I’m about to get on a plane to fly across the country. And of course, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. I am not usually a germaphobe, but my mom sent this picture:
And I have to admit, I panicked. Just a little. Well… maybe not panicked, but I did get a little more concerned. I think it is probably time to take a few extra precautions beyond social distancing and hand washing. I wanted to have something to wipe down the tray table and other common areas near me.
And, yes, I am aware that COV-19 is a virus, and anti-bacterial wipes won’t work at all, but a clean surface is a clean surface. Just the action of wiping with water has been shown to reduce some infective viruses. And, I will admit, I love the placebo effect. So, off to the airport I go with my DIY reusable, non-toxic disinfecting wipes!
It is also time for me to keep a stash of these in the car to clean up after messy kids, have around the house for quick cleanups, and in my purse, just in case. I see disinfecting wipes all over now, but I don’t like the idea of using known toxins to get rid of both the good and bad bacteria or wiping down a dirty surface with a toxic wipe. Seems a little silly to solve one problem with another.
So… I made my own. With ingredients I know and trust, and wipes that won’t head straight into a landfill.
Also, they are WAAAAYYYY cheaper. File this in the “awesome things that are better for the earth, work better, are healthier, and cheaper” category. My favorite category.
Why Not Just Use Store Bought?
Well… So many reasons. They have undisclosed ingredients, often contain carcinogens, hormone and endocrine disruptors, and respiratory irritants. No thank you! They can kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, and are really drying. For more on non-toxic cleaning, take a look at my guide to cleaning your home without toxins. Notice, I don’t use any wipes!
Every store-bought wipe is ranked a ‘C’ or below by the EWG.
This just isn’t good enough for my family. Or yours!
Yes, they may be great on surfaces, but you have to handle them in order to use them. Not great.
And, not only do the ingredients pollute your home’s air and are hard on your family’s systems, they are so wasteful. One wipe and in the trash. Completely unnecessary.
So… the answer is DIY reusable, non-toxic disinfecting wipes.
How to Make DIY Reusable, Non-Toxic Disinfecting Wipes
First things first, these are super easy and only require a few items and a few minutes:
- 1 cup of vodka (I sent my husband to the store with the instructions: highest proof, cheapest vodka that comes in glass that you can find)
- Old tee shirts or other rags (hit up that clothing recycle bag that you keep in the house). Some people suggest getting double ply rags and sewing them together. I will admit, I love this idea but don’t love the idea of pulling out my sewing machine for anything other than Halloween. So, I just used old shirts.
- 3 tablespoons of castile soap. I use Dr. Bronner’s because we always have it on hand.
- 30 – 50 drops of your favorite essential oils. I am using Tea tree mixed with lavender. Tea tree to disinfect, lavender to calm me down.
- A sterilized mason jar (or other storage container). I am using Stasher bags for my flight, not perfect, but I don’t want to carry around a glass jar in my carry on. I worry about what TSA might have to say about it!
A note about some of the recipes I’ve seen online: Do not mix vinegar and castile soap. One is an acid and the other is a base. While individually, both are awesome cleaners, together they cancel each other out and you’ll end up with an oily, curdled mess. Want more info on this? Take a look at what Lisa Bronner (of Dr. Bronner’s) has to say. Dr. Bronner’s + vinegar, one after the other is awesome. Together – just gross.
Essential Oils:
You can skip the essential oils if you want, they just add to the scent and have been shown to be anti-viral, but I don’t think they are necessary, especially if you are sensitive to them. If you decide to use essential oils, the following oils show anti-viral activity:
- Eucalyptus (I won’t use this one for now, because it isn’t safe for little kids)
- Frankincense
- Tea tree
- Cinnamon leaf
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lemon oil
Of course, no amount of essential oils or disinfecting wipes will kill everything. They also do not take the place of good hygiene and self-care, so get enough sleep, stop touching your face, and wash wash wash your hands! Ok, disclosure over.
DIY Reusable, Non-toxic Disinfecting Wipes
Notes
A few important things to consider….
These will not last forever, like your traditional wipes. They should last about three to four weeks if stored properly. Also, please note that essential oils can be irritating to some people. Eucalyptus and some other “hot” oils shouldn’t be used around little kids (which is why I am not using any in this recipe – even though it is one of my favorites and smells soooo clean!).
If you have little ones, are pregnant, or have respiratory issues of any kind, please talk to your health care professional before using essential oils. I love them, but I am not an expert!
Also, essential oils are not proven to cure anything. I believe in their power, but I also know that proper self-care and following the advice of medical professionals is imperative.
Ingredients
- 1 cup high proof vodka (nothing fancy!)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons castile soap
- 30 – 50 drops of your favorite anti-viral essential oils (optional). I chose:
- – 20 drops of tea tree
- – 20 drops of lemon oil
- – 10 drops of lavender
- but any combination of the suggested anti-viral oil will work.
- Old t-shirt or other rags, cut into squares
- Sterilized jar with lid
- Label
Instructions
- Cut your t-shirt or other clothes into 4 – 6″ squares (or a size that feels right to you). If you choose to use double-ply, sew them together at the ends, and maybe add a seam or two through the middle.
- Add vodka to the jar.
- Add your chosen essential oils and shake the jar vigorously. The oils should combine pretty easily with the vodka.
- Add your soap and swirl it around (shaking will make it a little bubbly).
- Roll your squares into little logs.
- Add to the jar.
- Swirl again to soak the cloths.
- Store in a cool dark place, like under the kitchen or bathroom sink.
- Wipe up your messes without worrying about toxins and waste! Woohoo!
