That being said, most products will work great for at least 3 months after mixing them up. Still, I find it easiest to mix up just the amount that will fit inside my spray bottles. I prefer not to be storing large bottles of excess product in addition to the spray bottle that I'm actually using for cleaning.
Most natural, DIY cleaning solutions can last up to a month. But some ingredients (like hydrogen peroxide) lose their potency more quickly. Your best bet is to mix up enough for only a one-time use.
In short, yes cleaning products do expire and in varying degrees depending on the type of product you are storing and how you store it. Natural cleaning products, for example, will expire quicker than something like bleach that has chemical preservatives.
Clean and sterilize the containers you will be using very well so you don't find yourself with bacteria right from the start. Use distilled or boiled water. Keep products refrigerated as heat can affect shelf life. Store your DIY natural products in dark, amber bottles as sunlight can create oxidation.
Here's how to do it: Combine 1 1/2 cups rubbing alcohol with 3/4 cups water and 15 drops each of lavender and lemon essential oil in a metal or glass spray bottle. You can use this spray to disinfect everything you would typically use Lysol for, including toilets, laptops, bathrooms surfaces, door handles, and more.
Preservatives for Water-Based Products
If you use an oil based produce or anhydrous product: oils, jojoba oil, wax, salt, butters, or castile soap (without water added), they will last for about the time of the oil itself: usually about 1-2 years.
Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes
Expect about a 12-month lifespan from store-bought disinfectants.
The high acid content and the distilled nature of white vinegar gives it a long shelf-life. This means that people can often mix a solution that they will use periodically throughout several days or even weeks without worry that it will go bad.
Should I worry about them expiring? The shelf life of disinfectants is approximately 1 year. The one year of effectiveness typically begins with the manufacture date. The expiration date is there because over time the active ingredient (the chemical doing the advertised action) may degrade.
(b) Each practitioner shall ensure that the disinfectant or bleach solution specified in subsection (a) is prepared, available for use, and covered at all times. Disinfectants and bleach solutions shall be changed daily or more often if the disinfectant or bleach solution becomes visibly cloudy or dirty.
Make a new diluted bleach solution daily. Bleach solutions will not be as effective after being mixed with water for over 24 hours.
To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).
If separation still occurs you may need to add a little more solubiser. To give reasonable shelf life this fragrant water will require the addition of a suitable preservative. We suggest Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate (GSB) which comes in powder form and easily dissolves in water.
In addition to its skincare benefits, Witch Hazel also has natural preservative properties, making it an ideal ingredient for natural and organic beauty cosmetic products.
Common preservatives include salts, sugars, gelatin and vinegars; which are used to prevent bacteria growth. Additives, such as nisin and trisodium phosphate, may also be used to help preserve foods. Another type of food additive that helps with shelf stability, antioxidants, help to decrease oxidation in foods.
Vitamin E. This is often referred to as a preservative, which is not correct. It is an antioxidant that will prevent oils from going rancid, but it will do absolutely nothing to inhibit microbial growth and spoilage in products that contain water.
Natural preservatives are additives that slow the growth of spoilage organisms like mold or bacteria in baked goods. They also function to limit changes in color, texture and flavor. As well as being effective, the consumer expects them to be derived from natural sources, such as: Vinegar.
Use a vinegar and hydrogen peroxide combination.
Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work well to disinfect, but they should not be combined in a single container as they make a peracetic acid which can be hazardous. Instead, add undiluted white vinegar to one spray bottle and 3% hydrogen peroxide to another.
Method; Mix three parts water to one part vinegar, add two teaspoons of bicarb soda to your mix. To get rid of the vinegar smell add a few drops of essential oils – think lemon, peppermint or lavender, but really, just go with whatever you love.