While there’s no denying the convenience of store-bought cleaning wipes, they’re far from a perfect solution! That’s what motivated me to come up with the homemade alternative I’ll be sharing with you today: DIY cleaning wipes.
We’ll start by exploring some of the things that give these homemade wipes an edge over the store-bought variety, then we’ll dive right into the simple tutorial for how to make them. By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to know to make your own reusable cleaning wipes!
Related: This Is What You Need to Know About Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
The Problems with Store-Bought Cleaning Wipes
1. They Create Waste
Any sort of disposable product creates waste, and wipes are no exception. While disposable wipes can be a smart choice in high-risk environments like hospitals, they aren’t typically necessary for home cleaning and disinfecting.
Related: 11 Easy Ways to Make Your Paper Towels Last Twice as Long
2. They Contain Harsh Chemicals
You don’t need a laundry list of chemicals to clean surfaces or kill bacteria and viruses. But store-bought wipes feature a lot of them, including synthetic fragrances, toxins, and respiratory irritants.
3. They’re Costly
One container of cleaning wipes doesn’t usually last very long, especially if you clean frequently. Even if you’re paying just a few dollars per container, that can add up fast!
Related: This Is the Best Way to Clean & Sanitize Your Hands on the Go
The Solution? Make Your Own Cleaning Wipes!
But you can avoid all of those drawbacks just by making your own cleaning wipes at home. They’re easy to make, cost-effective, and reusable—what more could you want? Before we get to the how of making them, let’s quickly review what exactly goes into them.
What’s in It? Ingredients for DIY Cleaning Wipes
You only need three ingredients to make your own DIY cleaning and disinfecting wipes:
- Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol is an extremely affordable disinfecting agent and is effective against many viruses at concentrations of 70% and up.
- Dish Soap: Adding a bit of Dawn dish soap to your homemade wipes enhances their ability to cut through greasy messes.
- Simple Clean Essential Oil Blend: Simple Clean makes a great addition to almost any homemade cleaner. It has a fresh, clean scent, and it gives the wipes another boost of germ-killing power!
Prefer a more natural version?
You can swap the dish soap for Castile soap, a gentle plant-based cleaner that works great in homemade wipes. Just leave out the rubbing alcohol, since it doesn’t mix well with Castile soap.
The result is a wonderful natural cleaning wipe — just not a disinfecting one. For disinfecting, simply clean the surface first, then follow up with rubbing alcohol or a disinfecting spray.
Click here to get the full recipe!
How to Make Reusable DIY Cleaning Wipes
Ingredients & Supplies
- 2 cups rubbing alcohol, 70% or higher
- 1 tsp Dawn dish soap
- 20 drops Simple Clean Essential Oil Blend
- Quart-sized mason jar
- Stack of clean cloths*
*Any clean cloths or rags will work here, but I especially like using my Microfiber Cleaning Cloths because they’re absorbent, durable, easy to wash and reuse, and great for tackling stuck-on messes around the house.
Directions:
Add the rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and essential oils to your jar. Put the lid on and swirl or shake gently to mix.
Next, remove the lid and add your cloths to the jar. Continue adding more until the cleaning solution has saturated all the cloths, then add one more for good measure.
Replace the lid on the jar, then turn it upside-down for a minute or so. And voila, your reusable cleaning wipes are ready to use!
How to Use Your DIY Cleaning Wipes
You can use your homemade wipes to wipe down countertops, clean up spills, dust your baseboards, and more. If you’re using them to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, pre-clean the surface with soapy water first, then use your cleaning wipe and allow the surface to air dry.
Collect the dirty/used wipes in a container, then when you’ve used them all, toss them in your washer to clean them. Once they’re clean, add them to a fresh batch of the cleaning solution and use them again!
Be sure to thoroughly clean both the jar you store the wipes in and the container you use to hold the dirty wipes between uses, too.
Save on DIY Cleaning Wipe Ingredients
If you want to try making your own reusable cleaning wipes, I put together a collection with the exact products I use most often, including my Simple Clean Essential Oil Blend, Castile Soap, and Microfiber Cleaning Cloths.
Whether you prefer the disinfecting version or the gentler Castile soap version, these products make it easy to create effective reusable cleaning wipes right at home.
Reusable DIY Cleaning Wipes
Equipment
- Quart Sized Mason Jar
- Several Clean Cloths or Rags
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rubbing Alcohol 70% or higher
- 1 tsp Dawn Dish Soap
- 20 drops Simple Clean Essential Oil Blend Or your favorite essential oil
Instructions
- Add the rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and essential oils to your jar. Put the lid on and swirl or shake gently to mix.
- Next, remove the lid and add your cloths or rags to the jar. Continue adding more until the cleaning solution has saturated all the cloths, then add one more for good measure.
