Homemade cleaning wipes are a great alternative to store-bought wipes, especially for those who prefer to use natural and eco-friendly products. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also cost-effective and can be customized to suit your cleaning needs.
Whether you want to clean your kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, or just need a quick way to wipe down your phone or keyboard, homemade cleaning wipes can do the job. Plus, you can choose your own ingredients and scents, so you know exactly what you’re using to clean your home.
In this article, we’ll cover different ways to make homemade cleaning wipes, including recipes for disinfecting wipes, all-purpose wipes, and even hand sanitizing wipes. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using homemade wipes, tips for storing and using them, and answer some frequently asked questions. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a more natural way to clean your home, keep on reading to learn how to make your own homemade cleaning wipes.
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Benefits of homemade cleaning wipes
Homemade cleaning wipes have several benefits over store-bought wipes. Here are a few:
- Cost-effective: Making your own cleaning wipes is a cost-effective way to keep your home clean. You can save money by reusing old t-shirts or rags instead of buying disposable wipes.
- Customizable: You can customize your wipes to suit your needs. For example, you can add your favorite essential oils to your wipes to give them a gorgeous scent.
- Environmentally-friendly: Homemade cleaning wipes are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes. You can reduce waste by reusing old rags or cloths instead of throwing away disposable wipes.
- Safe for your family: Homemade cleaning wipes are safe for your family because you know exactly what goes into them. You can avoid harsh chemicals that may be found in store-bought wipes.
Overall, making your own cleaning wipes is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and keep your home clean in a safe and eco-friendly way.
Things you will need
When making your own homemade cleaning wipes, you will need a few essential items. The good news is that most of these are readily available and affordable too.
- Clean wide-mouth quart-size mason jar with lid (or other 4โ6 cup capacity container with a tightly-fitting lid)
- 15-20 pieces of pre-cut thin cloth (we use cotton t-shirts cut into 8-inch squares)
- Distilled water, or cooled boiled water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
- Essential oils (optional)
The mason jar or container will be used to store the wipes. It’s important to use a container with a tightly-fitting lid to prevent the wipes from drying out.
The pre-cut cloth can be made from old t-shirts or other fabric materials that you have at home. Cut them into 8-inch squares for the perfect size.
Avoid using tap water straight from the tap as these wipes won’t last very long in the jar. Distilled water or boiled and then cooled tap water is best.
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to disinfect and clean various surfaces. Liquid dish soap is another essential ingredient that will help to remove dirt and grime. If you prefer to use bleach, you can add it to your cleaning solution for an extra boost of disinfecting power, but don’t add it if you are using vinegar as the two together are toxic.
Essential oils can be added to your wipes for a pleasant scent and added cleaning benefits.
How to make homemade cleaning wipes
Homemade cleaning wipes are a great way to save money and reduce waste. They are also easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Here are the step-by-step instructions to make your own cleaning wipes:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled water or boiled and cooled tap water
- 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Cut-up cloths (old t-shirts or towels work well)
- A container with a lid
Instructions:
- Combine the water, vinegar, dish soap, and essential oil (if using) in a container with a lid. Stir the mixture well.
- Cut up your cloths into 8 inch squares or rectangles that will fit in your container. Old t-shirts or towels work well for this.
- Add the cut-up cloths to the container and press down to soak up all the solution. Make sure all the cloths are moistened.
- Secure the lid on the container and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
When you’re ready to use your cleaning wipes, simply grab one from the container and use it to clean surfaces around your home. These wipes are great for quick cleanups and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and floors.
Remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area before using the wipes on a new surface. And be sure to label your container so you know what’s inside!
Tips and tricks for making homemade cleaning wipes
Making homemade cleaning wipes can be a great way to save money and reduce waste.
Here are some tips and tricks to make the process easier and more effective:
- Choose the right container. When making homemade cleaning wipes, it’s important to choose the right container. A glass container like a wide-mouth jar or an old commercial disinfectant wipes container works well. If you plan to add essential oils, choose a plastic container that is labeled HPDE or PET, otherwise glass is best.
- Label your wipes. It’s a good idea to label your homemade cleaning wipes so you know what’s in them and when you made them. This can help you keep track of expiration dates and ensure that you’re using the right wipes for the right job.
- Store your wipes properly. Homemade cleaning wipes should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and bacteria growth. If you’re using a container with a lid, make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent evaporation.
- Use gloves. When using cleaning wipes, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaning solution. This can also help prevent the transfer of germs from one surface to another.
Alternative cleaning wipe recipes
If you’re looking for more options for homemade cleaning wipes, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are a few recipes to consider:
Tea tree oil and vinegar wipes
- 1 cup of distilled water or boiled and cooled water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- Cotton cloths or paper towels
Mix the water, vinegar, and tea tree oil together in a jar or container. Soak the cloths or paper towels in the mixture, and then wring them out before use. These wipes are great for disinfecting surfaces and killing bacteria.
Lemon and lavender wipes
- 1 cup of distilled water or boiled and cooled water
- 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- Cotton cloths or paper towels
Combine all of the ingredients in a jar or container. Soak the cloths or paper towels in the mixture, and then wring them out before use. These wipes have a refreshing scent and are great for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.