What can I use instead of disinfectant?

Instead of commercial chemical disinfectants, you can use several alternatives that clean and reduce germs, though they may not meet EPA standards for killing 99.9 percent of specific pathogens like hospital-grade disinfectants do. Effective alternatives include hot water and soap, which removes dirt and most microbes through scrubbing and rinsing, which is sufficient for many household tasks and is recommended by CDC as first step before disinfecting. Steam cleaners that produce steam above 212F kill many bacteria and viruses without chemicals and are good for floors and upholstery. White distilled vinegar with 5 percent acetic acid has mild antimicrobial activity against some bacteria but does not kill spores or many viruses, so it is not a true disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent from pharmacy has disinfectant properties and is less toxic than bleach, effective against many bacteria and viruses with 1 minute contact time. For natural options, 70 percent ethanol made from diluted grain alcohol works as disinfectant for surfaces. Sunlight's UV rays have germicidal effects for airing out fabrics. For air, instead of chemical disinfectants that can irritate lungs, using True HEPA air purifiers and negative air machines with HEPA filtration physically removes airborne microbes without chemicals, and good ventilation with open windows dilutes germs. Baking soda helps deodorize but does not disinfect. If someone in home has serious infection like tuberculosis that required negative pressure room in hospital, you should still use EPA registered disinfectants for surfaces rather than alternatives to ensure safety.