Homemade Cleaning Wipes with Free Labels

Homemade cleaning wipes can be one more step in staying healthy during a virus outbreak along with washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, not touching your face, and wiping down frequently used surfaces.

You can make a variety of homemade cleaning products.  Check out my favorite shower cleaner, you only need dish soap and vinegar. You can even unclog a drain without harmful chemicals

You have probably found cleaning supplies have been sold out everywhere due to popular demand. No worries you can actually make your own cheaply.

Homemade Cleaning Wipes Supplies

These homemade wipes only take a few ingredients and work great.

Alcohol

Not the kind you drink.  It must be Isopropyl alcohol.  I used 91%

Essential Oils

The drops of essential oils not only make you homemade cleaning wipes smell great they provide antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties depending on which oils you choose.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can kill viruses and be used on multiple surfaces. It is effective as bleach but safer. In fact, a spray bottle filled with hydrogen peroxide may be all you need!

Container

Typically it is best to use glass containers with essential oils. For ease in this recipe, I found a food-safe, BPA free plastic container at the dollar store.  I wanted something that would hold half a roll of paper towels without having to remove the towels and fold them. However, the best container is glass.

Paper Towels

I bought an average brand of paper towels. I have read that three-ply paper towels come apart.

How do you make disinFecting wipes?

Here’s how you make your own cleaning wipes. Cut paper towels in half with a knife.  I used a serrated knife to make this easier.  Carefully remove the cardboard tube.

To make the homemade cleaning wipes solution mix together, 1 cup at least 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide, 20 drops tea tree oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops eucalyptus (or oils of your choice from the list). I also like cedarwood and cinnamon. I substitute them in place of one of the oils. Just shoot for about 50-75 drops of essential oils.

Adjust the essential oils for your own preference.  Feel free to use whatever combination you like.  I have included a list of essential oils and their properties below.

Place the paper towels inside the container and pour the mixture over the paper towels. Let paper towels soak up the mixture for a couple of hours and you’re done!

Note:

• I can’t guarantee these wipes are 100% antibacterial.  The CDC recommends the Alcohol solution has at least 70% alcohol. Omitting the water and replacing it with alcohol in this recipe might do the trick, but I am not an expert.   For me, I am using these for simple cleaning in my home and am not concerned. I also believe in the power of essential oils. I am not a huge fan of the alcohol and when the coronavirus is under control I will be using vinegar instead of alcohol.
• I would not count on these wipes to keep you safe from viruses! Look to the CDC for guidelines on how to protect yourself from the virus.
• My favorite antibacterial cleaner by far is Thieves. It is a true winner in my book.
• These wipes may not have the same efficiency of Clorox wipes but I do feel my home is clean and disinfected.

DIY LABELS

It is important to label all cleaning supplies.

Download the Homemade Cleaning Wipes Label,  print on full sheet label paper.  Often the ink from the copy can smear.  To keep this from happening in used clear packing tape to cover the label.

Use a three inch circle punch to cut out the label.

Attach the label to the top of the lid or to the front of the container.

How to Use the DIY Cleaning Wipes

These wipes are great on non-porous hard surfaces. I use them on:

• countertops (test on your counter before using)
• cabinet door and knobs
• light switches
• handles
• faucets
• sinks
• toilets
• cell phones
• remove controls
• computer keyboard
• computer mouse
• desks

Essential Oils for Disinfecting

Here are essential oils that have disinfecting, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and or deodorizing properties.

• Tea tree – Cleanses the skin and purifies the air. Strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities It blends well with lavender and lemon
• Lavender – Makes a non-toxic air freshener, It is also antibacterial and antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal.
• Geranium – Antibacterial and antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal.
• Lemon –  Aromatic disinfectant. Mixes well with eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender.
• Orange – Antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral.
• Eucalyptus – Powerful antiseptic. Mixes well with peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils.
• Rosemary – Antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties
• Cinnamon essential oil -It has a pleasing scent and also  powerful antibacterial properties
• Clove – Antibacterial and antifungal. properties can help disinfect the home,
• Thyme -Protects from bacteria and other environmental threats., It is even potent enough to inhibit the salmonella.
• Peppermint -Potent antibacterial properties can be used for disinfecting surfaces and repelling insects
• Oregano – Disinfect and refreshes. The antiseptic nature of oregano will help you keep harmful E. coli out of the kitchen. Mixes well tea tree, rosemary, and lavender.
• Cedarwood – Antimicrobial, antiseptic, disinfecting and antifungal.

We are also diffusing essential oils to help purify our air and boost our immune system. Clove is a good one to diffuse. The airborne particles of oil will help boost the immune system and give you a better chance at fighting bacteria and viruses. It mixes well with cinnamon, lemon, lavender, and rosemary. A study found that diffused Thieves essential oil significantly lowered the airborne levels of three different types of bacteria. Learn more about essential oils.

UPDATE:

After using blue shop towels for my filter mask pattern. I think those blue shop towels would make really durable wipes. Sometimes I feel like the paper towels I had used had a bit more weight.  I think these will be a great solution, Stay tunned I will let you know.

So Many More Things You Can Make!

• Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe {Free Labels}
• Cold & Hot Comfort Bags
• Coconut Oil Whipped Body Butter {with printable labels}
• Hanging Towel Tutorial
• Easy Face Mask Pattern