The Inconvenient Truth About Conventional Cleaning Wipes
You know the ones I’m talking about – those tall plastic cylinders filled with disinfecting wipes that seem to live underneath every sink in the house. 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, they’re really not all that awesome. Those Clorox® or Lysol® disinfecting wipes may be convenient, but they can wreak havoc on your health, your home, and the environment.
Stores are sold out of Clorox and Lysol wipes everywhere right now. And for good reason – those products are chock-full of harsh chemicals that you really don’t want your family exposed to.
Homemade Cleaning Wipes to the Rescue!
But don’t worry, my friend. There’s a better way to get the convenience of cleaning wipes without the waste and harmful side effects, and without breaking the bank. And it’s surprisingly easy to make your own DIY cleaning wipes right at home.
I’ve been using a combination of old baby washcloths and some thin receiving blankets that I’ve cut up with pinking shears into about 8-inch squares. You can also use old t-shirts or thin washcloths. Just experiment to see what fabric works best for your needs.
It’s actually way cheaper to make them than buying at the store. And the best part? You can customize the cleaning solution to suit your preferences and needs.
The Simple DIY Cleaning Wipe Recipe
Here’s the easy-peasy recipe I use:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup distilled water
– 1 tablespoon castile soap
– 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
– 10-15 drops of essential oils (optional – I like lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil)
Instructions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a quart-sized jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Add your cut-up fabric squares and make sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to fully absorb the solution.
4. Use the wipes as needed, and toss them in the laundry when you’re done.
Stores are sold out of clorox and lysol wipes everywhere right now. So in a pinch, these homemade wipes will get your home spic and span while being much healthier for you and the planet.
The Benefits of DIY Cleaning Wipes
Not only are these DIY cleaning wipes super easy and inexpensive to make, but they also offer a host of other benefits compared to their store-bought counterparts:
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No Harsh Chemicals: The cleaning solution is made with simple, natural ingredients like castile soap and essential oils. No bleach, parabens, or other nasty chemicals here.
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Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your specific needs and preferences. Want a little extra cleaning power? Add more soap. Prefer a citrusy scent? Go for lemon or orange essential oils.
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Reusable and Eco-Friendly: These wipes are made from repurposed fabric, so they create zero waste. Just toss them in the laundry when you’re done and use them over and over again.
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Cost-Effective: Making your own cleaning wipes is way cheaper than buying them at the store. The whole batch costs just a few bucks to make.
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Convenient and Versatile: Just like the store-bought versions, these DIY wipes are perfect for quick clean-ups around the house. But because they’re reusable, you can use them for all sorts of tasks, from wiping down countertops to spot-cleaning the bathroom.
Homemade Cleaning Wipes = Cleaning Game-Changer
When I first discovered how easy it is to make my own cleaning wipes, I honestly wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner. These babies have become a total game-changer in my cleaning routine.
I still love and use my Adam’s all-purpose cleaner for the 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. And these homemade wipes are perfect for that.
I’ve even made a second jar specifically for the bathroom, which helps remind me to give it a quick wipe-down every couple of days. Bonus: I can stretch out the time between deep cleanings this way!
So if you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly way to keep your home clean and fresh, I highly recommend giving these DIY cleaning wipes a try. Your wallet and your family’s health will thank you.
