In 2025, green cleaning is all the rage. Many are opting for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice over harsh commercial cleaners.
But do these natural solutions really disinfect common household bacteria and viruses? Experts affirm they can, provided you allow them to sit for the right amount of time.
Our cleaning professionals stress the importance of following proper cleaning techniques when using natural disinfectants to effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Are natural disinfectants effective?
Ashley Kidder, a cleaning expert, confirms that natural products can disinfect, but it's crucial to use them properly.
As you familiarize yourself with green cleaning essentials, you might notice differing opinions about the efficacy of non-toxic cleaners.
Ashley states, "As a cleaning professional, I support the use of natural, non-toxic cleaning products. They are safe, eco-friendly, and can effectively disinfect when applied correctly.
Natural options, including hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and essential oils like tea tree or thyme, can kill common bacteria and viruses.
Karina Toner, another cleaning expert, agrees with Ashley but cautions that not all natural cleaners are equally effective. "Not always," she emphasizes. "While vinegar and lemon juice have some antibacterial properties, they don't meet EPA standards for disinfectants that kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses.
"Natural cleaners may lack the strength and required dwell time to effectively eliminate resilient pathogens like norovirus, influenza, or COVID-19. For instance, vinegar may kill certain bacteria, but it is ineffective against viruses or bacterial spores.
"Effective disinfection requires specific chemical potency and contact time, which most natural options do not provide consistently."
Therefore, while you can use germ-fighting essential oils or create a DIY non-toxic bathroom cleaner, it's wise to choose stronger products when cleaning after illness to ensure all bacteria and viruses are eliminated.
How to Ensure Effective Natural Disinfection
Natural cleaners can match the efficacy of commercial options, but only with proper usage, say experts.
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
If you believe that harsh chemicals aren't necessary for effective cleaning, there are several additional steps you can take to boost the effectiveness of your natural cleaners. Ashley emphasizes that the key lies in two important steps.
"Start by cleaning the surface," she advises. "Remove dirt, grime, and organic matter before disinfecting." You can achieve this with a natural cleaning spray, like the Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray available at Walmart. Alternatively, Karina recommends a simple soap and water solution to physically eliminate dirt and cut down the microbial load on surfaces.
Next, allow the product to dwell. "Natural disinfectants require adequate contact time to be effective," Ashley continues. "Simply spraying and wiping won't suffice; letting the product sit for several minutes is essential for killing germs."
Karina adds that you can always disinfect after using a natural cleaner with an EPA-registered disinfectant or proven natural alternatives like hydrogen peroxide (at least 3%) or alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl). However, this approach may feel counterproductive or complicate your cleaning routine.
If you're looking to enhance your cleaning methods, it's crucial to know about cleaning products to avoid mixing, warns Karina. "Combining natural substances like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can be hazardous and decrease effectiveness."
For a more effective natural disinfectant, consider trying the Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon. It utilizes electrolyzed water technology and is EPA-registered to eliminate 99.9% of germs. I find it particularly useful for safe disinfecting in kitchens or homes with pets or children.
In summary, both experts agree that natural cleaners can be as effective as traditional products, but only when used properly. Just be cautious of greenwashing when selecting products.
Natural Cleaning Essentials
All prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Biodegradable formula
This popular, all-natural cleaning spray harnesses plant-based power to combat everyday dirt, grease, and grime. It's suitable for most non-porous surfaces, including tile, stone, wood, and glass.
Pack of two
These eco-friendly glass spray bottles are perfect for creating homemade cleaning solutions like a DIY vodka cleaner, featuring UV protection to keep ingredients from degrading in sunlight.
100% pure
Explore cleaning and fragrance options with this six-pack of popular essential oils, which includes peppermint, tea tree, and sweet orange.
Meet Our Experts
Based in the D.C. area, Spekless offers services ranging from move-out cleaning to Airbnb cleaning, often employing natural disinfectants for an effective, eco-friendly clean. Karina is a seasoned cleaner and incorporates many natural methods in her work and at home.
With over ten years of hands-on experience, Ashley specializes in sustainable, efficient home care, focusing on practical, non-toxic cleaning solutions that safeguard both people and the planet.
FAQs
When should vinegar not be used for cleaning?
Vinegar is a fantastic eco-friendly cleaner and can be an effective disinfectant at certain concentrations*. However, it's crucial to know what not to clean with it. For porous surfaces like stone, specific products, such as the Weiman Disinfectant Granite Daily Clean & Shine available at Amazon, are better suited.
*According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology, findings highlighted the disinfecting properties of acetic acid at 10% concentration when combined with 1.5% citric acid against various microorganisms.
Does baking soda act as a disinfectant?
We recommend using baking soda for cleaning, but while it may reduce bacterial presence, it doesn't function like commercial disinfectants.
For true disinfection, opt for products specifically designed for that purpose, such as the CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner, which is pet-safe and available at Amazon.
When striving to lessen your environmental impact, it's also essential to adopt cleaning strategies that reduce plastic waste in your home.
