In our quest for a clean and safe living space, we often desire more than just a tidy home; we seek to protect ourselves from germs and illness. While cleaning removes dirt and debris from surfaces, disinfecting actively kills harmful microorganisms. Although popular disinfectant wipes like Clorox can be effective, they often come with a hefty price tag and can be hard to find during peak demand periods—something many of us have experienced. Fortunately, making your own disinfectant wipes at home is a simple and cost-effective solution.
While some recipes call for harsh ingredients like bleach or hydrogen peroxide, this guide focuses on a convenient method using rubbing alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide can be tricky to store due to its light sensitivity, and bleach has the potential to stain surfaces—not to mention its strong odor. You might think that a DIY version can’t compete with commercial brands like Clorox or Lysol, but here’s a fun tidbit: both of these well-known brands are actually bleach-free!
Creating your own disinfectant wipes not only allows you to know exactly what’s in them, but it also enables you to tackle various surfaces around your home—from doorknobs and light switches to kitchen counters and bathroom fixtures. The combination of Dawn dish soap and rubbing alcohol effectively cuts through grease and disinfects, leaving surfaces gleaming!
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol (70-91% isopropyl alcohol)
- 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap
- 1 roll of paper towels (preferably cut in half) or thin rags
- 2-5 drops of tea tree oil (optional)
You can choose between paper towels or cloth rags, adjusting the ingredient quantities based on how absorbent your selected material is.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- If using paper towels, slice a roll in half with a serrated knife to create two smaller rolls. If you prefer rags, cut them into squares of your desired size—pinking shears can help prevent fraying.
- Place the paper towel roll into an empty container such as a baby wipes holder, a Lysol/Clorox wipe box, or another suitable plastic container. You can also repurpose a jar or coffee canister.
- In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap. Add the tea tree oil if desired.
- Pour the mixture around the edges of the paper towel roll, allowing it to soak in. Be careful not to oversaturate.
- Remove the cardboard roll from the center or use towels without the roll so you can easily pull wipes from the center.
- Store the wipes in a sealed container. For rag versions, toss them in the washing machine after each use.
Tips for Best Results:
- Clean surfaces before applying the wipe for maximum effectiveness.
- Allow surfaces to air dry after disinfecting.
- Use room temperature water for mixing.
- Stick to 70% alcohol as a minimum; anything higher may evaporate too quickly to disinfect properly.
- If the wipes dry out, simply add more rubbing alcohol as needed.
- Feel free to mix in different essential oils, like lemon or eucalyptus, for their antimicrobial benefits.
- You can cut the roll into thirds for a travel-sized option for your next family road trip!
While you might come across disinfectant recipes featuring vinegar, we recommend it primarily for cleaning rather than disinfecting, as it is less effective than rubbing alcohol. Remember, never mix these wipes with bleach.
Now that you’re equipped to create your own disinfectant wipes, check out how far your budget can stretch for cleaning supplies in your home. Looking for alternatives to Clorox wipes? Consider using rubbing alcohol, EPA-approved disinfectants, or a diluted bleach solution—just ensure to handle bleach carefully.
If you want to explore additional cleaning methods, be sure to check out this other blog post, or you can learn about the benefits of home insemination by visiting Make a Mom, a well-respected source on the topic. For further reading on fertility and related health matters, Science Daily offers excellent resources.
Summary
Creating DIY disinfectant wipes is an easy and budget-friendly way to maintain a germ-free environment at home. With simple ingredients like rubbing alcohol and Dawn dish soap, you can effectively disinfect various surfaces while knowing exactly what’s in your cleaning supplies. Enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, healthier space!