which may soak up moisture.
- Floors: Spray vinyl, tile, sealed hardwood, linoleum. Avoid unfinished wood floors. Never mix bleach with ammonia floor cleaners – it creates toxic chloramine vapor.
Test hidden area of each surface first, then thoroughly wet and let sit 10 minutes before wiping clean for a disinfected home!
Making a Child-Safe Bleach Cleaning Spray
Bleach can be dangerous if swallowed, especially by small children. Here’s how to make a kid-safe bleach spray:
- Use plain water instead of bleach solution in spray bottles within child’s reach.
- Clearly label bottles with contents – “Bleach – Keep Away from Children”
- Use bleach spray when kids are not in room. Ventilate area well before allowing children back in room.
- Store bleach spray bottles up high or locked away when not in use. Never store under sink or low cabinets.
- Add a small amount of bittering agent to the bottle to deter ingestion.
- Keep kids and pets out of room for at least 10 minutes after disinfecting to allow solution to fully soak into surfaces.
- Rinse food contact surfaces like tables, high chairs, and booster seats with plain water after disinfecting.
With proper precautions, you can safely make an effective disinfecting bleach spray even in homes with small children. Never transfer bleach spray to bottles kids may confuse with food containers. Supervise use and store bleach out of children’s reach.
FAQs About DIY Disinfecting Bleach Spray
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making and using homemade bleach spray:
How much bleach and water should I use?
Use a ratio of 1/3 cup regular household bleach per 1 gallon of water OR 2 tablespoons bleach per 1 quart water.
Does it matter what kind of bleach I use?
Use regular unscented bleach containing 5-9% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Avoid bleaches with fragrances, cleaners, or splash-less formulas.
How long does the disinfecting solution remain effective?
The bleach solution begins losing strength after 24 hours and is ineffective after a week. Make a fresh batch weekly for best disinfection.
Can I mix my own scented bleach spray?
No, never add anything but water to the bleach. Other cleaners, scents, soap can interfere with disinfection.
What surfaces can I use bleach spray on?
Bleach spray disinfects most hard, non-porous surfaces like finished countertops, sinks, tubs, tile, sealed floors. Avoid unfinished wood. Always test on inconspicuous spot first.
Is it safe to use on food prep surfaces?
Yes, if you rinse thoroughly with clean water after 10 minute contact time and before any food preparation.
How do I sanitize soft surfaces like couches or rugs?
Bleach can damage fabrics. Instead use diluted hydrogen peroxide, professional carpet cleaner, or steam clean.
Can I use bleach spray to sanitize laundry?
No! Never mix bleach spray directly with laundry, it can create toxic fumes. Use proper laundry bleach separately.
Storing Bleach Spray Safely
Follow these guidelines to safely store your homemade disinfecting bleach spray:
- Keep in original container – never transfer to drink bottles someone could ingest
- Label clearly with contents and date mixed
- Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children in locked cabinets or high shelves
- Open windows and use fans when using bleach spray
- Never mix bleach solution with other cleaners like ammonia
- Discard after 1 week when bleach starts losing effectiveness
Follow safe storage and usage practices to avoid accidents with your DIY bleach cleaning spray.
Disposing of Leftover Bleach Mix
To safely dispose of old or extra homemade bleach spray:
- Only make up what you expect to use within a week
- Wear gloves and mask when handling bleach
- Do not pour bleach straight down the drain which can harm pipes
- Dilute leftover bleach at least 10:1 with water
- Allow diluted bleach to sit open for a day or two to fully neutralize
- Check if solution is safe to pour down drain by testing stripped paper – if it decomposes quickly it can be poured slowly flushed with lots of water
- Alternatively, let bleach fully dry out in open container before discarding in trash
Never dispose of bleach where it can mix with ammonia or other acids which creates toxic chlorine gas. Follow local regulations on safe bleach disposal. With proper handling, you can safely make and dispose of homemade disinfecting bleach spray.
Conclusion
Making your own disinfecting bleach spray is easy, affordable, and effective at killing germs all around your home. Just mix 1 part bleach to 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Test on surfaces before use, spray generously, let sit 10 minutes, then wipe clean. Label bottles clearly and store bleach safely out of reach of children. Make a fresh batch weekly for best results. With proper handling, DIY bleach spray is a great chemical-free way to sanitize kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, and more to protect your family’s health.