In our quest for a clean and healthy living space, we often seek more than just tidiness; we desire protection against illness. While cleaning effectively removes dirt and grime, disinfecting goes a step further by utilizing ingredients that kill germs and microorganisms. Clorox wipes are a popular choice for this purpose, but they can be pricey and hard to find, especially during peak demand. If you’ve been searching for a way to create your own disinfectant wipes at home, you’re in luck! Making DIY disinfectant wipes is not only simple but also budget-friendly.
Although various recipes call for bleach or hydrogen peroxide, our favorite method involves rubbing alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide can be tricky to store due to its sensitivity to light, and bleach has the potential to stain surfaces—not to mention its strong odor. You might wonder if a bleach-free alternative can match the effectiveness of Clorox or Lysol wipes, but here’s a fun fact: both Clorox and Lysol disinfectant wipes are actually bleach-free.
One of the advantages of DIY disinfectant wipes is that you know exactly what’s in them. You can use these wipes to sanitize door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, kitchen countertops, and more. The combination of Dawn dish soap and rubbing alcohol not only disinfects but also leaves metal fixtures shining!
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup of water
- ½ cup of rubbing alcohol (70 to 91 percent)
- 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap
- 1 roll of paper towels (the kind that comes in half sheets) or thin cloth rags
- 2 to 5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
Instructions:
- If using paper towels, carefully cut the roll in half with a serrated knife. For those using cloth rags, cut them into smaller squares.
- Place the paper towel roll into an empty container designed for baby wipes, or any suitable plastic box. Alternatively, a jar or a repurposed coffee canister works too.
- In a bowl, mix the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap. Add tea tree oil if desired.
- Pour the mixture around the edges of the paper towel roll, allowing it to soak up the liquid without drowning it.
- Remove the cardboard roll from the middle or use the paper towels without the roll for easy dispensing.
- Store the wipes in a closed container. If using rags, toss them in the washing machine after each use.
Tips:
- Clean surfaces before applying disinfectant wipes and allow them to air dry afterward.
- Use room temperature water for the mixture.
- Stick to a minimum of 70% alcohol and avoid going over 99% to prevent rapid evaporation.
- If wipes dry out, simply add more rubbing alcohol as needed.
- Experiment with different essential oils for variety, as many have antimicrobial properties. For a scent similar to Clorox wipes, lemon essential oil works well.
- For travel, consider cutting the roll into thirds for a portable option.
You may come across disinfectant recipes that recommend vinegar. While vinegar is excellent for cleaning and can tackle some germs, it’s not as effective for disinfection as rubbing alcohol. Also, avoid mixing these wipes with bleach.
Now that you’ve mastered how to create disinfectant wipes, you can enjoy more effective cleaning without overspending.
If you’re interested in alternative disinfecting solutions, you might consider options like rubbing alcohol, EPA registered disinfectants, or extremely diluted bleach solutions. For more information on cleaning methods and alternatives, check out this helpful resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
For additional DIY cleaning tips, visit this blog post for more insights and ideas.
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Summary:
This guide provides a straightforward method for making DIY disinfectant wipes, which are budget-friendly and free from harsh chemicals. By following the simple steps and tips outlined, you can keep your home germ-free and sparkling clean.