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

Overhead view of peroxide, alcohol, and paper towel roll

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.

Overhead view of paper towel roll and sharp knife

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.

Overhead view of paper towels in glass jar soaking in disinfectant mixture

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.

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes ingredients

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.

How to Make Homemade Disinfect Wipes (Like Lysol Wipes)

Homemade DIY disinfecting wipes made with two ingredients and optional essentials oils. Made using CDC recommendations. Similar to Lysol and Clorox Wipes.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Hands On Time:5 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes

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

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.

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.

Makes: 150 Wipes
Calories:
Author: Mary Beth
Cost: $1.50

Stay safe, stay well, and stay healthy!

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6 Comments

  1. 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!!

  2. LindaSonia says:

    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??

  3. 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

    1. Mary Beth says:

      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!

  4. Carrie Birkner says:

    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!

    1. Mary Beth says:

      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.