The Farmers Touch Disinfectant Wipes
In this post: If you want to learn how to make DIY disinfectant wipes that can be washed and reused, then you will love this recipe for REUSABLE DIY “Clorox”- type wipes! They even smell lemony-fresh!
The great thing about store-bought disinfectant wipes is that you know you are getting something clean when you use them. The bad thing about those same wipes is that they can cost a fair amount and they are going to our landfill because they can’t be reused. They have a place and a purpose for sure.
But if you want to learn how to make cleaning and DIY disinfectant wipes that can be washed and reused, then you will love this recipe for REUSABLE DIY “Clorox”-type wipes!
The Difference Between Cleansing and Disinfecting
There is definitely a difference between cleaning a surface and disinfecting it.
According to Wikipedia:
“Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms…”
“The term cleanser refers to a product that cleans or removes dirt or other substances.”
What About Essential Oils?
Some essential oils are said to have antiviral properties, along with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
An article in the American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products suggests that some essential oils may help fight flu viruses, though more research is necessary [source1, source2].
However, I’m including a list of possibleantiviral/antibacterial/antifungal essential oils here, in case you’d like to add them to your wipes for their scent or potential anti-germ properties:
bergamot oil
eucalyptus oil
red thyme
cinnamon leaf
lemon
rosemary
peppermint
tea tree
How to Make DIY Disinfectant Wipes
Materials
2 cups rubbing alcohol (at least 70% alcohol)
2-3 tsp Dawn dishwashing soap (adjust the amount to suit)
10 drops Lemon (or other) Essential Oil (for scent)
10 Washcloths
Glass jar (with sealing lid so alcohol doesn’t evaporate)
Note: Again, the CDC and others recommend wiping down frequently used surfaces daily, using a disinfectant with at least 70% alcohol (in order for them to be effective).
Instructions
1. First decide how large you want your DIY disinfectant wipes. I cut most of my washcloths in half, but I left some full size for larger jobs.
2. Fill your jar with the washcloths.
3. In a bowl, mix together, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and lemon essential oil. And add any additional essential oils for additional scent.
4. Pour the cleaning mix into the jar over the washcloths.
5. Put the lid on and use wipes as needed. After your rags are dirty, just throw them in the washing machine and remake them as necessary!How to Use Your DIY Disinfectant Wipes To use the wipes, wipe down high-touch, hard surfaces and leave ten minutes to dry.
Surfaces to Clean with Disinfectant Wipes The following are surfaces that are frequently touched throughout the day, and as such should be cleaned often:
tables
doorknobs
light switches
countertops
handles
desks
phones
keyboards
toilets,
faucets
sinks
etc.
Hi all!
Okay, so here’s the thing. I’m not a scientist or a doctor. I’m just a partner and mom. My heart is to provide what little help I can in all this.
This wipes recipe was created years ago, before everything that’s currently happening. The wipes definitely clean surfaces. And I’ve updated the “recipe” with the latest info.
Does that mean they will kill everything? Not necessarily.
But they can help if you don’t have or can’t get the store-bought disinfecting wipes.
And they are washable, so they save waste. know we are all confused and stressed and doing the best we each can. Please use common sense and use what resources you have well. If that means you increase the alcohol to make yourself more comfortable, by all means, do that.
Regular soap and warm water is said to destroy the current bug, so that could work too.
I really don’t have all the answers. But I hope the projects and things I have created here help you.
XoXo
BethAnn
