Homemade cleaning wipes are so easy to make, create zero waste, and are much healthier for you and the environment!
Before we made the switch to natural, greener household cleaners, there was one product that lived underneath every single sink in my house: the tall plastic cylinder filled with disinfecting wipes.
You know the one. It looked a little something like this —–>
Maybe you use them too? They’re just so darn convenient, aren’t they?
A pre-soaked, tough cleaning cloth that wipes down any surface leaving it clean and disinfected? Awesome!
Except that they aren’t quite so awesome…
Why commercial wipes aren’t so awesome
They may be convenient, but those Clorox® or Lysol® disinfecting wipes can wreak havoc on your health, your home, and the environment. Here’s why:
- They’re wasteful. These wipes are the epitome of wastefulness with their single-use, toss it in the trash when you’re done philosophy. This is just terrible for the environment and not at all green or eco-friendly. We can do better than that!
- They’re toxic. These wipes contain many harsh chemicals that come with some well documented harmful side effects. Just have a look at the EWG pages for Clorox® wipes and Lysol® wipes, both of which received an overall score of “D”. I’ve also written about the dangers of bleach the main ingredient in the Clorox wipes).
- They’re expensive. Considering that we use these one time, and then toss them in the trash – and a typical cleaning job will use at least 2-3 sheets – we’re literally throwing away money every month on these things!
And that’s not even considering the issues that come with that “99% of bacteria” statement. Read my post on disinfectant sprays for more on why killing 99% of bacteria might not be so great.
What about safer commercial wipes?
Now of course there are safer commercial alternatives out there, but you’d be surprised at what you’ll find when you dig a little deeper into the brands you know and love.
For instance, one of my favorite brands, Seventh Generation – their wipes actually scored a “D” as well! In fact, when I searched the Environmental Working Group’s website for “disinfecting wipes” I only found 2 products that scored a perfect “A”: the Whole Foods Market® brand, and one from a brand I hadn’t heard of before – Greenshield Organic® (these also happen to be biodegradable).
But regardless of their safety score, these wipes are still creating waste, and they’re very expensive!
There is a better way to get the convenience of cleaning wipes without the waste and harmful side effects, and without breaking the bank…
Make your own homemade cleaning wipes!
When you see just how easy it is to make homemade cleaning wipes, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these sooner. I know I did!
First, you’ll need to decide what you’ll use for your homemade cleaning wipes.
I’ve been using a combination of old baby wash cloths and some old receiving blankets that I’ve cut up with pinking shears to about 8 inch squares. I got 16 squares out of one blanket.
You can also cut up some old t-shirts or use some thin wash cloths. A smoother fabric (like the receiving blankets or t-shirts) will be good for simple wipe downs, but the “scrubbiness” of a wash cloth works great for tougher jobs.
Whatever you use, you might have to adjust the liquid ratio to work with your specific cloths, so be ready to experiment. 🙂
Next, you’ll need to find a good container to store your homemade cleaning wipes.
I’m using a repurposed quart-sized pickle jar. A mason jar would work perfectly, or any quart-sized container with a tight-fitting lid will do. You can even use an old baby wipes container, or even your old Clorox® or Lysol® wipes tub (just make sure to wash it very well beforehand)!
Ideally, you may want to stick to glass containers if you’re using the optional essential oils, since they tend to react with plastic. However, it’s not a very high concentration, so if all you have is a plastic container, go for it!
And now for the homemade cleaning wipes solution.
There are quite a few recipe variations online, and after tweaking this recipe for many years, I’ve settled on what works for me: quick and simple.
Many of the recipes I’ve seen online use vinegar, so that’s what I initially used for a while. But then when I discovered the most simple all-purpose cleaner ever (!), I updated this homemade cleaning wipes recipe to include the secret ingredient: soap (surprise, surprise).
You can also add essential oils for antibacterial properties (suggestions are included with the recipe below), but they’re not necessary if you’re just looking to make homemade cleaning wipes.
Need extra germ-killing power for sick days or raw-meat prep? Try my disinfecting wipes—they use the same active ingredient approved by Health Canada and the EPA.
Homemade Cleaning Wipes
Equipment
- 20 Small thin cloths about 8-10 inches
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup distilled water distilled is best, but filtered tap water is fine for short term storage
- 1 tbsp liquid castile soap or natural dish soap
- 10-20 drops essential oil optional; antibacterial options include tea tree, thyme, and rosemary
Instructions
- Add water and soap to container and stir.
- Add essential oils, if using and stir to combine.
- Add cut-up cloths to container, and press down to soak up all the solution.
- Cover container, and flip it upside down to ensure all cloths are saturated with cleaning solution.
- Use as needed for quick cleanups!
Notes
I’m so happy with these homemade cleaning wipes, I’m actually kicking myself for not making them sooner!
I still love and use my all-purpose cleaner first and foremost (especially for big, tough jobs in the kitchen), but sometimes I just need a quick, pre-soaked rag to wipe down a counter or clean up the table, or ahem…give the bathroom a quick once-over before a guest arrives 😉 …and these wipes are super convenient and just perfect for that.
And when I’m done using a wipe? I just toss it into a small bin in the laundry room where they wait with my microfiber cloths until wash day!
I also made a second jar of wipes to use in the bathroom, which helps remind me to wipe it down every couple of days. Bonus: I can stretch out the time between deep cleanings this way!
The old recipe
A few readers have commented and emailed me asking for the old recipe I posted back in 2016. Although I no longer use this one, I’m including it here just in case you prefer that one:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil (antibacterial)
- 15 drops other essential oils (to round out the scent)
Very useful! I am just wondering how long you can store distilled vs filtered water solutions?
It depends on a lot of factors, but if you’re storing for longer than a week or two, I would go with distilled water for sure. Also, storing in the fridge will increase shelf life. And you can always do a smell/look test. If the solution smells “off” or looks “cloudy” then toss it.
Hi does your new disinfectant help with all germs around your home as I have been using a well known kitchen brand but the fumes really make me cough and I’m trying to be greener in my home.
Hi Becky, this post is for cleaning wipes, not a disinfectant. For disinfectant options, you can check out my other post here.
For a disinfecting wipe, you can also try this very simple recipe.
Quick question. I noticed the recipe has real soap in it. Does this mean we should be rinsing off the surface we clean with these wipes as well? Or since its on a TBSP in the whole jar, does it not leave any soap residue behind?
I didn’t see anything about that mentioned in your article so I thought I’d ask.
Thanks!!!
It’s a small amount of soap, so it doesn’t really leave any residue behind, and does not need to be rinsed off.
I love the original recipe and use these wipes everyday in my home. Why did you change it?
I’m so glad, Lauren! I’ve found that adding the soap makes it a better cleaner. And you can’t add castile soap and vinegar together, so I’ve been leaving out the vinegar, and found that I love the new recipe even more.
Estoy muy agradecida de que compartas todas tus recetas, y más en estos momentos de locura. Una pregunta. Está combinación de ingredientes, se podría poner en una botella de atomizador para rociar en lugar de humedecer trapos?
Thank you for your message and I’m so glad you’re finding the recipes useful. If you would prefer to use a spray bottle, you can make an all-purpose cleaner like this one or this one. I hope that helps!
Love your ideas and kids are also starting to green living without me even speaking to them about it!
Yay! That makes me so happy when I see kids jumping on board on their own. 🙂
how long are they good for sitting in jar? Just want to avoid any mold smells or anything.
If you use water straight from the tap, you could probably go about 2 weeks before they start to smell “off”. That’s why I recommend to use distilled water, which has been purified of any contaminants, which will last for even longer. My jars are usually finished within 4 weeks or so before I need to make a new batch.
Do you have to use the oil’s or can u leave them out?
The oils just add to the cleaning power, but you can leave them out and still have a pretty good cleaning wipe. 🙂
Thanks you for the recipe, just wondering if you can use demineralised water instead of distilled in this recipe for longevity ?
Yes, absolutely!
thank you for this recipe. I’ve been meaning to try something like this for ages. What a saving as well!
Wonderful, Jeannette! So glad you loved it.
But alcohol is prohibited in islam in any form. We can not use purfumes bcoz they r loaded with alcohol. Can i use hydrogen per oxide istead of alcohol for this recipe.
We are not ingesting the alcohol in this recipe, so I’m comfortable using it here. Hydrogen peroxide will lose it’s effectiveness over time as it’s exposed to light, so I wouldn’t recommend it in this recipe.
Love these! I’m just getting into cleaning naturally, and this is the first thing I have made. Made two batches- bathroom and kitchen/everything else.
Just a quick question- can I toss these in with regular laundry? I have an 11 month old, almost a year. I’ve been using oils from plant therapy, and kidsafe when possible..
That’s awesome, Brittany! You should be able to wash these with regular laundry. Although, personally, I toss them in with our loads of towels.
Hi great idea! I’ll definitely be making these. What do you suggest for cleaning glass stove tops? I do a deep clean every week or two but just the daily splashes of oil and sauces. Thanks!
These wipes would work great for that! Or you can wipe down daily with my easy all-surface spray.
Great useful tips. As I was using natural cleaning wipes made from bamboo, which is biodegradable. Here I got awesome tips to make my own cleaning wipes, and sure will try and let you know the result.
Great post. I had all these ingredients so have wasted no time in trying it out. Love your approach to natural solutions!
Woot! Go you!
Alcohol will damage varnish. Sad but true! I have many varnished surfaces in my home, so I’ve had to separate my cleaners according to “varnished” and “unvarnished” surfaces
Wow!!! I love this post!! Amazing!!! Great job and thanks for sharing!
Yay, so glad it was helpful for you!
Can I use hydrogen peroxide?
Peroxide loses it’s effectiveness if it’s exposed to light or air, so I would probably say no.
If you are washing your “wipes” is it necessary to have a specific cloth for bathroom vs kitchen? Thanks! Love the recipe!
No, not necessary. I’m just overly creeped out by bathroom germs LOL.
How quickly should these get used up? Would the cloths get moldy if left in the jar for a while?
If I use tap water, they last a good 2 weeks in my house before they start to smell “off”
Hi, do you think i can store this in the fridge? you think this can prolong how long the wipes will last?
thank you!
That would help a bit, but I find the safest way to have them last long is to use distilled water which has been purified of any contaminants.
These wipes are better than any commercial brand !! I love them !! So easy to do!! I keep a container in the kitchen and bathrooms for everyday wiping down.
Yes! So glad you’re loving them, Theresa!
Why do you add the essential oils? Is it just for smell or do they have a part in cleaning and disinfecting?
Originally, it is for the smell because the alcohol and vinegar can be very strong. But these specific oils also do have a low level of disinfecting properties as well.
Very helpful article. I have all that ingredients at home but why I didn’t never made homemade cleaning wipes I really don’t know. They can be used really everywhere! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I know of a better solution for all cleaning products! Check out Nue Clean! It’s an Australian company that combine the use of salt, water and electricity to make 3 different cleaning solutions that are 100% safe for you and the environment
That’s very interesting, Elizabeth. Haven’t heard of this before!
Can I use these on leather sofas ? Thanks !!
Hmm, I never thought of that! But I would worry about the alcohol on the leather sofas. I’ve seen recipes for vinegar and olive oil to clean and condition leather, but haven’t tried them. I’m going to have to think about this and do some experimenting now. 🙂
Vinegar will etch stone countertops. Do you have an alternative suggestion?
Ooh, forgot about that – thanks for the reminder to add that info to the post! I have a post for a cleaning spray that’s just for granite and other stone countertops, which uses just water, alcohol, soap, and essential oils. You could try that one and maybe adjust the ratios a bit? I’ll have to try that one time, but if you try it before I do, please let us know how it goes!
https://naturesnurture.co/natural-homemade-granite-cleaner/
Also, one of the links at the end of my post up there (from Live Renewed) has an alternative version that just uses water and some castile soap, so that’s another option to try as well. Here’s that link again: http://www.liverenewed.com/2012/10/31-days-to-green-clean-homemade-disinfecting-wipes-updated.html
What is rubbing alcohol? What do I by in UK?
It’s also called isopropyl alcohol. You get it from the drug store and use it to clean wounds and such. I just did a search online, and it looks like it might be called surgical spirit? Just ask for it at the counter of your pharmacy. Hope that helps!
I also reuse old flannel sheets that have become too holey. I use them for rags, dishtowels, “paper” towels, dog wipes and just throw them in with the wash. I never have to buy and toss again.
Oh, flannel sheets sounds like the perfect texture for these wipes!
Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed so put it under lock and key if you have small kids.
Oh absolutely, keep all essential oils out of reach of children!