Learn how to make DIY disinfecting wipes with 70% alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. These homemade Lysol wipes disinfect your home to kill germs. Use paper towels or make reusable cloths as an ecofriendly option.

I used to use a lot of disinfecting wipes. I like the convenience of them. I can keep a can in the bath or in the kitchen for a quick cleanup without having to get out a rag and a cleaner.

I've been more conscience about using ecofriendly products lately, so I've been making my own DIY disinfecting wipes. I made my own cloths, so they are reusable and have zero waste.

These disinfecting wipes can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere in the home. These are for disinfecting nonporous surfaces, so don't use them on fabrics.

I made reusable cloths for my wipes, but you can use paper towels or just cut up fabric.

DIY Disinfecting Wipes With Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide

According to the CDC, you must use 70 percent high or higher percentage alcohol. That means you should use 70 percent rubbing alcohol or a vodka or grain alcohol that is higher than 140 proof. Everclear is a good option.

Cleaning VS Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting aren't the same thing. When you clean, you'll remove food, dirt, and oils from the surface. Disinfecting means killing germs and viruses from the surface.

If you disinfect without cleaning, the alcohol and hydrogen peroxide from these DIY disinfecting wipes can't reach the surface to properly disinfect.

How to Disinfect

These DIY disinfecting wipes have a high percentage of alcohol, so they can dry out your skin. Besides, if you're disinfecting, you don't want to transfer germs to your hands. Wear disposable gloves and discard them after cleaning and disinfecting.

If the surface is visibly dirty, clean it with soap or detergent and water before disinfecting.

These wipes are meant to be used on hard, nonporous surfaces. This includes:

tables
chairs
counters
doorknobs
light switches
remotes
handles
toilets
desks
sinks

These wipes are not recommended for fabric, carpets, clothing, or soft surfaces.

Alcohol

The CDC recommends using at least a 70 percent alcohol solution to disinfect. I made this recipe simple and used a 70 percent rubbing alcohol, but you can also use 91 or 99 percent rubbing alcohol.

Since this recipe doesn't have water in it and is only diluted with 1/4 teaspoon plus 17 drops of essential oils, you can safely use a 70 percent alcohol or a higher percent like 91 or 99.

Rubbing alcohol can dry out your skin. It can also cause redness or a rash for some people. Inhaling the fumes can cause nausea or headaches, so always wear gloves and use in a well ventilated area.

You can also use a high proof vodka or other grain alcohol. Look for one that is 140 proof or higher because it will be 70 percent alcohol.

Good ones to look for are:

Everclear 190 proof
Golden Grain 190 proof
Spirytus vodka 192 proof

Hydrogen Peroxide

Adding hydrogen peroxide is optional since the 70 percent alcohol solution is sufficient to disinfect. However, there have been studies that show that 0.5 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide can inactivate viruses.

Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some fabrics. This is probably too low of a percentage to do so, but I still caution against getting this on your couch or clothes.

Essential Oils

While some essential oils are shown to have antimicrobial properties, I would not rely on them to disinfect. For the purpose of this recipe, they are for scent only. The alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are what will disinfect.

That said, I still use a germ fighting blend even though I am not relying on the oils to disinfect. You can learn how to make a Thieves oil blend at home and use that.

I also recommend the Defender Blend from Simply Earth, which is similar to Thieves oil. Plant Therapy's version is called Germ Fighter, and they have Germ Destroyer as a kid safe blend.

You can also add one of the following oils or make a blend with them:

Lavender (kid safe 2+)
Lemon (kid safe 2+
Tea Tree (kid safe 2+)
Eucalyptus (kid safe 10+)
Clove (kid safe 10+)
Peppermint (kid safe 10+)
Thyme (kid safe 10+)
Cinnamon (kid safe 10+)
Rosemary (kid safe 10+)
Orange (kid safe 2+)

Reusable Cloths

I made my own flannel reusable cloths. You can see the full directions to learn how to make DIY reusable cloth wipes here. I like these because they hold up well to washing, so they can be reused many, many times.

You can also cut pieces of cloth with pinking shears and use that for your wipes. I cut them about 8 inches by 8 inches, but you can cut to your preference. If you don't sew them, they will be thin and can unravel. However, if you are cutting a sheet or towel or even a shirt, you are still upcycling and helping the planet.

If you don't want to sew, you can use a thick paper towel. I use a bread knife to cut them in half for double the wipes.

DIY Disinfecting Wipes Container

I used a small glass jar. You can also reuse a clean coffee can, a quart wide mouth mason jar, or even a baby wipes container.

I created this recipe by the cup so it's easy to make more for a larger container. Feel free to double or triple it for your needs.

You can also store leftover solution in a mason jar to refill your container.

Supplies for Disinfecting Solution

1 cup 70 percent or higher alcohol
1/4 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
17 drops essential oils
Airtight container

Directions for Disinfecting Solution

Step #1

Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

Step #2

Place the fabric square in the container. Pour the disinfecting solution into the container and fill 3/4 full.

Step #3

To use, grab a wipe and squeeze out excess disinfecting solution. Use to disinfect then launder the wipe and place back in the disinfecting solution.

Add more disinfecting solution as needed.

Have you make DIY disinfecting wipes before?

diy, disinfecting, cleaning, wipes

Yield: 1 container

Author: Cari @ Everything Pretty

Estimated cost: $5