When I first started making my own cleaning products, the first thing I replaced was cleaning wipes. This DIY Cleaning Wipes recipe is incredibly easy to make, and best of all, they are reusable. Just pop them into the washing machine and you can use them over and over again; saving you a lot of money!
I’m actually updating a very old post today. About a week into blogging, I shared a recipe for homemade cleaning wipes, and today I’ve got an updated version. I have been using these wipes for years, and I simply love them. I use them to wipe down toilets, door handles, light switches… you name it.
What You Need to Make Your Own Reusable Cleaning Wipes
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Ingredients Needed to Make DIY Cleaning Wipes
- Distilled Water– I always recommend using distilled water when making your own cleaning solutions as tap water contains impurities that can cause bacterial growth over time.
- Rubbing Alcohol– You can use either 70% or 91%
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Immune Supporting Essential Oil Blend (Optional)- Not sure where to buy essential oils? Check out this post.
Supplies Needed to Make Homemade Cleaning Wipes
- Mason Jar (or other glass container with a lid)- For storage. Cleaning solutions that contain essential oils should not be stored in plastic as some essential oils will actually break down the plastic container. I always use glass, but you can also store the solution in a ceramic container.
- Cleaning Cloths– You can certainly buy cleaning cloths to use in this recipe, however, I used an old t-shirt and cut it into 14 squares that measured about 8″ x 8″ and they work perfectly.
- Glass Liquid Measuring Cup
How to Make DIY Cleaning Wipes
The following recipes will make 14 (8″x8″) cleaning wipes made from t-shirt cotton. You can also buy microfiber cleaning cloths or t-shirt cleaning cloths, using them at full size or cutting them smaller. Just know that you may need more solution (simply double the recipe) if you are using thicker or bigger cloths.
In your glass measuring cup, mix together 2 Tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 15-20 drops of Immune Supporting Essential Oil.
After this is thoroughly mixed, add 1/2 cup distilled water and 1 Tablespoon dish soap. Stir until combined.
Put your cloth pieces into your glass storage container and pour the mixture over the cloths. Put the lid on the container so the wipes don’t dry out, and allow a little time for the cloths to absorb the liquid.
That’s it! You’re ready to clean.
Prior to using any cleaning product, it is highly recommended that you test the solution on a small area to make sure there is no undesired change to your finish. For more, please see our disclaimer statement.
Once used, you can toss the cloth pieces into the washing machine and wash in a hot cycle, along with your towels. Simply stack up the clean cloths, and when you run out of wipes, remake the solution and start over again.
Common Questions About Making Your Own Cleaning Wipes
Can I Use Paper Towels Instead of Cleaning Cloths?
I have seen many DIY Cleaning Wipe recipes that use paper towels instead of cleaning cloths. I have never tried using paper towels as I am not sure how well they would hold up over time. The greatest benefit to using cloth rags is they are reusable; unlike paper towels which need to be thrown away after using them. If you have tried this (or a similar) recipe using paper towels, let me know what you think… do the paper towels hold up over time?
Do These DIY Cleaning Wipes Disinfect?
Here’s the thing about using the word “disinfectant”. In order to state that a product is a disinfectant, it needs to be registered with the EPA. That’s the law in the United States. Since this cleaning wipe recipe hasn’t been registered with the EPA, I am certainly not claiming it disinfects. Cleans? Yes. Disinfects? I’m not sure. If you are looking for a true hospital grade disinfectant that is registered with the EPA, I highly recommend Force of Nature cleaner. It uses salt, water, and vinegar… that’s it! You can read my full review (including pros and cons) in my Force of Nature review post. And, if you’d like to give it a try, use the code LLLAUNDRY for 40% off at checkout!
Where Can I Use Homemade Cleaning Wipes?
I use these wipes on many hard surfaces around my home, mainly in the bathroom: light switches, door handles, toilet seats, toilet handles, faucets, etc. You can also use them on remote controls and other high-touch surfaces in your home. Please be advised that I always recommend testing any cleaning solution (whether homemade or store-bought) on a small area to make sure there are no unwanted changes to your finish.
Do I Have to Use Essential Oil in This Recipe?
Nope. If you don’t want to use essential oils in this cleaning wipes recipe, you certainly don’t have to. Before learning about essential oils, I made this recipe without them. The benefit of adding essential oil is two-fold: 1.) It creates a more pleasant scent and 2.) According to the National Institutes of Health, many essential oils are antibacterial and antifungal which gives you an added benefit when cleaning.
DIY Cleaning Wipes | Reusable
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Rubbing Alcohol
- 15-20 Drops Immune Supporting Essential Oil Blend
- ½ Cup Distilled Water
- 1 Tablespoon Dish Soap I have always used Dawn
Supplies
- Glass Liquid Measuring Cup
- Cleaning Cloths I cut up an old t-shirt into 14 8"x8" squares and it works perfectly
- Glass Jar with Lid for Storage
Instructions
- Start by adding the rubbing alcohol to a glass liquid measuring cup
- Add in 15-20 drops of essential oil and stir
- Once thoroughly mixed, add in distilled water and dish soap. Stir.
- Add cloth pieces to a glass jar (with a lid) and then pour the cleaning solution over the cloth pieces. Screw on the lid and allow the solution to soak into the cloth pieces.
- After using, you can toss these wipes into the washing machine and wash in hot water (along with your towels) so they can be reused again and again.
April says
Can you replace the dawn with sal suds, and how much would you use. Thank you
Cheryl says
Could you give your opinion on some good immune supporting essential oils?
