Certain herbs
, such as thyme, have powerful antimicrobial properties.
Cleaning your home with chemical products is not only harsh on your skin but also on the environment. A safer, cheaper alternative is creating your own cleaning products with organic ingredients you likely already own. The added plus: These smell much nicer. Does this Spark an idea?
Vinegar
Vinegar is the most commonly used natural disinfectant. Basic white vinegar from the supermarket kills "99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses," according to the Green Feng Shui website. A 5 percent solution of vinegar mixed with water is sufficient. A study conducted by the University of North Carolina Division of Infectious Diseases also showed that vinegar effectively kills S. aureus and E. coli bacteria.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another favorite organic liquid used for cleaning and disinfecting. Lemon juice is so effective as a cleaner because its citric acid "breaks down the cell membranes of bacteria, similar to the effects of heating," according to the Journal of Young Investigators. Lemon juice also can be mixed with water and/or vinegar to produce a pleasant smelling kitchen cleaner.
Herbal Disinfectants
Certain herbs also are said to have disinfecting properties. In ancient Egypt, oregano was used for its healing and disinfecting properties. It also was an effective additive for oak furniture polish. Thyme is another well-known herbal disinfectant. In strong doses it is a great smelling house cleaner, while a more diluted solution can be used as an effective mouthwash or to disinfect wounds.
Tags: Lemon juice, Certain herbs, disinfecting properties, mixed with, mixed with water