HOMEMADE LYSOL WIPES (HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN DISINFECTANT WIPES)
DIY Homemade Disinfectant Wipes that will kill germs on most surfaces, are inexpensive and easy to make, contain strong antivirals, and are ready to use in minutes.
The key to this simple recipe is to make sure that the ratio of ingredients is correct, just as it is for Homemade Hand Sanitizer, in order to ensure that the wipes will be effective.
The ingredient ratio of these wipes has been made according to the guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, a chemical formulator, chemist, pharmacist, or any other licensed health professional. This is not medical advice and if you choose to use this information, you do so at your own risk.
How to Make Your Own Disinfectant Wipes
What You'll Need:
Paper Towel Roll - I used a 150 Sheet Roll with the select and tear option so that the wipes are smaller and more like store-bought wipes
Alcohol - you absolutely must use alcohol that is at least 60% alcohol. I used 91% rubbing alcohol for this recipe
Hydrogen Peroxide - "is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores 78, 654." (per the CDC)
Distilled Water
Essential Oils - not necessary but they do give it a nice scent. I used Thieves because I had it on hand but you can use a multitude of other oils including tea tree, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
Alcohol - 14 ounces
Hydrogen Peroxide - 2 Tablespoons
Distilled Water - 2 ounces
Essential Oils - 30 to 45 drops
How To Make the DIY Disinfectant Wipes
Choose a container with lid to hold the wipes. You can use a glass container like I did, or an old plastic coffee can or any other large container with a lid. Wash and dry the container thoroughly first.
Cut the paper towel roll in half. You will need a large sharp knife for this. Do not use a serrated knife or you will have a paper mess! I used a knife from this set, which I love and highly recommend. It's a great deal for the price.
Place paper towel roll in container.
Add all liquid ingredients in measuring cup and mix well.
Slowly pour mixture over paper towels.
Place lid on the container and allow the paper towels to absorb the mixture.
Pull out the cardboard tube.
For use, pull the towels out from the center of the roll. It works like magic and the wipes will come out and up one at a time.
How to Use These Wipes
I wipe down my countertops, faucets, doorknobs, toilet handle, light switches, smartphone, remote controls, keyboard, mouse, etc. often throughout the day.
You can check out my list of 25 Things to Disinfect Here for more ideas of items in and out of your home (like your car!) to wipe down.
Equipment
- Paper Towel Roll – I used a 150 Sheet Roll with the select and tear option so that the wipes are smaller and more like store-bought wipes
- Alcohol – you absolutely must use alcohol that is at least 60% alcohol. I used 91% rubbing alcohol for this recipe
- Hydrogen Peroxide – “is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores 78, 654.” (per the CDC)
- Distilled Water
- Essential Oils – not necessary but they do give it a nice scent. I used Thieves because I had it on hand but you can use a multitude of other oils including tea tree, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, and cinnamon.
Supplies
- Alcohol – 14 ounces
- Hydrogen Peroxide – 2 Tablespoons
- Distilled Water – 2 ounces
- Essential Oils – 30 to 45 drops
Instructions
- Choose a container with a lid to hold the wipes. You can use a glass container as I did, or an old plastic coffee can or any other large container with a lid. Wash and dry the container thoroughly first.
- Cut the paper towel roll in half. You will need a large sharp knife for this. Do not use a serrated knife or you will have a paper mess! I used a knife from this set, which I love and highly recommend. It’s a great deal for the price.
- Place paper towel roll in the container.
- Add all liquid ingredients in measuring cup and mix well.
- Slowly pour mixture over paper towels.
- Place lid on the container and allow the paper towels to absorb the mixture. Pull out the cardboard tube.
- For use, pull the towels out from the center of the roll. It works like magic and the wipes will come out and up one at a time.
Notes
As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.
Stay safe, stay well, and stay healthy!
What a cute jar for your wipes too! I need to do this. Did you know that lemon and lime essential oils are disinfecting too AND I guess thyme is extra good also? Gotta love that we can use these non-toxic products instead of "Lysol" which I dislike the aroma of anyway. 😉 Thanks for ALL your tips, Mary Beth! You're the BEST!!
Love this idea but I'm skeptical.... Do you need to use a specific brand of paper towel to make sure they hold up and don't tear into bits when wet??
Is the amount of alcohol too harsh for some surfaces? I made these, but now I’m worried to use them too often or on certain places because I keep thinking that is it strictly alcohol! Obviously, I’m not using on wood, but just curious over time what you have noticed for how it effects counters and faucets. Thanks
That's a really good question! I have not noticed any long-term negative effects from using the wipes. I don't use it on my granite countertops but do use it on the formica ones. Also, the brushed nickel and chrome faucets are still shiny with no issues either.
I found this article that talks about alcohol but clicking the link will take you directly to the area that will answer your question in a little more detail When is 99% Isopropyl Alcohol Used? Everything You Need to Know
I hope that helps!
Hello, I am assuming you used both halves of the paper towels, correct? My container only fits half a roll, so I only poured half of the liquid into it, but it seems a little dry for my liking, so maybe I will add the rest. I have been making my own wipes for years & I love this simple recipe! I used thieves with mine! Thank you!
Hi Carrie. I never realized that I didn't clarify but you only use one half of a roll at a time. Thanks so much for pointing that out to me. I'm so glad you like the recipe; I haven't tried thieves but I have wanted to. I'll have to make it a point to order some soon.