Just being real: you do not need a whole lineup of fancy cleaners for every room in your house. I know, I know — the cleaning aisle makes it feel like you do. But I promise, you don’t.
All you really need? Two simple sprays.
- One spray to wash (dish soap + water)
- One spray to disinfect (rubbing alcohol + water)
That’s it. It’s cheaper, easier, and honestly works just as well — if not better — than the twenty bottles hanging out under your sink right now. Let me walk you through why this works, because the science behind it is actually kind of fascinating.
Spray #1: Dish Soap + Water (Your Wash Spray)
When we talk about “cleaning,” we’re not talking about killing germs — we’re talking about removing the mess. Dirt, crumbs, grease, germs hanging out on the counter… all of it gets lifted away when you wash.
The magic comes from something called surfactants (I know, science-y word, but stick with me).
- Surfactants are like little double agents. One side loves water, the other side loves grease and oil.
- When you spray soapy water, the grease-loving side grabs onto oily messes and germs, while the water-loving side pulls everything into the water.
- The result? Dirt and germs get lifted right off the surface so you can wipe them away.
Fun fact: studies show that plain old soap and water can break down the oily “shields” germs like bacteria and viruses use to cling to surfaces. And once they’re loose? Your cloth or sponge sweeps them away.
So no, soap doesn’t always kill germs — but it does a fantastic job of removing them. And that’s half the battle.
Spray #2: Rubbing Alcohol + Water (Your Disinfectant)
Now that the gunk is gone, we can move on to step two: disinfecting. This is where rubbing alcohol steps in.
Here’s the science in simple terms:
- Alcohol destroys germs by breaking down their proteins and protective shells.
- Researchers have found that alcohol solutions between 60–70% are the sweet spot for killing bacteria and viruses.
- Hospitals have trusted alcohol for decades because it’s quick, cheap, and effective.
The CDC even recommends 70% isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting medical equipment — so you can definitely trust it to handle your countertops.
👉 The trick? Let it sit wet on the surface for at least 30 seconds (a minute if you can). If it dries too fast, it doesn’t have enough time to finish the job.
Why This Hack Beats a Cabinet Full of Cleaners
Here’s why I swear by this two-spray method:
- No clutter: You don’t need “bathroom spray,” “kitchen degreaser,” “multi-surface miracle,” or whatever else they’re selling.
- Way cheaper: Dish soap + rubbing alcohol cost just a few bucks and last forever.
- You’re in control: You know exactly what’s in your bottles — no mystery chemicals.
- Eco-friendly bonus: Less packaging, fewer harsh ingredients.
- Proven science: Soap removes mess and germs; alcohol disinfects what’s left. Simple and effective.
A Few Quick Tips
- Label your bottles — trust me, you don’t want to mix them up.
- Use clean cloths or rags — studies show kitchen sponges are gross (like, bacteria hotels if you don’t replace them often).
- Wash first, disinfect second — alcohol works best on a clean surface.
- Let alcohol sit — give it at least 30 seconds before wiping.
- Spot test surfaces — some delicate finishes don’t love alcohol.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a budget hack — it’s a simpler way to keep your home cozy and clean without feeling overwhelmed by bottles and routines. With just two sprays, you can handle pretty much everything: wipe, wash, disinfect, done.
I’ve been loving this system because it makes cleaning feel less complicated and more doable.
And if you want even more cozy, budget-friendly homemaking hacks, watch my YouTube video below on cozy homemaking on a budget, or click here to read it.
Want Help Actually Doing the Cleaning? 🎧
I’ll be honest — I used to feel like I was drowning in my home. I tried every cleaning routine out there, but I could never keep up. I’d feel like a failure when the house stayed messy.
That all changed when I started using my Morning Cleaning Routine Podcast. It’s like having a cleaning buddy in your ear — guiding you through daily, weekly, and monthly tasks in just 30 minutes a day.
✨ Here’s what makes it different:
- No timers.
- No decision fatigue.
- No getting sidetracked.
- I even tell you what laundry load to start and what settings to use!
And because I’m a cozy homemaker at heart, each episode also includes a fun 1950s true crime radio show to keep you entertained while you work. 🧼🎙️
It’s been a total game changer for me as a mom with a toddler and ADHD — and I’d love for you to try it too.
👉 Grab some free episodes here. or join my Domestic Daydreams radio membership here for new episodes 6 days a week!