One of the first questions I am generally asked by those considering a switch to natural products is “but do they really disinfect?”

Borax: Natural Disinfectant

Homemade Natural Disinfectant

Mix ½ cup Borax with 1 gallon hot water, and add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a couple drops of (not much!) Tee Tree oil, or Peppermint Oil, let steep 10 min., strain (if you use thyme) and keep in a spray bottle.

1/2 cup borax dissolved in 1 gallon of hot water was tested for one year in a California hospital, and found to meet all state germicidal requirements, according to The Clean Water Fund.

There are many, many other natural disinfectants available as well. Here are just a few:

• Microfiber alone removes 99% of bacteria with nothing more than water, giving even most commercial disinfectants a run for their money.
• Steam cleaners (which can be purchased online or at stores such as Wal-mart for as little as $30) offer complete surface disinfection with no chemical use whatsoever.
• Vinegar and peroxide are both natural disinfectants.
• Tea Tree Oil is a powerful natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, and fungicide. I recommend 7 drops per 32 oz bottle to disinfect.
• Grapefruit seed extract has been proven in laboratory tests to be more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, colloidal silver, and iodine. The United States Department of Agriculture tested GSE and found it was even effective against Foot and Mouth Disease and Avian influenza. I recommend 20 drops per 32 oz bottle to disinfect.