Herpotheca Household Disinfectant Recipe
To make Herpotheca Household Disinfectant recipe to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces, add five tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach to one quart (4 cups) of water. It's easiest to clean out an old 1-gallon milk container, fill it with water, and add 5 TB of bleach. Cap and lightly swirl to blend. To use, pour some in a spray bottle and lightly spray surfaces. Let it sit for a minute or two before wiping it off (using gloves).
NOTE: This solution will bleach the color of some woods and fabrics. If using this recipe to disinfect something a mouth might touch (think children and pets), wash the surface immediately after disinfecting with soap and water.
Herbal Disinfectants
You can make herbal waters or, better yet, create a spray using water and essential oils. Place 15-30 drops of essential oil and one cup of lukewarm water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray a surface lightly, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and wipe off.
Lavender, rosemary, and chamomile come to mind when it comes to herbs you can use daily for disinfecting areas that are touched often, such as counters, tables, sinks, toilet and door knobs, and light switches. You can also use original Thieves Oil (not an oil but a vinegar solution).
To make herbal water:
- Fill a mason jar 1/3 full of fresh herbs and top it with water. If you're using dried herbs, fill the jar only 1/4 full.
- Cap and allow to sit in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can make a strong tea.
- Place the overnight water or tea in a spray bottle and use as instructed above.
To keep viruses at bay, use something more substantial, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These natural disinfectants can be as effective as bleach. To clean sickrooms, use the household disinfectant recipe (above) or one of the products referenced below.
Note: While vinegar, lemon juice, and boiling water are often suggested, they can't kill all germs.
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