It is really simple to make DIY cleaning wipes. And when they’re hard to find in stores, this is especially good news! If you want to try making your own cleaning wipes, stick around because I’m about to show you how.
Disposable DIY Cleaning Wipes
To make disposable DIY cleaning wipes, you need a roll of good quality paper towels. {Poor quality paper towels just fall apart when you get them wet}. You’ll also need an empty wipes container–the canister works best to hold a roll of paper towels. Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the roll of paper towels in half crosswise. Now you can make two canisters of DIY cleaning wipes, or save the other half to make when it’s time for a refill.
For no-bleach sanitizing wipes, you need:
- 2/3 cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup distilled water
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite dishwashing liquid
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil for scent {or a citrus blend is nice!}
To make sanitizing wipes with bleach, use:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 tablespoons bleach, scented or unscented
- 10 drops essential oil, if desired for scent
No matter which formula you use, mix the ingredients together in a Pyrex measuring cup. Place the cut paper towel roll inside a wipes canister. Pour the vinegar mixture slowly over the top of the paper towels so it can saturate the roll. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then pull the cardboard tube out of the center. The wipes are ready for use!
Another option for vinegar-based sanitizing wipes is to use lemon vinegar. Fill a jar with lemon peels, pour in vinegar to cover, and let it sit for at least a week before making wipes. If you do this, you do not need to add essential oils.
DIY Reusable Cleaning Wipes
For a more eco-friendly option, you can make reusable cleaning wipes. The best container to store and use them is an empty baby wipes box. Use any kind of cleaning rag for your wipes, such as microfiber or a cloth with a knobby texture. Fold the cloths in half and stack them inside the baby wipes box or other rectangular plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid.
To make alcohol-based cleaning wipes you need:
- 1 1/2 cups distilled water
- 3/4 cup isopropyl alcohol
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 10-20 drops essential oils for scent
Combine the ingredients in a glass measuring cup. Pour this mixture slowly over the prepared cloths and allow it to thoroughly saturate them before first use. Your DIY reusable cleaning wipes are ready. Just toss used wipes in the wash and then save them to make more.