- Replace the lid on the jar, then turn it upside-down for a minute or so.
I am making this today! I have all the oils, and will add thyme in too for the disinfectant action of thymol….
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this one! I always feel guilty using Clorox wipes to clean my bathroom, but it’s just so much easier. I am SO doing this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.RE: ALL DYI CLOTHS
When you are ready to clean any of your cleaning cloths, put them in a lingerie zippered bag! After they’re washed, you won’t have to separate them from your other wash; you will still have them all together. Love OGT !!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for sharing this great idea! Love you back! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I started using this DIY the last time you posted it. I can’t be happier with it. I had just replaced my dish towels so I cut up the old ones, ran a zig-zag stitch around the edges and I was ready to go. I put them in an old baby wipes container kept under the kitchen sink. I rarely use paper towels now. I just used them, and toss them in the wash; so easy It works well and it’s always better to reuse!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I may just have to try this as my kitchen dish cloths get icky very quickly and I never buy disposable wipes. Is there a kind of fabric that would be best for this? It looks like you’ve used some cut-up cotton towels, but the closest things I have are old t-shirt rags, which aren’t very absorbent. It would be nice to find cotton cloths I could buy in bulk, but organic cotton can be pricey and I’d hate to buy something new just to cut it up.
Also, is the use of EO necessary for this recipe? I notice many of your homemade cleaning recipes call for one or more essential oils. I’m completely new to these and have been hesitant to take the plunge, given that one little bottle costs $30 and I wouldn’t know where to begin. Is there a resource you can recommend (book, website) on what exactly these are and how to use them?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You could get a couple of towels at a thrift store and cut them up; sew the edges. Or if you don’t sew you could use old wash clothes. I personally don’t use the EO because I can’t afford it. But it helps Jillee as she sells it. If I could afford it I would use it to support her.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Natures Truth – it’s a brand sold in stores is a brand l’ve used for most of my Essential Oils. They’re usually about $7.00, when they’re not on sale. The stores near me occasionally have them on sale for 2 oils for $ 10.00. I definitely won’t use brands like Young Living because they are expensive for me.
How ’bout microfiber?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks, but I’d rather avoid synthetic fabrics, partly for the microplastics they generate in the wash.
Terry, you can omit the essential oil and they still are great. You can check out my By Jillee Shop. I have many essential oils that are less than $30 and when you click on the “How to Use” section, there are links to my posts that will show you how to use the oil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have several essential oils, but not your Simple Clean. What other oils can I use?
Thanks, everybody…I may just look through my kitchen towels and pick a few of the less sightly ones to sacrifice!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.usually Wallmart sells a stack of washcloths at a reasonable price. THey are thinner and would be good for cleaning. Dont know what they are made of but its worth checking out .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I bought a pack of wash cloths at Home Goods.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Could I use Tree Tea Oil instead of the Simple Clean Oil, since it has antibacterial qualities?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was coming here to ask that as well!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Absolutely!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This looks amazing! How often do you suggest the need to re-make the solution? Also, after you’ve washed the used rags, is it ok to throw them back in, or would you suggest making a new solution all together?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The cloths will actually soak up all of the solution, so you won’t have any leftover once you’ve used your wipes! If you do have a little bit, feel free to toss another cloth in there to absorb what’s left :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your cleaning solution; But was wondering what ya thought about using dried out cloxox /baby wipes as the cleaning cloths ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would probably just add some water to dried out wipes to re-use them – you shouldn’t need to add even more cleaner to them :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would be cautious of putting rags with Dawn dish soap on them in a HE washing machine. You could damage and void your warranty
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have an HE washing machine, and I think it would be okay. There are 2 tablespoons of Dawn in this recipe and don’t think it would overload the washing machine. I am going to give this a shot over the weekend, and I will wash the cloths after they are used and see what happens in the wash.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I would think if you are worried then rinse out the cloths before putting them in the washer. I hand wash dishes and use dawn all the time and I never really rinse out the cloths before putting them in the washer and I have an HE washer also.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have an HE washer and have used Jillee’s wipes for a few years. I don’t add additional detergent when washing the wipes and it works quite well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.it is just fine to do-many homemade laundry detergents contain Dawn dish soap
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I made these today, omitting the ammonia and using 1/4 cup white vinegar instead. I have to say, I am in Love with these wipes. If made using vinegar instead of ammonia these can be thrown in with your regular towel and kitchen rags. Thanks for the awesome tip! Keep them coming!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t like the smell of vinegar, so I left it out. Works like crazy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I didn’t see anything about ammonia?? What part of this recipe did I miss? I just went back and checked it again and copied the ingredients …. 2 cups distilled water
Please log in or create a free account to comment.1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1 tsp Dawn dish soap
20 drops Simple Clean Essential Oil Blend
If something is missing I don’t want to try it until its corrected. Someone help or let me know what I have overlooked.
