How to Create Easy DIY Disinfectant Wipes for a Germ-Free Home

Sometimes, simply tidying up isn’t enough; we crave total protection against germs and illness. While cleaning removes dirt and grime from surfaces, disinfecting eliminates harmful microorganisms. Though Clorox wipes are a popular choice, they can be pricey and hard to find, especially in times of high demand. Wondering how to whip up some disinfectant wipes at home? The good news is that DIY disinfectant wipes are incredibly simple to make and much more budget-friendly than store-bought varieties.

While some recipes call for bleach or hydrogen peroxide, we prefer a method that utilizes rubbing alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide can be tricky to store due to its sensitivity to light, and bleach runs the risk of discoloring surfaces—not to mention the unpleasant odor! You might assume that a bleach-free option can’t match the effectiveness of Clorox or Lysol wipes, but here’s an interesting tidbit: both Clorox and Lysol disinfectant wipes are actually bleach-free.

One of the perks of DIY disinfectant wipes is knowing exactly what goes into them. Use these wipes to clean door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, kitchen counters, and bathroom surfaces. With Dawn dish soap to cut grease and rubbing alcohol to disinfect, you’ll achieve a sparkling clean that even shines metal fixtures!

Ingredients

1 cup water
½ cup rubbing alcohol (70% to 91% isopropyl alcohol)
1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap
1 roll of paper towels (the kind that come in half sheets) or thin rags
2 to 5 drops tea tree oil (optional)

You can choose either paper towels or cloth rags for this project! Depending on the absorbency of your chosen material, you may need to adjust the amounts.

Instructions

If using paper towels, carefully cut a roll in half with a serrated knife to create two smaller rolls. For rags, cut them into squares of your preferred size. Using pinking shears can help prevent fraying.
Place the paper towel roll into an empty baby wipes container, a Clorox/Lysol wipe box, or another plastic container. Alternatively, you can use a jar, repurposed coffee canister, or zipper storage bag.
In a bowl or measuring cup, mix the water, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and tea tree oil.
Pour the mixture around the edges of the paper towel roll, allowing it to soak up the liquid—but don’t oversaturate.
Remove the cardboard roll or use paper towels without a roll, so you can easily pull the wipes from the center.
Store the wipes in a closed container with a lid. For cloth rags, wash them after each use.

Tips

Pre-clean surfaces before using your disinfectant wipes. Allow the surface to air dry after wiping.
Use room-temperature water for your mixture.
While 70% alcohol is effective, avoid using 99% alcohol as it evaporates too quickly to disinfect properly.
If the wipes dry out, simply add more rubbing alcohol.
Experiment with different essential oils, such as lemon, eucalyptus, or lemongrass, which all have antimicrobial properties. For a Clorox-like scent, try lemon essential oil.
For travel, cut the roll into thirds and take a smaller container with you on your next family road trip!

While you may find some disinfectant recipes that include vinegar, we recommend using vinegar primarily for cleaning. It does a great job at removing grime but isn’t as effective at disinfecting as rubbing alcohol.

And remember, never use these wipes with bleach.

Now that you know how to create your own disinfectant wipes, you can stretch your dollar further when it comes to cleaning supplies around the house.

If you’re looking for alternatives to Clorox wipes, consider using rubbing alcohol or disinfectants that have an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number. They are proven effective and safe for both you and the environment. Just be cautious when using a diluted bleach solution, as inhaling it can lead to health issues.

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Summary

Creating your own DIY disinfectant wipes is an effective and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options. This simple recipe uses easily accessible ingredients like rubbing alcohol and dish soap to disinfect surfaces in your home. Remember to pre-clean surfaces, experiment with essential oils, and store your wipes properly for maximum effectiveness.

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