Alright, let’s be real for a second—tanning beds aren’t cheap, and neither is their upkeep. If you’ve ever peeked at the price tag of “official” tanning bed cleaners, you probably did a double take and thought, “Wait… for a bottle of liquid? Seriously?”
That’s where DIY comes in. Not only can you whip up a homemade cleaner that’s budget-friendly, but you also get full control over the ingredients. No harsh chemicals that make your eyes water, no mystery stuff you can’t pronounce—just simple, effective cleaning power. Plus, it feels kind of satisfying knowing you made it yourself, right?
Imagine this: your tanning bed, sparkling clean, smelling fresh, and ready to use—without spending half your paycheck on fancy products. Tempting? Yep, thought so.
So, let’s talk about what you need to make your own tanning bed cleaner (and spoiler alert: you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen).
What You’ll Need (Simple Ingredients You Can Trust)
Here’s the beauty of it—this recipe doesn’t require a PhD in chemistry or a special trip to some obscure store. You’re likely one cupboard raid away from being ready.
Distilled water (the base—keeps things streak-free).
White vinegar (the natural disinfectant hero).
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)—optional but perfect for killing off germs fast.
Essential oils (think lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus for that fresh, clean scent).
Spray bottle (because we’re keeping it pro).
That’s it. Nothing complicated. Nothing scary.
And here’s a tip: avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia—they might seem powerful, but they can actually damage the acrylic surface of your tanning bed. And let’s be honest, replacing those acrylic sheets? Not cheap.
Now that your ingredient list is set, let’s move on to the fun part—mixing it all together.
Mixing It Up (The Foolproof Recipe)
Okay, picture this: you’re standing in your kitchen, spray bottle in hand, feeling like a mad scientist—but in the best way possible. Here’s your quick recipe:
Fill your spray bottle halfway with distilled water.
Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
If you want that extra germ-busting power, toss in ½ cup of rubbing alcohol.
Add about 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance.
Shake it like you’re making a cocktail (minus the shaker tin, of course).
Boom. You’ve got yourself a homemade tanning bed cleaner that’s safe, effective, and ready to roll.
Still with me? Good—because next up, we’re going to talk about how to actually use this stuff the right way.
How to Use It (The Right Way to Clean Your Tanning Bed)
Here’s the thing: cleaning a tanning bed isn’t just about making it look shiny—it’s about keeping it safe. Germs, sweat, oils… let’s just say nobody wants to think about what happens if you skip cleaning.
Here’s how to get it right:
Spray the solution generously on the acrylic surface.
Let it sit for about 30 seconds (this gives it time to disinfect).
Wipe down with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Make sure everything is dry before using the bed again.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the sides, the handles, and the areas where sweat tends to collect.
And just like that—you’re not only cleaning like a pro, but you’re also saving yourself a nice chunk of change.
Why This Works (and Why It’s Better Than Store-Bought)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: why go through the “trouble” of DIY when you could just buy a bottle? Simple:
It’s cheaper. (Like… way cheaper.)
It’s customizable. Want lavender instead of lemon? Go for it.
It’s safe for acrylic. No damage, no cloudy film.
It works. The vinegar + alcohol combo is a cleaning powerhouse.
Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing you’re not dependent on some overpriced cleaner from a supplier. It’s DIY freedom at its finest.
Ready to Try It?
So, there you have it—your step-by-step guide to making a homemade tanning bed cleaner that’s cheap, safe, and actually works. Next time you hop in for a glow session, you can feel extra good knowing that your bed is spotless thanks to your own handiwork.
Here’s your challenge: mix up a batch this week, give your tanning bed a proper cleaning, and see how satisfying it feels. Who knows—you might even become that person who tells friends, “Oh yeah, I make my own cleaner.” (Trust me, it sounds cooler than you think.)
Now… are you ready to swap those overpriced bottles for your own DIY magic?
