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When I first started making my own cleaning products, the first thing I replaced was cleaning wipes. I can honestly say it’s been more than 5 years since I last bought a container of them. This DIY Cleaning Wipes recipe is incredibly easy to make, and because we are using cloth, you can wash them and reuse them over and over again.
*If you’d like a little more information on making your own, homemade cleaning wipes, a Video Tutorial is provided at the end of this post*
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 Cleaning Wipes
- A plastic (or glass, if using essential oil) container, with a lid, for storage- I use a mason jar.
- About 14 pieces of Cotton Cloth- I used an old t-shirt and cut it into squares about 8″ x 8″.
- Glass Measuring Cup
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Tbsp. Rubbing Alcohol– I typically use 91%
- 1 Tbsp. Dawn Dish Soap
- 15-20 Drops Thieves Essential Oil (Optional)- Not sure where to buy essential oils? Check out this post.
How to Make DIY Cleaning Wipes
In your glass measuring cup, mix together 2 Tablespoons of rubbing alcohol with 15-20 drops of Thieves essential oil.
After this is thoroughly mixed, add 1/2 cup water and 1 Tablespoon dish soap. Stir until combined.
Put your cloth pieces into your 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.
Once used, you can toss the cloth pieces into the washing machine and wash in a hot cycle, along with your towels. I simply stack up the clean cloths, and when I run out of wipes, I remake the solution and start over again.
Video Tutorial: Making DIY Cleaning Wipes
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Are these cloths washable/dryable in machines? No issue with flammability in dryer? Also, do they qualify as disinfectant?
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.
Have you ever used Mrs Meyers dish soap instead? Just wondering the preference to Dawn?
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.
Do you need to rinse? I’m curious with the dish soap..?
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.
Mine seem quite soapy and I am wondering if you rinse after you use the wipe?
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.
Could you substitute Thieves dishwasher soap for the Dawn? It’s concentrated, so would you suggest less of the Thieves?
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.
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. ?
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 🙂
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
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.
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.
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.
Love this idea! I’d love to make cleaning wipes like this!
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!
I have a leftover wipes container and a few old t-shirts. So trying this this weekend!
Awesome! Have a fabulous day!
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!
Thanks for the invite Donna. I’ll have to come and check out the party. Have a wonderful day!
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!
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!
Do you have to use Dawn?
I do indeed.
Thank you
Any time.
Couldn’t you use Dr. Bronners liquid Castile soap instead of Dawn, to make it more natural?
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.
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!!