Bleach Disinfectant Anywhere Spray

This post is actually about a cleaning product I've made and used for years, but I feel like it still deserves a nod in this blog.  Did you know that for just pennies you can make your own disinfecting solution that is the exact same product as Clorox Anywhere?  Yep, Clorox has been raking in the dough from that particular product; for years they've been duping their customers into buying spray bottles of water with a couple teaspoons of bleach mixed in.  That's all it is.  I actually learned how to make this disinfecting solution when I worked in a restaurant years ago.  For the same cost as what one bottle of Clorox Anywhere costs, you can buy all the necessary supplies to make 283 bottles of the exact same solution!  Here's how:

The Supplies:
Bleach
Water
Spray Bottle (a 1 liter size makes mixing easiest)

The Process:
Measure out 1 liter of water into your spray bottle
Mix in 2 teaspoons (9.5-10 ml) bleach

That's it!

Here's the math: Clorox actually admits that Clorox Anywhere spray is 0.0095% bleach and the rest is water.  This strength solution is strong enough to kill 99.9% of germs on non-porous surfaces, but weak enough to not leave a dangerous residue.  This means that in a liter of water, you need 9.5 milliliters of bleach.  One teaspoon is equal to about 4.9 ml.  So, if you mix two teaspoons (9.8 ml) in your liter of water, you achieve a 0.0098% bleach solution.  "But wait!" I hear you saying, "that's not the same ratio!"  Well, you're right!  It's the teeny tiniest bit stronger, but still totally and completely safe to use.  I mean, I wouldn't drink the stuff or spray it in my eyes, but I'd say the same about Clorox Anywhere.

How to Use:
Just like Clorox Anywhere, spray your disinfectant spray on any non-porous surface you wish to sanitize, let sit at least two minutes, then wipe.  Or don't wipe, it actually doesn't make a difference.  Actually, that same Clorox FAQ website linked above will answer all your questions about your own home made solution; sweet huh?

The Results:
The spray works great!  I use it on counter tops, toilets, sinks, etc.  We're not germaphobes here, but I am careful about cleaning up after cooking, and if you're going to take the time to clean any surface, why not disinfect it while you're at it?

Here's a nifty .pdf on disinfection from Iowa State University.  Scroll down to page 12 for info on bleach solution ratios.