Sometimes, a tidy home isn’t enough; we crave protection against illness. While cleaning simply wipes away dirt and debris, disinfecting employs ingredients that eliminate germs and harmful microorganisms. Clorox wipes are a popular choice for disinfecting, but they can often be pricey and hard to find, especially during a health crisis. If you’re curious about crafting your own disinfectant wipes at home, you’re in luck! DIY disinfectant wipes are not only simple to make, but they’re also gentler on your wallet than store-bought options.
Although some recipes call for bleach or hydrogen peroxide, we recommend using rubbing alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide can be tricky to store due to its sensitivity to light, and bleach may stain surfaces — not to mention its strong odor. You might be wondering if a bleach-free solution can be as effective as the Clorox or Lysol wipes you usually buy. Here’s a fun fact: both Clorox and Lysol disinfectant wipes are actually bleach-free!
Another advantage of making your own disinfectant wipes is knowing exactly what goes into them. You can use them to disinfect various surfaces, including door handles, light switches, keyboards, and kitchen and bathroom counters. Combining Dawn dish soap, which cuts through grease, with rubbing alcohol for disinfection creates a perfect mixture that even shines metal fixtures!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol (70% to 91% isopropyl alcohol)
- 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap
- 1 roll of paper towels (the half-sheet kind) or thin rags
- 2 to 5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
You can choose between paper towels or cloth rags based on your preference and adjust the recipe according to the absorbency of your materials.
Instructions:
- If using paper towels, cut the roll in half with a serrated knife. For cloth rags, cut them into smaller squares.
- Place the paper towel roll in an empty container, such as a baby wipes holder or a repurposed jar. Ensure they are ready for use.
- In a bowl, mix together the water, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and optional tea tree oil.
- Pour the mixture around the edges of the paper towel roll to allow them to soak up the liquid without drowning them.
- Remove the cardboard tube or use paper towels without one, then store in a closed container with a lid. If you used rags, wash them after each use.
Tips:
- Pre-clean surfaces before using the wipes and allow them to air dry.
- Use room temperature water for mixing.
- While 70% alcohol is the minimum, avoid using 99% as it evaporates too quickly to disinfect effectively.
- If wipes dry out, simply add more rubbing alcohol.
- Try different essential oils like citrus or eucalyptus for variety and antimicrobial properties. Lemon essential oil can mimic the scent of Clorox wipes!
You can even cut the roll into thirds for a travel-sized option to take with you on family road trips! While you may come across disinfectant recipes that use vinegar, it’s best suited for cleaning rather than disinfecting. Remember, never mix these wipes with bleach.
Now that you know how to craft your own disinfectant wipes, you’ll find that your cleaning supplies budget stretches much further!
If you’re looking for alternatives to Clorox wipes, consider options like rubbing alcohol, EPA-registered disinfectants, or extremely diluted bleach solutions. Just be cautious when handling bleach, as inhaling it can cause respiratory issues.
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- DIY cleaning wipes with vinegar
- How effective are homemade disinfectants?
- Safety tips for using bleach
In summary, crafting your own disinfectant wipes at home is a cost-effective and straightforward way to keep your environment germ-free. With just a few ingredients and a little effort, you can create a reliable cleaning solution that suits your needs.