Erin says
I have tried several brands and while they are all great, I typically go with Revive’s Immunity Boost, which you can find here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3tObRZA Otherwise, Rocky Mountain has also has one called Immune Strength, which you can find here (affiliate link): https://shrsl.com/3fg6s Other brands, like Plant Therapy and Eden’s Garden also have immune blends, but I haven’t tried them, so I can’t comment on the scent, but they should also work.
Nina Paul says
Thanks for sharing this. I’m sure it will help me saving some money.
Jody Downing says
Are these cloths washable/dryable in machines? No issue with flammability in dryer? Also, do they qualify as disinfectant?
Erin says
I have been washing and drying mine for years without issue. As for whether these qualify as a disinfectant, I cannot label these as “disinfecting” as a disinfectant needs to be tested and registered with the EPA. Hope that answers your questions.
Jennifer Pelstring says
Have you ever used Mrs Meyers dish soap instead? Just wondering the preference to Dawn?
Erin says
I have always used Dawn, so that’s what I recommend. I’m not sure if there would be any difference if using a different brand of dish soap. I do know that certain ingredients can interact with other ingredients, so that’s the only thing you would need to be careful with… making sure nothing in the dish soap would react with the rubbing alcohol.
Chris says
Do you need to rinse? I’m curious with the dish soap..?
Erin says
I rarely have an issue with soap suds. If you notice it getting a little sudsy, I would just wipe it off with a dry paper towel as adding water would only create more suds. Hope that helps.
Molly says
Mine seem quite soapy and I am wondering if you rinse after you use the wipe?
Erin says
I have rarely had an issue with this, however, you can wipe any excess suds off with a dry paper towel. Rinsing with water would create more suds I would think.
Tari says
Could you substitute Thieves dishwasher soap for the Dawn? It’s concentrated, so would you suggest less of the Thieves?
Erin says
I am assuming you mean Thieves dish soap (not dishwasher soap). In truth, I do not know whether you can make that substitution. The reason I say this is because Thieves dish soap has sodium carbonate in it (also known as washing soda). I do not know how this may react with the rubbing alcohol.
Kayann says
Wowvim going to try this for sure. I’m constantly looking for a “rag” and trying to decide which cleaner to use…I usually just give up. Until it’s so bad I can’t stand it. My boyfriend cooks…very well…but his idea of cleaning the kitchen is throw everything in dishwasher and turn it on. If he dropped anything on the counters, stove, microwave or floor…he doesn’t see it. So I end up going in and finishing the cleaning. These handy wipes will be great to use. Thanks for sharing. ?
lauren higdon says
Thanks Erin, I miss my wipes lol. So when I started using Thieves I bought at Walmart a bunch of multicolor 14X14 edgeless microfiber cloths( auto section) So I have a basket with beautiful rainbow cloths ( folded neatly, lol. Yes I am OCD) and use those with my spray bottle of thieves. In one of my pretty color glass bottles 🙂
abyrd says
Which color of the Dawn product did you use? I’ve been told that the different colors indicate a difference in the products. Don’t know whether or not that is true. Love your info! Thanks for sharing. ab
Erin says
I always use the blue Dawn. I have tried the other colors simply for washing dishes and never feel the suds last as long with the other colors. I have no idea if there’s really a difference or not, but that’s what I do.
Rachel @ Engineering A Joyful Family says
I have been meaning to do this for the longest time! It’s just so smart to make these ourselves if we must have them.
Erin says
I completely agree. I love that I’m not constantly having to buy more wipes. I just rewash the shirt scraps. And if you don’t want to make them as often, you could always double or triple the batch.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Love this idea! I’d love to make cleaning wipes like this!
Erin says
It is SO easy to do! After you cut up the t-shirt, the mix can be made in 2 minutes. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Have a wonderful evening!
Rachael says
I have a leftover wipes container and a few old t-shirts. So trying this this weekend!
Erin says
Awesome! Have a fabulous day!
Donna Wirthlin says
Nice! Really like this option. It would be great if you would share at our link party, too. #OMHGWW
http://twochicksandamom.blogspot.com/2015/07/oh-my-heartsie-girl-wordless-wednesday.html
Hope we see you there!
Erin says
Thanks for the invite Donna. I’ll have to come and check out the party. Have a wonderful day!
Jody @EasyPeasyMom says
This is awesome! I love making my own cleaning products also (I use vinegar for everything!) and I was just thinking about how I wanted to make my own cleaning wipes. Pinning, thanks for sharing!
Erin says
I really do love these cleaning wipes, especially that I can just reuse the rags after washing. I actually just used my last one yesterday, so I need to make a new batch. So glad you found what you were looking for! Have a great week!
Nancy says
Do you have to use Dawn?
Erin says
I do indeed.
Nancy says
Thank you
Erin says
Any time.
Andrea C says
Couldn’t you use Dr. Bronners liquid Castile soap instead of Dawn, to make it more natural?
Erin says
The thing about Castile soap is that it is meant more for body care (like making hand soap or body wash), not for cleaning purposes. I may try Sal Suds (also made by Dr. Bronner’s) as it is meant for cleaning purposes, but I’d need to find out whether it works in combination with rubbing alcohol.
Crystal says
I just used the sals suds and yes it does work. Love your cleaning ideas
Mary RB says
Erin-
I have been doing the same thing for years now too!! Only need, rubbing alcohol, dawn, vinegar and baking soda for all your cleaning needs!! You go girl!!