Creating homemade disinfectant is a cheap, safe way to clean.
Dog kennels are in constant need of cleaning. However, toxic chemical cleaners are not ideal when working in a dog-friendly environment, and commercial products can be expensive, especially when used frequently. Mixing up a homemade disinfectant solution allows dog guardians to create clean, nontoxic environments for their furry charges.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a reliable, safe and inexpensive cleaner for a dog kennel. According to Heinz company spokesman Michael Mullen, vinegar has impressive disinfectant abilities, killing 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold and 80 percent of germs and viruses. Many varieties of vinegar exist at retail, such as red wine, apple cider, balsamic and more, but plain white vinegar is the best choice for cleaning projects.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another predictably effective disinfectant. If you've ever seen the bubbly results of spraying peroxide on a germy surface, you know it works. Peroxide comes in two forms. One is the widely used antiseptic often found in brown bottles. The other is food-grade, which can be ingested, or used as a mouthwash or a food spray. Either version is applicable to cleaning a dog kennel, but the food grade version is more expensive.
Rubbing Alcohol
There's a reason doctors rub this stuff on your arm before giving you a shot -- it kills any surface bacteria that may be present. Rubbing alcohol is another effective germ-killer for dog kennels. Aside from its ability to kill germs, rubbing alcohol also evaporates quickly, for those quick spot cleaning jobs within the dog kennel. Although it does evaporate, wipe surfaces afterward to remove residue that dogs may lie on or lick.
Forming the Base & General Tips
To make the foundation of your homemade disinfectant, choose your main cleaner of choice, whether it's vinegar, peroxide or rubbing alcohol. To form your base, fill an empty spray bottle almost all the way, leaving a bit of room for additional ingredients. Of all the cleaners, peroxide has the mildest smell. Also, it's worth noting that although bleach is a popular cleaner, the fumes can irritate lungs, skin and eyes.
Adding the Variables
There are several ingredients you can add to your spray bottle, all of which make for great homemade disinfectants. Adding 1 to 2 ounces of lemon juice helps freshen and sanitize. Or add a teaspoon or 2 of tea tree oil, which contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender is another great addition. Like tea tree, lavender has antifungal properties; Ohio State University recommends it for flea control. A 2007 South African study also found solutions containing 10 percent to 20 percent lavender helped repel ticks.
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