A while back I did a post about my complete Cleaning Cabinet Makeover. It has been one of my most popular posts and I am quite proud of it but as it turns out it’s not really complete. I know, I was shocked too! What could possibly be missing? Well, a dear friend of mine pointed out that it didn’t include a replacement for Clorox Wipes. That’s it? Whew! I can fix that, no problem.
Since I don’t really use Clorox cleaning wipes in my house I didn’t think to come up with an all-natural replacement. But they are convenient and as my friend pointed out, they are easy for her children to use. There are lots of different recipes for cleaning wipes out there and I’ve tried several but just wasn’t satisfied. Then it finally occurred to me that I already had the perfect recipe–my All-Purpose Cleaner. As it turns out, a full recipe of the All-Purpose Cleaner was exactly the right amount of liquid to make my new All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes. Here’s a list of what’s in it and why:
Water—this stuff makes up about 60% of the human body and it is recommended that we drink eight glasses of it a day. Just sayin’. For this recipe the water is just there to dilute the other ingredients and soak the paper towel.
Isopropyl Alcohol—also called rubbing alcohol, make sure you buy it in the 70% solution. It kills germs and bacteria as well as cutting through dirt and grime. It evaporates immediately leaving surfaces streak-free.
White Vinegar—effective at killing most bacteria, germs and mold it is also a great deodorizer.
Castile Soap—a true soap, made with 100% plant oils (no animal oils like tallow) and no chemical detergents so it is biodegradable. I use Dr. Bronner’s brand.
Paper Towel—I use Bounty brand for making wipes as other brands don’t hold up well after being soaked. Remember that it is best not to flush paper towel down the toilet so put the wipes in the garbage when done using.
Melaleuca EO–recognized by it’s more common name “tea tree oil”, promotes healthy immune function, protects against environmental and seasonal threats, helps purify and freshen the air and surfaces.
Lemon EO–cleanses and purifies the air and surfaces, promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability.
White Fir EO–not only does it smell fantastic, white fir supports c;ear breathing and respiratory function, energizes the body and mind and helps the body relax.
If you don’t have one of these essential oils feel free to swap for a different one. Most essential oils have fantastic cleaning properties and will do a great job in these cleaning wipes. Just make sure you use the highest quality essential oils you can find.
Get yourself a roll of Bounty paper towels. Oh, and get the extra large ones that are the “select-a-size”variety. I’ve tried many brands of paper towels and Bounty brand is the only one that is tough enough to use as cleaning wipes. Trust me on this one. Now just cut the roll in half width-wise with a serrated or electric knife. I recommend trimming the cut edge with scissors to make a cleaner edge. Put one half away for next time you make wipes. For those who know me and are wondering: yes, I did measure the paper towel all the way around with a ruler and marked it with a pencil before I cut it. Laugh if you want, but my two halves are perfectly even, so there!
Now you just half to pour everything into a mason jar, put the lid on and shake well for a good minute or two. In a pinch you can use a bowl and stir really well. Put one of your paper towel halves into a container with an air-tight lid and slowly pour the liquid cleaner over it. Keep stirring as you go to keep the oil and water incorporated. Squish down the roll of paper towel with the lid and let it sit there for ten minutes. Then flip the container back over and leave it alone for 10 more minutes. Remove the lid and pull out the cardboard tube and then pull the center-most wipe from the hole. Because you used the select-a-size version you can pull out one small wipe for small jobs or pull a little more to get a bigger wipe for bigger jobs. In my house it seems like all the jobs are bigger jobs! Why is that? Oh, right, I have 3 boys.
I have never been one to use store-bought cleaning wipes because they aren’t cheap and I don’t like what’s in them. But now that I’ve come up with my own home-made version I’m hooked. My boys much prefer cleaning their bathroom with them and I feel good knowing all the ingredients are safe and very effective at killing germs. Plus they smell great and who doesn’t love that?
All-Natural Cleaning Wipes
1 roll Bounty paper towel, cut in half
1 c. warm water
1/2 c. 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
1/2 c. distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. pure castile soap
10 drops melaleuca essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops white fir essential oil
Cut paper towel in half width-wise with a serrated or electric knife. Trim rough edge with scissors to remove stray bits and pieces of paper towel. Use half the roll now and save half for later. In a mason jar or bowl, combine all ingredients and stir for several minutes. If using a mason jar, put on lid and shake well. Place paper towel, cut side down, in a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour mixture over the paper towel and cover with lid (squishing the roll if necessary). Let stand for 10 minutes. Turn container upside down and let stand for 10 more minutes. Remove lid, then pull out and discard the cardboard center. Pull the innermost wipe from the center of the roll and you’re ready to start cleaning. Cover with lid when not in use.
