Most of us grew up believing that "disinfecting" was the gold standard of clean. But the word "disinfectant" or "sanitizer" on labels typically means that the product contains an EPA-registered pesticide. These products are designed to kill germs—but they've also been shown to encourage the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. 

Disinfectants may also require "dwell time" of up to 10 minutes, which most consumers don't pay attention to. Even then, they can leave behind resistant germs that further strengthen and mutate. 

We're here to break down the methods and products you need to actually keep your home clean—including why removing germs, not killing them, is usually the best method for everyday tasks. 

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to remove germs safely and disinfect your home using only natural and human-safe products.

Why It's Best to Remove Germs (vs. Killing Them)

To take care of germs safely, opt for removal instead of killing them. 

The CDC has done testing that shows that cleaning with soap or surfactant-based cleaners can remove germs without leaving behind resistant bacteria.

So, for everyday cleaning, a natural soap or cleaner like Branch Basics is all you need to remove (not kill) germs safely and effectively.

How to Disinfect Home Surfaces Naturally 

As you just learned, removing germs using a natural soap-based cleaner is ideal for everyday jobs.

However, in some cases—like if a family member is ill, you have a new baby, you’ve been working with raw meat, or you’re concerned about the spread of harmful pathogens—a natural disinfectant can be an appropriate addition to your cleaning routine.

Here’s how this works.

Step 1: Branch Basics

You can use Branch Basics All-Purpose or Bathroom Cleaner on surfaces to safely remove germs before following up with a natural disinfectant (discussed in Step 2).

Materials:

• Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner or Bathroom Cleaner
• Microfiber cloth

How To:

• Spray Branch Basics directly onto the surface
• Allow 2-5 minutes “dwell time”
• Wipe surface clean with a microfiber cloth

As a mild soap-based cleaner, Branch Basics is generally safe to use on all types of stone, tile, wood, laminate, linoleum, or vinyl surfaces.

Step 2: Hydrogen Peroxide (+ Vinegar, If Needed)

When someone in your household is ill, you can add this step to disinfect frequently-touched surfaces: using hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is very similar to water (H20) in its composition, except it has an extra oxygen molecule (H2O2). This extra oxygen molecule allows it to oxidize and kill germs, making it an excellent disinfectant for surfaces, sinks, tubs, and more.

According to studies from the CDC, 3% hydrogen peroxide is more effective at killing germs and viruses than Quat-containing cleaners, like Lysol (Quats are a highly toxic chemical used in disinfectants—we’ll talk more about them coming up).

For tough jobs like disinfecting cutting boards, you can pack a punch by using a combination of distilled white vinegar and 3% hydrogen peroxide (stored in separate bottles) on the surface.

Materials:

• Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution—brown bottle) and / or Distilled White Vinegar (5% acidity)
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: A spray nozzle for the brown bottle of peroxide. Exposure to light breaks down hydrogen peroxide, so the brown bottle protects it.
• Optional: A spray bottle for the vinegar (or a spray nozzle for the bottle if it will fit)

How to:

• After cleaning the surface or object with Branch Basics, spray a few sprays of vinegar or peroxide on the surface and let the one product dwell for 5-10 minutes. Do not use them simultaneously, as this could create harmful fumes.
• Wipe thoroughly.
• Then spray the other product on the same surface. Let dwell and wipe thoroughly.

Important note: Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide must never be combined by spraying simultaneously on surfaces or storing in the same bottle. This could create toxic fumes. To avoid this, always use them separately (spray, wipe, then repeat with the other product) and store them in their own bottles.

For more specific cleaning and disinfecting tips, check out: Human-Safe Kitchen Cleaning Tips with Branch Basics, How to Clean the Oven, and How to Clean Glass Stove Tops.

How to Disinfect Laundry Naturally 

Laundry doesn’t usually need disinfecting if washed with an effective natural soap or detergent on a hot water setting and then dried in the dryer or sun.

However, if clothing becomes contaminated due to illness or exposure to pathogens, rest assured you can take care of it using natural laundry soap, hot water, disinfectants, and the natural heat of the dryer and/or sunshine.

Here are three ways to disinfect your laundry naturally. 

Method # 1: Laundry Detergent + Oxygen Boost

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent is gentle on fabrics but tough on dirt, stains, and soil. This is all you need for basic laundering.

