DIY Disinfecting Wipes: How to Make Homemade Alternatives

Making your own disinfecting wipes can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. While many people prefer ready-made disinfectants, there are several easy ways to create your own homemade alternatives using simple materials and household products.

Method 1: Using Paper Towels and Cleaning Solutions

One popular and straightforward method involves using a roll of paper towels and your favorite cleaning solution. Here's how you can create your own DIY disinfecting wipes:

Take a roll of paper towels and cut the roll in half with a hacksaw. Find a container with a lid that fits one half of the paper towels. Remove the center cardboard roll and discard it. Place the paper roll in the container and add your favorite cleaning solution. If needed, dilute the solution beforehand. Pull out the towels by the center of the roll. Use the wipes after each application, and cover the container with the lid.

Method 2: Bounty Paper Towels and Windex

For another fast and easy option, consider using Bounty paper towels and a combination of Windex and vinegar. Here’s a simple recipe:

Take some Bounty paper towels and pour some Windex with vinegar on them. Now, you have homemade wet wipes.

Method 3: Lysol Wipes and Homemade Alternatives

If you already have Lysol wipes, you can create your own homemade alternatives using paper towels and Lysol disinfectant:

Begin with a roll of paper towels and cut them up lengthwise into halves or quarters. Soak the cut-up paper towels in your preferred mix of Lysol disinfectant. Place these soaked paper towels into a plastic container with an airtight lid.

Economic and Practical Cleaning Methods

While making your own disinfecting wipes is convenient, there are other economical and practical methods that can be just as effective:

Use a spray cleaner suitable for the surface and the type of dirt you're cleaning. Employ a cotton towel for wiping.

There are several advantages to this approach:

It is much cheaper. There is minimal waste. The cloth is strong and lasts longer. Refold and rotate, and you can clean an entire bathroom with one cloth. Pre-spraying areas so you can work more efficiently with less scrubbing. Most cleaning sprays, when used properly, are quite effective.

Homemade 70% Ethanol Disinfectant Solution

For those looking for a more potent solution, you can make a 70% ethanol disinfectant:

Buy a bottle of pure ethyl alcohol and not spirits. Fill an empty bottle with 7 parts of alcohol and fill the remaining 3 parts with water. (That’s 70% alcohol and 30% water). Apply the solution to your hands and rub to spread it over your entire hand to kill bacteria.

Conclusion

Creating your own disinfecting wipes or using cost-effective cleaning methods can be a sustainable and practical choice. Experiment with different solutions to find the one that works best for your needs and environment.