Sharing is caring!

Learn how to make a Bleach Cleaning spray using bleach, water and laundry detergent.

Updated 3/17/2020 to reflectthe Center of Disease Control’s recommendation of a 1:32 bleach dilution ratio

Saying I go through a lot of Clorox Clean Up, or similar bleach cleaners is an understatement. I have old white counter tops and a lot of them!  Lately, I have been using Wegman’s Bleach Cleaner, and I am pretty happy with it. During my latest spring cleaning session, I totally ran out, not cool considering I use this stuff everywhere and not just on my counters. I thought maybe I had a pin on Pinterest for a DIY Bleach Cleaner, this was the perfect opportunity to try it out.  After scrolling through my Pinterest feed for about 30 minutes I remembered why I was on Pinterest and found the pin for DIY Clorox Clean Up .

I had all the ingredients for my DIY bleach cleaner, and it mixed up fast! I was instantly using it on my counter tops, and it worked well, even on the coffee ring, left from my morning cup of coffee. I have not personally done the math on this, but if I had to guess, I think this would come in at under .05¢ a bottle to make.

If you are looking for a simple and effective disinfectant made with bleach without additional cleaners check out How to Make Your Own Disinfectant Spray with Bleach. It’s a simple and effective bleach solution recommended by the Center for Disease Control.

WHAT KIND OF BLEACH SHOULD I USE FOR HOMEMADE Bleach Cleaning SPRAY

The best kind of bleach to use for homemade disinfectant spray is regular unscented 5%—6% household bleach

Scented bleach versions are not registered disinfectants because they have less of the active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite. A quick scan of Clorox’s labels show that The scented bleaches contain a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 2.75%. The Regular unscented version of Clorox Bleach has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 6%.

HOW LONG IS HOMEMADE DISINFECTANT SPRAY MADE WITH BLEACH GOOD EFFECTIVE?

Plan on using your Homemade Disinfectant Spray with bleach within 24 hours.

According to Clorox, undiluted household bleach has a shelf life of six months to one year from the date of manufacture. A diluted bleach solution has a shelf life of 24 hours. After 24 hours the sodium hypochlorite begins to break down and the solution loses efficacy.

WHAT SURFACES SHOULD YOU NOT DISINFECTANT WITH BLEACH?

Before you start using homemade disinfectant spray with bleach, it’s important to know that bleach is caustic and can damage some surfaces. That’s also why it’s important to dilute your bleach and ensure that it’s not used at full-strength. Bleach and bleach solutions are not effective on wooden surfaces, it is too porous for bleach to effectively kill germs and bacteria. Bleach also shouldn’t be used on most metals, like stainless steel, as it can damage the finish, and granite which can also be damaged by bleach.

CAN I ADD ESSENTIALS OILS TO HOMEMADE DISINFECTANT SPRAY MADE WITH BLEACH

Mixing essentials oils into your Homemade Disinfectant spray with bleach is not recommended, the effects of mixing bleach with essential oils are not well-known. Some essential oils like lemon, grapefruit and lime are acidic and could potentially create chlorine gas. Enjoy the scent of your essential oils by diffusing them after you have finished cleaning.

PRODUCTS THAT ARE NEVER SAFE TO MIX OR USE WITH BLEACH

It is also important to mention you should never mix common household chemicals with homemade cleaning products. They may react to produce toxic or deadly compounds. Before doing any mixing, always read the product labels first.

• Ammonia  -Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent. The fumes they’ll create are extremely dangerous.
• Vinegar– Bleach and Vinegar produce dangerous chlorine gas which is an irritant to the respiratory system.
• Rubbing alcohol– Combined they create chloroform, which can knock you out, and if you breathe in too much it can be deadly.
• Lemon Juice- Never mix bleach with lemon juice or anything acidic because the combination creates toxic chlorine gas.