However, when you need extra disinfecting, whitening, or stain-fighting power, turn to Oxygen Boost as a pre-soaking agent and/or laundry booster.

Oxygen Boost is made with two ingredients:

• Sodium Bicarbonate (also known as baking soda): A natural whitener and deodorizer.
• Sodium Percarbonate (also known as oxygen bleach or powdered peroxide): A human-safe, natural bleach alternative, stain remover, and disinfectant. 

How to:

• For disinfecting, add 1 scoop of Oxygen Boost after you've added your laundry detergent. Make sure you're washing with warm or hot water. The warm or hot water is what activates its disinfectant properties. 
• If pre-soaking is desired, add 1 scoop of Oxygen Boost to a large sink or basin of water. Submerge the clothing and soak for 30 minutes or several hours.

Method #2: Laundry Detergent + White Vinegar 

If you don’t have Oxygen Boost on hand, plain old distilled white vinegar has been shown effective against certain germs, including:

• E. Coli
• Salmonella
• Listeria monocytogenes

Therefore, vinegar can be an excellent choice for disinfecting kitchen towels, aprons, cloths or anything exposed to common food-borne germs.

How to:

• To disinfect your laundry using white vinegar, add half a cup of vinegar to the final rinse for brighter, whiter, softer clothes.

You can also use distilled white vinegar instead of bleach to clean and detoxify your washing machine. To learn more, see: 12 Ways to Use Distilled Vinegar In Your Home.

Method #3: Laundry Detergent + Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is the leading ingredient in non-toxic bleach alternatives because it whitens and disinfects like bleach without harmful effects.

Plus, there’s no offensive smell.

How to:

• To use on whites (not colors!), add 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide to your wash (in the bleach cup) along with your favorite natural detergent. You can also use 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on stains on white clothing. 

Learn more about why peroxide is an effective, non-toxic disinfectant, cleaner, and bleach alternative in: 7 Human-Safe and Environmentally Safe Laundry Bleach Alternatives.

How to Disinfect Carpet Naturally 

Between dirty shoes, pet stains, and food spills, carpets can quickly become a hotbed of germs and bacteria. That's why it's so essential to clean your carpets regularly and disinfect as-needed.

Here’s how to do it naturally.

Method # 1: Branch Basics 

Branch Basics All-Purpose or Concentrate can be used on carpets as a stain remover/germ remover, and carpet cleaning machines.

How to spot treat carpet stains with Branch Basics: 

• Spray All-Purpose directly on the spot and allow to sit for 1-5 minutes. 
• Agitate the area with a brush or rag until the stain disappears.

How to use Branch Basics in a carpet cleaning machine:

• Replace the toxic carpet cleaning detergent with Branch Basics Concentrate in dilution of 1-2 teaspoons of Concentrate per gallon of water.
• Follow the the manufacturer’s operation instructions.

Method #2: Water + Vinegar + Salt 

For treating and disinfecting stains, use a combination of water, vinegar, and salt. The vinegar with the salt act as natural sanitizers.

How to:

• First, blot up as much of the stain as possible using a microfiber cloth.
• Next, spray the spot with vinegar and gently remove as much of the stain as possible.
• Next, pour a good amount of salt onto the remaining stain and let it dwell for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Vacuum up the salt, and the stain should be gone or significantly faded.
• Repeat as needed.
• If some stain remains, we recommend going over it with the carpet cleaner with Branch Basics.

Method #3: Dry Steam Cleaning

Dry steam is the ultimate disinfectant and can work wonders on carpets and surfaces. Using a Ladybug Dry Steam Cleaner is an amazing way to disinfect and clean your carpet without harmful chemicals.

The Ladybug qualifies as a disinfection device* for the EPA. It disinfects* (through proprietary TANCS® technology), thousands of times better than the standard that chemical disinfectants must meet to qualify as an EPA registered disinfectant.

Unlike chemical disinfectants that require dwell times where surfaces must remain visibly wet for minutes in order to kill germs, the Ladybug kills a very broad range of bacteria and viruses like MRSA, C. diff, norovirus, C. parvo, and COVID-19 in seven seconds or less while leaving no residue behind that promotes new microbial growth. It is also proven by scientific studies to eradicate hard-to-kill biofilms in three seconds. Strong chemical disinfectants such as bleach are no match!

