Alcohol solutions are commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces when mixed and used correctly. This guide explains how to make 70% and 80% alcohol surface sprays using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol from Culinary Solvent.

Before making a surface spray, it is important to measure carefully. Adding too much water can lower the final alcohol concentration below the intended strength. This recipe is written specifically for 200 proof ethanol, which is 100% ethyl alcohol by volume.

How to Make 70% and 80% Alcohol Surface Spray Using 200 Proof Ethanol

Important Safety Notes Before You Start

Alcohol surface sprays are for hard, nonporous surfaces only. Do not use this recipe as hand sanitizer, do not spray it on skin, and do not use it on pets, food, wounds, toys that may be mouthed by children, or surfaces that are not compatible with alcohol.

Alcohol is flammable. Mix, store, and use alcohol sprays away from flames, pilot lights, sparks, cigarettes, candles, hot surfaces, and other ignition sources. Use in a well-ventilated area and allow surfaces to dry fully before using appliances, electronics, or anything that may create heat or sparks.

Do not mix alcohol with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, commercial cleaners, or other disinfectants. Mixing cleaning chemicals can create dangerous fumes or reduce product effectiveness.

Keep 200 proof ethanol and finished alcohol spray out of reach of children and pets. Store finished spray in a clearly labeled bottle. Do not store alcohol solutions in beverage bottles or food containers.

Clean First, Then Disinfect

Alcohol works best on surfaces that are already clean. If a surface is visibly dirty, dusty, sticky, or greasy, clean it first with soap and water or a surface-safe cleaner. After the surface is clean, apply the alcohol solution and keep the surface visibly wet long enough for the alcohol to do its job.

For commercial disinfectants, always follow the product label. A homemade alcohol solution is not an EPA-registered disinfectant product and should not be sold, distributed, or marketed with regulated disinfectant claims.

What Alcohol Percentage Should You Use?

A 70% alcohol solution is a common target concentration for hard, nonporous surface disinfection. An 80% alcohol solution uses less water and leaves more alcohol in the finished spray. Both recipes below start with 200 proof ethanol and clean water.

The basic formula is simple:

Desired batch size × desired alcohol percentage = amount of 200 proof ethanol to use

The rest of the batch is water.

Recipe: 70% Alcohol Surface Spray Using 200 Proof Ethanol

Yield: 16 fl oz

Final alcohol concentration: 70%

Ingredients

• 11.2 fl oz 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol
• 4.8 fl oz clean water

Instructions

Step 1: Add 11.2 fl oz of 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol to a clean glass measuring cup or mixing container.

Step 2: Add 4.8 fl oz of clean water.

Step 3: Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Transfer the finished solution to a clean spray bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Label the bottle clearly as “70% Alcohol Surface Spray,” and include the date made and the word “Flammable.”

Recipe: 80% Alcohol Surface Spray Using 200 Proof Ethanol

Yield: 16 fl oz

Final alcohol concentration: 80%

Ingredients

• 12.8 fl oz 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol
• 3.2 fl oz clean water

Instructions

Step 1: Add 12.8 fl oz of 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol to a clean glass measuring cup or mixing container.

Step 2: Add 3.2 fl oz of clean water.

Step 3: Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Transfer the finished solution to a clean spray bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Label the bottle clearly as “80% Alcohol Surface Spray,” and include the date made and the word “Flammable.”

Quick Mixing Chart for 200 Proof Ethanol

How to Use Alcohol Surface Spray

Spray the surface until it is visibly wet. Allow the surface to remain wet before wiping or allowing it to air dry. If the surface dries too quickly, reapply more solution so the surface stays wet long enough for proper contact time.

Use alcohol sprays only on compatible hard, nonporous surfaces. Alcohol may damage some plastics, acrylic, painted finishes, finished wood, leather, natural stone, electronics, and coated screens. When in doubt, test a small hidden area first or follow the surface manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Where Not to Use Alcohol Surface Spray

Do not use alcohol spray on hot surfaces, near flames, inside ovens, near pilot lights, or on energized electronics. Do not spray into the air. Do not use as a room spray, body spray, linen spray, or food-contact sanitizer unless you are following applicable food-safety rules for that specific use.

Storage Tips

Store finished alcohol spray in a tightly sealed container away from heat, sunlight, flames, and sparks. Keep the bottle closed when not in use. Because alcohol can evaporate, leaving the bottle open may lower the alcohol concentration over time.

For best results, make small batches that can be used within a reasonable time. If the bottle has been left open, unlabeled, contaminated, or stored near heat, discard it safely and make a fresh batch.

Why Use 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol?

Starting with 200 proof ethanol makes the recipe easy to calculate because the ethanol has not already been diluted with water. Culinary Solvent’s 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol is pure, non-denatured ethyl alcohol made for customers who need high-proof ethanol for approved uses.

Accurate measuring is still important. Always use the recipe for the proof of alcohol you have. These recipes are written for 200 proof ethanol only.

Helpful References

• CDC Chemical Disinfectants
• EPA Selected Registered Disinfectants
• Does Ethyl Alcohol Kill Germs, Viruses, and Bacteria?