Dear Annie,

I have heard that disinfectants can cause superbug overgrowth, and besides, I don’t like using synthetic chemicals around my pets. What do you suggest I use instead?

Thanks, JC, FL

Dear JC,

The cheapest way to kill bacteria in your home is with vinegar. If you add some herbs your kill rate is even higher. Here are three ways to kill bacteria with vinegar, each with their own attributes. Note, however, that to be called a disinfectant, a product has to be registered with the EPA as a pesticide. Vinegar isn’t so registered. If you are interested in buying something with a 100 percent kill rate, I recommend that you buy a botanical disinfectant.

#1: Straight white distilled vinegar. By far the easiest and the cheapest solution, put the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray straight onto the area of concern. Don’t rinse. The smell will dissipate in a few days. Why the the white distilled? Organic apple cider vinegar will be fine, too, but it could stain.

#2:  Straight white distilled vinegar with a few drops of lavender essential oil. I recommend this formula for those who don’t like the smell of vinegar. The drops of lavender mellow the smell considerably, and they also provide some antibacterial qualities of their own.

#3:  The most ambitious formula but also the most fun, make the famous Vinegar of the Four Thieves, made famous during the Black Plauge when a family of perfumers used it to rob the dead, knowing that the antiseptic herbs would protect them from the germs. To make it place a small handful each of lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle.

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