How to Make Your Own DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfectant wipes are convenient and effective for cleaning and sanitizing various surfaces. However, they can be expensive, hard to find, or harmful to the environment. If you want to save money, avoid harsh chemicals, or reduce waste, you can make your own disinfectant wipes at home with some simple ingredients and materials. In this blog post, I will show you how to make three different types of DIY disinfectant wipes: alcohol-based, hydrogen peroxide-based, and vinegar-based. I will also answer some frequently asked questions about DIY disinfectant wipes and share some tips and tricks for using them.

Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Wipes

Alcohol is one of the most effective ingredients for killing germs and viruses on hard surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need to use a product that contains at least 60% alcohol to disinfect your hands and surfaces. Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) is sold in drug and grocery stores in 70%, 91%, and 99% solutions. You can also use ethanol (grain alcohol) that is at least 140 proof (70% alcohol) for this purpose.

What You’ll Need

• A plastic or glass container with a lid and an x-shaped slit on top
• A roll of heavy-duty paper towels, napkins, or guest towels
• Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
• Water
• Essential oils (optional)

How to Make It

1. Cut the paper towels to fit the container. You can use a serrated knife or scissors to do this. You may need to fold the paper towels or napkins to make them fit better.
2. Mix the alcohol and water in a ratio of 3:1. For example, if you have a cup of alcohol, add 1/3 cup of water. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance and extra disinfecting properties. Some good choices are tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil.
3. Pour the alcohol solution over the paper towels in the container. Make sure they are fully saturated and there is no excess liquid at the bottom.
4. Close the lid and store the container in a cool and dark place. Use the wipes as needed by pulling them through the slit on the lid.

Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Disinfectant Wipes

Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces. It is also eco-friendly and inexpensive. However, you need to use it carefully and store it properly. Hydrogen peroxide needs to be at least 3% concentration to be effective as a disinfectant. You also need to keep it in a dark and opaque container, as light can make it lose its potency.

What You’ll Need

• A dark and opaque plastic or glass container with a lid and an x-shaped slit on top
• A roll of heavy-duty paper towels, napkins, or guest towels
• Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
• Water
• Essential oils (optional)

How to Make It

1. Cut the paper towels to fit the container. You can use a serrated knife or scissors to do this. You may need to fold the paper towels or napkins to make them fit better.
2. Mix the hydrogen peroxide and water in a ratio of 1:1. For example, if you have a cup of hydrogen peroxide, add a cup of water. You can also add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance and extra disinfecting properties. Some good choices are tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil.
3. Pour the hydrogen peroxide solution over the paper towels in the container. Make sure they are fully saturated and there is no excess liquid at the bottom.
4. Close the lid and store the container in a cool and dark place. Use the wipes as needed by pulling them through the slit on the lid.

Vinegar-Based Disinfectant Wipes

Vinegar is a natural and versatile cleaner that can remove dirt, grease, and stains from various surfaces. It can also kill some germs and bacteria, but it is not as effective as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Vinegar is acidic and can damage some materials, such as marble, granite, or wood. Therefore, you should test it on a small and inconspicuous area before using it on a large surface.

What You’ll Need

• A plastic or glass container with a lid and an x-shaped slit on top
• A roll of heavy-duty paper towels, napkins, or guest towels
• White vinegar
• Water
• Dish soap
• Essential oils (optional)

How to Make It

1. Cut the paper towels to fit the container. You can use a serrated knife or scissors to do this. You may need to fold the paper towels or napkins to make them fit better.
2. Mix the vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1. For example, if you have a cup of vinegar, add a cup of water. You can also add a teaspoon of dish soap and a few drops of essential oils for fragrance and extra cleaning power. Some good choices are lemon, orange, or grapefruit oil.
3. Pour the vinegar solution over the paper towels in the container. Make sure they are fully saturated and there is no excess liquid at the bottom.
4. Close the lid and store the container in a cool and dark place. Use the wipes as needed by pulling them through the slit on the lid.

FAQs

Here are some common questions and answers about DIY disinfectant wipes.

How long do DIY disinfectant wipes last?

The shelf life of DIY disinfectant wipes depends on several factors, such as the type of ingredients, the quality of the paper towels, and the storage conditions. In general, alcohol-based and hydrogen peroxide-based wipes can last for several months, while vinegar-based wipes can last for a few weeks. However, you should always check the wipes for signs of mold, mildew, or unpleasant odor before using them. If you notice any of these, discard the wipes and make a fresh batch.

How do I use DIY disinfectant wipes correctly?

To use DIY disinfectant wipes effectively, you need to follow some basic guidelines. First, make sure the surface you want to clean is compatible with the type of wipes you have. For example, do not use vinegar-based wipes on marble or granite, as they can damage the surface. Second, wipe the surface thoroughly and evenly with the wipes, making sure to cover all the areas. Third, let the surface air dry or wipe it with a clean cloth after a few minutes. Do not rinse the surface with water, as this can reduce the disinfecting effect of the wipes.

How do I dispose of DIY disinfectant wipes?

DIY disinfectant wipes are not flushable, so do not throw them in the toilet. You can either toss them in the trash or compost them, depending on the type of wipes you have. Alcohol-based and hydrogen peroxide-based wipes are not compostable, as they contain chemicals that can harm the soil and the organisms in it. Vinegar-based wipes are compostable, as they are made of natural ingredients that can break down easily. However, you should only compost them if you used biodegradable paper towels or napkins, not synthetic ones.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your DIY disinfectant wipes.

• You can use reusable cloths instead of paper towels or napkins to make your wipes more eco-friendly. However, you will need to wash them regularly and replace them when they get worn out.
• You can use different types of containers to store your wipes, such as old baby wipe containers, coffee cans, or mason jars. Just make sure they have a tight-fitting lid and a hole or slit for dispensing the wipes.
• You can customize your wipes by adding different types of essential oils, herbs, or spices to the solution. For example, you can add cinnamon, clove, or rosemary oil for a warm and cozy scent, or peppermint, lavender, or chamomile oil for a soothing and relaxing scent.
• You can use your wipes for various purposes, such as cleaning countertops, sinks, faucets, toilets, doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, phones, toys, and more. Just make sure to avoid using them on sensitive surfaces, such as screens, lenses, or jewelry.

Conclusion

Making your own DIY disinfectant wipes is easy, cheap, and fun. You can use common household ingredients and materials to create your own wipes that can clean and sanitize your home. You can also experiment with different types of solutions, scents, and containers to suit your preferences and needs. Try making your own DIY disinfectant wipes today and enjoy a cleaner and healthier home.