DIY Disinfectant Wipes (Non Toxic & Disposable!)

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If there’s anyone regularly stocked up on various forms of disposable wipes, it’s definitely a mom on the go.

From disinfectant wipes to baby and makeup wipes, moms always have a hefty inventory of options to choose from.

But let’s admit it:

Reaching for a specific wipe meant for each individual task can be somewhat of a hassle.

Not to mention the harsh chemicals in most cleaning products today.

What if you could create an effective DIY solution for disinfectant wipes at home?  

Ones that were equally successful at killing germs, but also non-toxic, skin-friendly, and infinitely more versatile?

Good news: You can!

Today I’d like to share this easy recipe that’s perfect for moms who want a safer, more flexible option when it comes to multipurpose wipes.

Side Note: If you’re short on time, these are my favorite wipes when I don’t feel like making my own. 

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Why Make Your Own Disinfectant Wipes?

The problem with mainstream disinfectant wipes lies in the fact that their aim is to kill germs instead of just cleaning them.

You may think that it’s important to kill germs, but killing them often does more harm than good. Many of these germs are living bacteria that our bodies need in order to thrive.

Store-bought disinfectant wipes typically utilize antimicrobial pesticides in order to completely kill off these germs when simple cleaning would be just as effective.

These antimicrobial pesticides can also aggravate respiratory problems due to their harsh nature.

Besides that, most antibacterial products on the market today involve triclosan – an antibacterial agent whose widespread use is contributing to antibiotic resistance and dangerous “superbugs.”

Adapting to a more natural, non-toxic solution provides a much more gentle and overall safer option for keeping germs at bay.

Recipe: Homemade Disposable Cleaning Wipes  

• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 5 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 tsp of green soap or natural dish soap
• Roll of paper towels

Directions:

• All you need to get the process started is a roll of paper towels and an empty wipes container. Tear off each sheet from the towel roll, fold in half, and place in the wipes box.
• Mix the above ingredients together and slowly disperse them over the paper towels.
• Let it set for about 15 minutes.
• Pull the top wipe through the slotted lid of your wipes box, and enjoy disinfecting your home naturally!

For more on natural disinfection, you can read or review of natural hand sanitizers here.

Notes:

Since all of these ingredients are skin friendly, the end result is a multi-purpose disinfectant wipe that you can use in every room of your home or even just for your hands!

Your family will end up saving both time and money with this DIY solution by no longer needing different wipe varieties around the house.

For an even better budget-friendly option, you can easily make these reusable by replacing the paper towels with cut squares of flannel or cotton.

Paper towel brands vary in size and thickness. If you find the recommended solution doesn’t thoroughly soak your towels, add extra moisture by halving the recipe and adding it into your container.

The tea tree oil is optional. It’s nice because it has natural antimicrobial properties, which give your wipes extra cleansing power. It also works to prevent mold within your wipes box.

However, plenty of other essential oils have antibacterial benefits as well. If you don’t like the scent of tea tree, try lemon, wild orange, or citronella.

For other home made ideas check out our natrual glass cleaner recipe or the DIY non-toxic ant killer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this homemade wipe solution effective on bathroom surfaces?

Of course! The tea tree oil within this recipe has natural antibacterial properties for cleansing areas with high germ activity.

Are these cleaning wipes safe for infants?

Due to the presence of only natural ingredients, cleaning with these disposable wipes should not pose any immediate risk. However, it is best to be cautious of any potential allergies just in case.

What if I don’t like the smell of these wipes?

Although the scent of tea tree oil is typically regarded as pleasant, there may be some who dislike it due to it smelling like eucalyptus.

If this is the case, it is perfectly fine to incorporate other scented essential oils such as lavender or lemon, which also have natural cleansing abilities.

How do I make reusable wipes?

Easy! Just swap the paper towels with strips of cotton or microfiber cloth. When you run out, just pop the clothes in your washing machine and run like you would any other laundry cycle. Make another batch of the DIY cleaning solution and repeat the process!

RELATED READING: DIY Dishwasher Detergent!