Q: Why is Vinegar Is Not Included?

Many natural cleaning recipes use vinegar, but vinegar is not the best ingredient for disinfecting. While vinegar can help remove odors and dissolve mineral buildup, it does not disinfect as effectively as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide . Vinegar can also react with hydrogen peroxide if mixed together in the same container. That combination forms peracetic acid, which is much stronger than necessary for everyday household cleaning. For that reason, this DIY disinfectant spray recipe skips vinegar entirely and relies on alcohol and peroxide for disinfecting.

Q: Can this be used to disinfect a toilet?

Yes. This homemade disinfectant spray works well for the outside and inside of toilets, including the seat, handle, tank lid, and surrounding surfaces.

Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of Everclear?

Yes. Both work in this disinfectant spray recipe . Everclear keeps the alcohol concentration higher because it is stronger, but rubbing alcohol is widely available and works well for everyday household cleaning.

Q: Can this disinfect carpet or fabric?

This spray can sometimes be used lightly on fabric or carpet , but always test a small hidden area first. Alcohol can affect certain fabrics. Spraying the cleaner onto a cloth and wiping the surface is usually the safest option, but I do spray it directly on to my cheap old Costco couch!

Question 1

Why is Vinegar Is Not Included?

Accepted Answer

Many natural cleaning recipes use vinegar, but vinegar is not the best ingredient for disinfecting.

While vinegar can help remove odors and dissolve mineral buildup, it does not disinfect as effectively as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Vinegar can also react with hydrogen peroxide if mixed together in the same container. That combination forms peracetic acid, which is much stronger than necessary for everyday household cleaning.

For that reason, this DIY disinfectant spray recipe skips vinegar entirely and relies on alcohol and peroxide for disinfecting.

Question 2

Is this safe for natural stone?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are generally considered safer for sealed natural stone surfaces like granite or quartz than acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice, which can etch stone over time.

However, it’s still best to spray and wipe rather than allowing the cleaner to sit on stone for long periods. Always test a small hidden area first.

Question 3

Can this be used to disinfect a toilet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This homemade disinfectant spray works well for the outside and inside of toilets, including the seat, handle, tank lid, and surrounding surfaces.

Question 4

Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of Everclear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both work in this disinfectant spray recipe. Everclear keeps the alcohol concentration higher because it is stronger, but rubbing alcohol is widely available and works well for everyday household cleaning.

Question 5

Can this disinfect carpet or fabric?

Accepted Answer

This spray can sometimes be used lightly on fabric or carpet, but always test a small hidden area first. Alcohol can affect certain fabrics.

Spraying the cleaner onto a cloth and wiping the surface is usually the safest option, but I do spray it directly on to my cheap old Costco couch!

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