Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/19/2006

Question
Hello Carol,

I wanted to know if there was a product out there or something I can make that will kill as many germs in the kitchen as the products sold in the stores?

I have chemical allergies and can't use Lysol, 409, Ammonia, Clorox, etc. Something on the natural side would help but it has to do the job as well.

Thank youl.

Answer
Hi Enzo,

Can you use bleach in small quantities?  If so, one of the best and cheapest sanitizers is 2 to 3 drops (that's drops -- not teaspoons or capfuls)of bleach to one cup of water.(1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon to a quart of water) Put this in a spray bottle and use to sanitize surfaces after cleaning with soap and water.

If you can not tolerate bleach in any quantity, then I'd try white vinegar. A 50/50 vinegar to water solution will work for both sanitizing and cleaning (a great window and glass cleaner). This solution is not as affective as the bleach solution above but may be an alternative if you cannot use bleach.

I hope this helps Enzo. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension