How to Make DIY Disinfecting Wipes (reusable + non-toxic)
I’m sharing how to make DIY disinfecting wipes that are both reusable and non-toxic. I keep these wipes on hand for kitchen messes and day-to-day cleaning. Use them to replace those Clorox wipes to save money and protect your home from harmful chemicals.
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DIY Video Tutorial
Choosing the Cloth
There’s no need to go out and purchase a brand-new towel for this DIY project. Use the one you already have in your kitchen that may be a little older or worn. Do keep in mind the texture of what you’ll be cleaning.
What’s the Disinfectant
When it comes to making a true disinfectant out of natural sources, it can feel overwhelming. But it actually doesn’t have to be!
My two favorite natural disinfectants are distilled white vinegar and pure Castile soap (liquid version). White vinegar naturally contains a high acid property that dissolves dirt and bacteria.
One worry many people have with vinegar is if it’s cleaning well enough. It has been proven to remove food-borne bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
However, for influenza bacteria, vinegar isn’t as powerful which is why we add the liquid soap!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Roll up each piece of cloth and place standing up in the jar.
When all cloths are in the jar, pour in 1 cup of vinegar (or until it fills the jar half way).
Add in liquid soap.
Fill the jar to the neck (leave space at the top) with water.
Add on a lid and shake to combine.
Ready to use right away! Wring out the cloth you’d like to use and wipe the surface you desire. When you’re finished toss it in the washing machine with your clothes or towels. Remake this DIY when all cloths are used up.
Advantages of Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
- Saves money
- Reusable so you create less trash
- Protects you from harmful chemicals
- You know what’s in them
- They clean surfaces much better than Clorox
- You can make them over and over again with your supplies rather than running to the store
FAQ
Follow along my DIY instructions to make these wipes.
Yes, they are! The vinegar and soap help clean just like a Clorox wipe but without the harsh chemicals.
Mine do. I’ve been using these instead of Clorox wipes for 2 years now and absolutely love them.
They’re not really going to go bad but I’d say use each batch within a month.
DIY Instructions
Nontoxic DIY Disinfectant Wipes
Equipment
- 6 small pieces of cloth (any kind)
- 1 glass Mason Jar
Materials
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp liquid soap (dish soap or castile soap)
- water (to fill jar)
Instructions
- Roll up each piece of cloth and place standing up in the jar.
- When all cloths are in the jar, pour in 1 cup of vinegar (or until it fills the jar half way).
- Add in liquid soap.
- Fill the jar to the neck (leave space at the top) with water.
- Add on a lid and shake to combine.
- Ready to use right away! Wring out the cloth you'd like to use and wipe the surface you desire. When you're finished toss it in the washing machine with your clothes or towels. Remake this DIY when all cloths are used up.
Great cleaner! So much cheaper than buying it.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you like these wipes, they are so easy and inexpensive to make!