But there is a more important advantage. We have known for years that the overuse of chemical sanitizers and disinfectants has created a superbug issue where germs become resistant both to the cleansers and to antibiotics. Mechanical disinfection with the Ladybug does not create superbugs as there is no chance for a germ to mutate to the point that it can resist the heat!

Note: Advap offers 20% off the Ladybug with this coupon code - BRANCHBASICS

See: How to Clean Floors with Branch Basics for more tips.

Steam Cleaning Options:

• Rent a steam cleaner and use Branch Basics in it as outlined above.
• Hire a carpet cleaning company that uses a truck mounted system and ask them to use steam-only (no synthetic chemicals).
• Purchase a steam mop with carpet attachment so you can steam clean your carpets any time.
• Purchase a steam cleaner to deep clean carpets regularly.

How to Disinfect Sinks, Showers, Bathtubs, and Toilets Naturally 

Sinks, showers, and bathtubs can be disinfected naturally the same way as other surfaces. Here’s how.

Step 1: Branch Basics Bathroom Cleaner

Use Branch Basics Bathroom Cleaner to remove germs from sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets before disinfecting with one of the options in Step 2. 

How to clean sinks, showers, or tubs:

• Spray Branch Basics Bathroom Cleaner directly onto the sink, tub, or shower.
• Sprinkle on Oxygen Boost if desired for a deeper clean (such as cleaning grout, etc.)
• Allow 2-5 minutes “dwell time."
• Scrub, then wipe clean.
• If using Oxygen Boost, rinsing will be required.

How to clean toilets:

• Spray a few sprays of Branch Basics Bathroom Cleaner in the toilet bowl, on the seat, and around the base.
• If your toilet needs extra cleaning power, add a sprinkle of Oxygen Boost on top of the Bathroom spray.
• Scrub the toilet bowl and wipe down the seats and base with Branch Basics Bathroom dilution.

*Note: Since warm or hot water is required to activate Oxygen Boosts’ disinfecting properties, in this situation, it is used as a scouring and whitening agent vs. a disinfectant. If disinfecting is desired, move onto the next step.

Step 2: Hydrogen Peroxide (or Vinegar + Peroxide)

To disinfect your sink, shower, tub, or toilet, you'll use the same process as outlined in the section on disinfecting surfaces naturally, using vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.

Reminder: These two products should be used separately and stored in separate bottles.

How to:

• After cleaning the surface or object with Branch Basics, spray a few sprays of vinegar or peroxide on the surface and let the one product dwell for 5-10 minutes. Do not use them simultaneously, as this could create harmful fumes.
• Wipe thoroughly.
• Then spray the other product on the same surface. Let dwell and wipe thoroughly.

For tips on tackling toilets without synthetic chemicals, see: 4 Best Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaners.

When to Use Disinfectant Spray vs. Soap & Water

Once you understand the dangers of over-sanitizing, it can be challenging to decipher when natural sanitizing or disinfecting may be appropriate.

Here are a few examples of when it's appropriate to add a natural disinfectant (like hydrogen peroxide and/or vinegar) to your cleaning process:

• Cutting boards or surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat, fish, or seafood.
• Non-porous toys—especially those your baby may put in their mouth.
• Cell phones.
• Toilet seats—especially after someone has been sick.
• Surfaces soiled by pets (or children!).
• Baby’s feeding tray table.
• Door knobs.
• TV remotes and controllers—especially when a family member is sick.
• Sinks that have come into contact with raw meat, fish, or seafood.
• Computer keyboards—spray microfiber with vinegar and wipe, then wipe with hydrogen peroxide.

It's also appropriate to increase the use of natural disinfectant sprays during cold and flu season or if a family member has a contagious illness. 

The bottom line: Use common sense, opt for soap and water to remove germs as your first choice to avoid creating superbugs, and remember not all germs are bad! 

Plenty of research has shown that regular exposure to everyday bacteria and germs actually strengthens your gut microbiome and immune system, which will protect you from a variety of acute and chronic ailments.

Toss the Toxins With Branch Basics

Interested in trying Branch Basics as part of your human-safe cleaning routine? 

Try one of our Starter Kits, which include everything you need to clean your home with human-safe products. Want more information on how to create a healthy home? Check out our free Toss the Toxins Course, a step-by-step process that helps you remove toxic chemicals from your home and take charge of your health.