Wipes cost too much. Store-bought cleaning wipes empty your wallet fast. Each month, families spend extra cash on products that end up in landfills after just one use.
You can make better wipes at home! DIY cleaning wipes save money, help the planet, and let you pick what goes on your counters.
With items you already own and a few simple steps, you’ll have cleaning wipes that work just as well as the pricey ones.
This blog post shows you how to make cleaning wipes that fit your budget, your cleaning needs, and your life.
Why Make Your Own Cleaning Wipes?
Making your own cleaning wipes puts money back in your pocket. A pack of store-bought wipes costs about $4-$6 and lasts only a few weeks.
Homemade wipes cost less than $1 per batch and clean just as well. For a family that uses two packs monthly, that adds up to over $100 in yearly savings.
Your hands and the earth will thank you, too. Commercial wipes contain strong chemicals that can cause skin rashes and breathing issues for some people. When you make them at home, you choose what touches your surfaces and hands.
Plus, those plastic containers add up in landfills.
Supplies List for DIY Cleaning Wipes
Getting started with DIY cleaning wipes is simple. You only need a few basic items that you probably already have around your house.
Let’s look at what you’ll need to make your first batch of budget-friendly wipes.
| Tools and Materials | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper Towels | A full roll (Viva or sturdy brand) |
| Serrated Knife or Scissors | To cut the paper towels in half |
| Container with Lid | To store the wipes (seal tightly) |
| Measuring Cup | For measuring water |
| Thieves Household Cleaner | 1 ounce |
| Tea Tree Oil | 10 drops |
| Warm Water | 1 and 3/4 cups |
Make Your Cleaning Wipes in Easy Steps
The process of creating your cleaning wipes takes just minutes from start to finish. Anyone can do it, even if you’ve never made cleaning products before.
Follow these steps to have fresh, effective wipes ready to use today.
1. Gather Your Materials
Start by preparing all the materials you’ll need: a roll of paper towels, warm water, Thieves household cleaner, tea tree oil, and a container with a lid to store your wipes.
You can choose any kind of paper towels, but thicker ones like Viva work especially well for these wipes.
2. Cut the Paper Towels
Next, carefully cut the entire roll of paper towels in half. This step is a little time-consuming, but it’s worth it. Make sure the cut is clean and even so that the wipes can easily pull out when you need them.
3. Prepare the Liquid Mixture
Now, in your container, pour 1 and 3/4 cups of warm water. Add about an ounce of Thieves household cleaner. This is the base for your wipes’ cleaning power.
Then, add around 10 drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil not only provides a lovely natural scent, but it’s also great for its antibacterial properties. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
4. Soak the Paper Towels
Place the cut side of the paper towel roll into the liquid mixture, making sure it’s fully submerged.
Allow the paper towels to soak up the liquid for about 10 to 15 minutes. The longer they sit, the more thoroughly the liquid will soak in.
5. Pull out The Paper Towels and Use Them
Once the paper towels are completely soaked, carefully pull the roll out from the center. You may need to give it a little wiggle to get it started.
Once removed, you can easily pull the wipes from the roll. Tear them off at the cut lines and use them for quick cleaning in the kitchen, bathroom, or even on your washer and dryer!
For a detailed tutorial on making DIY cleaning wipes, check out the YouTube video below:
Eco-Friendly Options and Customization Tips
Making your wipes more earth-friendly and suited to your needs is easy with a few tweaks. Old t-shirts, worn-out flannel sheets, and baby cloths make perfect reusable wipe material.
Simply cut them into 6-inch squares, and you’ll never need to buy paper towels again. Wash and reuse them up to 50 times before they need replacing. You can change your wipes to fit any cleaning job:
- For bathroom wipes, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your mix. It helps scrub away soap scum without scratching surfaces.
- Kitchen wipes work better with a splash of lemon juice added. The acid cuts through cooking grease and food stains while leaving a fresh smell.
- For baby-safe wipes, use only water, a drop of mild baby soap, and a touch of coconut oil. This gentle mix cleans without harsh items that might harm tiny hands.
- Winter wipes can include a few drops of pine or cinnamon oils to bring seasonal scents into your home while cleaning.
- To boost germ-fighting power, mix in a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with your base solution before adding it to your clothes.
Avoid Mistakes: Tips and Fixes for DIY Wipes
Keeping your homemade wipes fresh and effective takes a bit of know-how. Here are some key tips to avoid common issues:
- Store wipes in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out too quickly. If they do dry, simply add a bit more liquid mixture and shake the container well.
- Change your wipes every 2-3 weeks, even if they look fine. This helps stop any mold growth before it starts. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil also works as a natural mold fighter.
- For sensitive skin, skip the essential oils and use plain white vinegar instead. You can also cut the soap amount in half for a gentler mix that won’t cause redness or irritation.
- Test your solution on a small area of each surface type before using wipes widely. Some mixtures might affect certain finishes.
- If your wipes smell too strong, try cutting back on vinegar and adding more water. The smell usually fades as the wipes dry on surfaces.
Many people ask if homemade wipes kill germs as well as store brands. While they don’t contain harsh chemicals, the combination of vinegar and soap does remove most household dirt and many germs.
For areas needing deeper cleaning, you might want a second step after wiping.
Conclusion
Making DIY cleaning wipes saves money while helping the planet. A few simple items from your home turn into effective cleaners that cost pennies instead of dollars.
You control what goes into them, keeping harsh chemicals away from your family and pets.
Now that you have the steps, why not give it a try this weekend? Start with a small batch to see how you like them. You might never go back to store-bought wipes again!
What other homemade cleaning products do you use?
Your ideas might help others who are just starting their DIY cleaning path. Share your success stories or ask questions in the comments below.
