How to Make Homemade Antibacterial Cleaner

If you love experimenting with DIY cleaning products, we have a homemade antibacterial cleaner recipe we think you will like. You can use this cleaner anywhere in the house. It is powerful, it smells nice, and, most importantly, it is natural and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals as some commercial antibacterial cleaners do.

Why Should You Make Homemade Cleaners?

While it’s impossible to eliminate all artificial chemicals, you can eliminate some of the toxic chemicals by replacing commercial cleaning products with DIY ones.

The chemicals that are typically found in commercial cleaners are oftentimes harmful and toxic, especially for people who have allergies or asthma. On the other hand, natural homemade antibacterial cleaners contain ingredients that are safe for most people. Of course, natural products can cause allergic reactions so make sure you take that into account when making this antibacterial cleaner.

Does white vinegar kill germs?

White vinegar has natural antibacterial properties. In fact, white vinegar is considered the best natural all-purpose cleaner. Many people avoid it because of the smell but you don’t have to worry too much about this aspect, as the smell dissipates quickly and it doesn’t linger. Moreover, if you use essential oil in your homemade antibacterial cleaner, the smell won’t be a problem at all.

What Essential Oils Have Antibacterial Properties?

Technically, for this DIY antibacterial cleaner, you can use any type of essential oil. But why not use one with antibacterial properties to make the cleaner more potent? There are many essential oils with antibacterial properties and we’re certain you can find one that also has a scent you love. We listed the antibacterial essential oils below.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil has strong antibacterial capabilities. Peppermint essential oil has been proven to be effective against 22 types of bacteria. So using this essential oil in your homemade cleaner will not only add a pleasant menthol scent but it will also make the cleaner more effective against common bacteria.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is best known for its respiratory benefits but the oil also works as an antibacterial agent. This is another essential oil that has been proven effective against 22 types of bacteria.

Orange Essential Oil

Just like peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils, orange essential oil has been proven effective against 22 strains of bacteria. The citrus scent also makes it perfect for those who find menthol scents to be too strong or not that pleasant.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is also listed alongside peppermint, eucalyptus, and orange essential oils as an essential oil that is effective against 22 strains of bacteria. This essential oil has a fresh and citrus scent that is perfect for a cleaner.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil is not as powerful as the essential oils we previously mentioned. However, it was still proven effective against 15 strains of bacteria so it’s still a perfect choice for those who want to combat bacteria. Furthermore, geranium essential oil also has antifungal properties and a lovely scent.

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil is another great choice for the homemade antibacterial cleaner. This essential oil is also effective against 15 strains of bacteria but also 12 strains of fungi.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is another oil with medicinal properties that has been used in the past as a wound treatment due to its antibacterial properties. The strong, pungent scent of tea tree essential oil is not everybody’s favorite but if you like the smell, you can definitely use this essential oil in your cleaner.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is typically used for its calming and relaxing properties, however, this essential oil also has antibacterial properties. The antibacterial properties plus the nice scent makes it perfect for your DIY antibacterial cleaner.

Homemade Antibacterial Cleaner Recipe

You only need three basic ingredients to make this antibacterial cleaner. It takes less than two minutes to make it and you can use the cleaner for up to two weeks.

Tools

• Glass Spray Bottles

Ingredients

• ½ cup white vinegar
• 3 cups of water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil

Directions

• Mix water, white vinegar, and essential oil in a glass bottle.
• Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
• Store the bottle with the lid on for up to two weeks.

How To Use Homemade Antibacterial Cleaner

You can use this antibacterial cleaner in the kitchen on countertops, cutting boards, or anything that needs to be cleaned with an antibacterial cleaner. You can also use the homemade antibacterial cleaner in the bathroom to clean the sink, the toilet, and even the shower or bathtub.

For surfaces that are harder to clean, you can sprinkle baking soda first then spray the antibacterial cleaner. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, the mixture will start to foam. Wait for approximately 5 minutes or until the foam settles a little bit then scrub the surface with a brush or sponge.