I would like to try these.
Maybe the recipe has been modified so as to sub the rubbing alcohol for the ammonia – ?
Mary – Jillee’s original formula had optional ammonia in it. I never put it in and I LOVE these. Even my husband will tell me when we are getting low!
The recipe I see is 2 cups alcohol. Help! Before I really screw this up.
no ammonia in this
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Remember vinegar should not be used on some stone countertops
Please log in or create a free account to comment.for those reading later, here is the recipe as I copied it down years ago: 1c water, 1/4c rubbing alcohol, 2T ammonia, 2T dawn (she updated the recipe without noting the changes, so people commenting later are confused by previous comments)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is this safe for use on granite countertops?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you omit the ammonia, then yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use an old cleaning-wipes container to store the liquid and just wet my dish rag with it when I want to clean counters. I’m leary of keeping rags in there in case they’d get mildew or mold. It’s great!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.you can try wetting the rags with the solution, fold and roll them up individually, place four to six in a ziplock quart bag then all of the in a gallon bag. grab one four pack in the morning when you are getting ready to clean. I live in AZ so it is hot enough to make this work. Maybe not so good for the colder climates.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Essential oils should never be stored in plastic and should always be stored in an opaque container so the light doesn’t degrade them. I would think it would be wise to store these wipes in a glass container wrapped in a paper bag or painted so as to be opaque. Just saying
Could you wash these with other items? Or would they harm other fabrics since there is ammonia and alcohol in them?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wash mine with other towels and similar loads – I probably wouldn’t wash them with my clothes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.where was the Clorox in these disposable wipes?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Clorox is just a brand name, not necessarily synonymous with bleach.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If people want them folded and have an old wipes container lying around, there are cloth wipe folding tutorials on YouTube showing how to fold them where they pop up like disposables. I’m more of a non folding kinda gal too :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillie, We can use dawn soap to make wipes? Doesn’t it have harsh chemicals?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use a natural dish washing liquid with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide as a more natural and nontoxic substitute for the rubbing alcohol and ammonia.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Fabulous idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Super important- many of us have heard it before, but since you used the word “Clorox” and there is ammonia in the recipe, it would be a good idea to mention to NEVER combine bleach with ammonia!
I am off to make these today, love your blog!
My husband did that by accident in our basement stationary tub by pouring almost empty containers out.. He came running upstairs like he was on fire!! Took 4 hours, several box fans, all the windows and doors open to finally clear it out. All 5 of us plus the 2 dogs sat in our car that evening…. He learned the hard way!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the idea of using the wash cloths.
I have been using Jillee’s previous “recipes” with essential oils and love them. For disposable, I have been using a $6.00 roll of Bamboo paper towels. I wash the dirty wipes on Handwash in my machine and make the new batch of wipes with the damp towels, no dryer, and they are going on their 5th wash.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am going to try this! I buy extra wash cloths at Walmart for .44 each. After a year or two the color in the cloths is uneven. They would be perfect for this application!
Thanks Jillee for another SUPER post!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like this idea. I basically just use the Clorox wipes in the bathroom around the floor of the toilet since we have my Dad in the house. It takes care of the guys in the bathroom smell. I also use them when someone in the house is sick. So, I’d rather just dispose of them when I’m done. This idea would work in the kitchen making the wipes reusable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillie probably keeps her bathroom cleaner than I do! I feel the same, I use paper towels for around the toilet area. I don’t feel comfortable reusing. Although it just shows her cleaning the top of the lid. I could do that & to wipe the tank, but below the lid will be disposable for me :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is this safe on granite countertops?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is this safe for granite countertops? I have been using a granite cleaner , am getting a bone marrow transplant and need them cleaned daily with antibacterial. Figured it would be better to go natural, so this is timely for me!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this idea! I plan on using the shirt scraps and making them disposable. I already have the jar of t-shirt scraps in use, but as it is now they are dry and you have to wet, use, then throw away. This will save a step. Also, I plan on adding a little bit of antibacterial essential oils to mine. Thanks for the great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi.Is it the rubbing alcohol which makes the wipes disinfectant?And will any dish soap do?We don’t have Dawn in the U.K.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Probably any kind of degreasing dish detergent would work.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Dawn is Fairy in the UK! I looked into it after thinking the same thing. HTH!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Deb.I see Dawn mentioned in many cleaning ‘recipes’.I thought it must have some magic formula,and if it’s the same as Fairy ,then obviously it does!!
I love this but decided to triple the ingredients in a clean gallon pickle jar and use old white socks instead of the
Please log in or create a free account to comment.towels.