Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Non-toxic and affordable, hydrogen peroxide is classified by the CDC as “a stable and effective disinfectant” for hard surfaces. (1) It can brighten laundry, clean mirrors, and more. I’ve already covered many of the ways it can be used around the house, but in this article I’m going to show you how to increase its effectiveness by using it in tandem with vinegar.
The operative phrase being “in tandem with,” not “combined with.” That’s because this dynamic duo only works when used together . . . separately. That’s because if you combine the two in the same container, they form a new compound called peracetic acid, which can corrode surfaces and irritate skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
However, when used together properly, they’re more powerful than when used alone.
That’s a big deal because unlike chlorine bleach – which gets an “F’ safety rating from the Environmental Working Group – both hydrogen peroxide and vinegar have an excellent safety rating. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water after it disinfects, and white vinegar is well, edible. (You can also infuse vinegar with leftover citrus peels to give it extra cleaning oomph.)
Hydrogen Peroxide & Vinegar: A One-Two Punch
The method below was created by Susan Sumner, a food scientist, while she was working at the University of Nebraska. She deliberately contaminated fruits and vegetables with either salmonella, shigella, or E. coli O157:H7, then followed up with a squirt of vinegar and/or hydrogen peroxide.
Though the hydrogen peroxide did pretty well on its own, the two together delivered a one-two punch that was even more effective.
“If the acetic acid [active component of vinegar] got rid of 100 organisms, the hydrogen peroxide would get rid of 10,000, and the two together would get rid of 100,000,” Sumner told Science News. (2)
She noted that in addition to working on produce, the method works well for “sanitizing counters and other food preparation surfaces — including wood cutting boards.”
Something to keep in mind, though, is that vinegar is acidic and to a smaller degree so is hydrogen peroxide. Although hydrogen peroxide is considered safe for occasional use on granite countertops (and some marble), vinegar is not recommended at all.
Undiluted 70% rubbing alcohol is more pH neutral and will kill pathogens such as coronavirus, says Consumer Reports. They note that it’s generally safe for most surfaces although it may discolor some plastics, so that’s an option to consider if you’ve got granite or marble surfaces. (3)
Also, although it’s a cleaner rather than a disinfectant, if you have granite counters this recipe might be helpful.
DIY Vinegar + Hydrogen Peroxide
All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
This vinegar + peroxide all purpose cleaner is perfect for disinfecting countertops, tables and other hard, non-porous surfaces.
Equipment
One spray bottle with nozzle (American Farm and Larder offers containers such as spray bottles)
One nozzle that will fit on top of a hydrogen peroxide container (or an extra spray bottle)
Ingredients
1 cup (or more) hydrogen peroxide (3% solution – the kind you find in the brown bottle at the grocery store)
1 cup white vinegar* (5% acetic acid)
5-7 drop tea tree essential oil (optional but available at American Farm and Larder)
Instructions
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. If desired, add in tea tree essential oil and shake well to mix. Add a spray nozzle to your brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide, or fill a dark spray bottle with it. Keep in mind that unless your bottle filters light completely (or nearly so), you'll want to store it in a cool, dark cabinet between uses so that it doesn't lose potency. Even if you're using the original brown bottle you'll want to store it in a cool area.
Spray the surface with one of your spray bottles – using a generous amount – then wait at least five minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.
Next, spray your surface with the other spray bottle – using a generous amount – then wait at least another five minutes before wiping. As I mentioned in my article on cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide kills more slowly than other disinfectants, so it's best to increase the contact time (the amount of time it sits on a surface). I usually wait at least 10 minutes before wiping, or allow it to air dry for maximum contact time.
Notes
* Apple cider vinegar is not recommended because it may stain some surfaces.
Sources:
California Department of Public Health (2017) Disinfectants and Work-Related Asthma
Science News (1996) How To Disinfect Your Salad
Consumer Reports (2020) These Common Household Products Can Destroy the Novel Coronavirus