Note #1: In case you’re wondering, I got my round containers at Walmart. They came in a pack of 3 for $1.87. I was worried because they don’t have an airtight seal but the wipes have stayed moist for months. I keep a container under the sink in each of my bathrooms.
Note #2: If you notice your wipes start to dry out after a while, just pour 1/4 cup water over the top to reconstitute.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I love homemade cleaners! Pinned!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Amber–I love homemade cleaners too! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Yvonne @ Tried and Tasty says
I’m all sorts of in to all-natural cleaners. This is AWESOME! Thanks, definitely pinning. Definitely trying!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Yvonne–I love my homemade cleaners too! This one is quickly becoming a favorite since they’re so easy to make and use. Enjoy!
–Leah
Nicole says
What a great idea…I love that you can pull from the center too. Makes it so easy. Great tutorial!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks so much Nicole! And yes the are very easy to make and use. So glad you stopped by.
–Leah
Kit Gardiner says
I’m pretty sure I was that friend!! Thanks for the recipe!! 🙂
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Yes, Kit. Yes you were. I mean are. LOL. And your prize for participating is your very own container of All-Natural Cleaning Wipes. Congratulations!
–Leah
Kit Gardiner says
Wahoo!! I am loving them!!!!!!
Emily says
Love this idea, but I do have a question about essential oils– how do you know how they are going to smell when they are mixed together. I see a lot of combinations online and I can’t tell how they will smell! 🙂
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Emily, and thanks for your great question. Usually when I am using essential oils in a DIY recipe it is because I want the benefit of that oil not the smell (i.e. lemon for disinfecting or lavender for healing the skin) but as a bonus they always seem to smell great as well. There is a whole perfume industry that has gotten fragrance blending down to a science but I have a much simpler method. I open the 2 or 3 bottles I am thinking of combining, hold then together and take in a big whiff. That will give you a pretty good assessment. If you’re still not sure then put a drop of each oil on your hand in the same spot then put a drop of coconut or almond oil on top and rub it all in. That will tell you precisely what the combination of oils will smell like in your product. Plus you’ll smell nice. Hope that helps:)
–Leah
Gretchen says
I love making natural version of things like this. Thanks!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Me too, Gretchen! I swear you are gonna love these. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Daniela @ Put A Bird On It says
This is such a great idea! And I have everything to make them. Thanks!
xo
Daniela
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Daniela–I love it when I have all the ingredients to make something! Just posted these wipes on your blog-hop and anyone reading this should check out your website. It’s great!
–Leah
Amberly says
I’ve always wondered how to make these! Thanks for the tutorial!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Amberly! They are super easy to make and work like a charm. you’re gonna love them. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Vidya Sudarsan says
Nice! my hands are super sensitive to wipes in the market.. I’m so tempted to try this one. thank you!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re very welcome Vidya! I hope they work for you.
–Leah
Mary says
I love this recipe! I’m going to make these for my office as well.
YOU have been featured this morning @ Back to the Basics for Tuesdays with a Twist!!! Thank you for sharing with us!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
What a great idea Mary! I was also thinking they would be great for teachers to use in their classrooms. So many possibilities. Thanks for the feature on your blog-hop this week. I really enjoy your site!
–Leah
Jennifer says
Genius! I love this idea, can’t wait to try it… I wonder if they can be disposed of in the green bin (organic waste)?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Jennifer! How awesome that you live in a place that has such a thing as a green bin. Everything in these wipes is all-natural and bio-degradable so I’m assuming the answer is yes. Now the question is how do I get my town to do an organic waste bin?
–Leah
Chari says
Very cool! I am always looking for a natural way to clean!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Me too, Chari! You’re gonna love these and they’re super easy to make.Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Kelli @ The Sustainable Couple says
Great idea – frugal and uses pretty basic ingredients! I found you on the Homestead Blog Hop. You should link up to Mostly Homemade Mondays – I think you would fit right in!
http://www.thesustainablecouple.com/2014/05/mostly-homemade-mondays-week-81.html
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Kelli! Frugal and basic–that’s me! Just linked up to your link party and spent some time looking around your site. I really enjoyed it and will check back often. have a great week!
–Leah
Heather says
Thanks! Love this recipe and the tip for using bounty paper towels. I’m going to make this for home use, but also make a udder wipe for our milk goats. Ingredients for udder wipes are apple cider vinegar, infused comfrey and cayenne, tea tree EO and lavender EO. I already have this in a spray bottle to spray their teats after milking, but would be easy to make a double batch and use the same for cleaning the udders pre-milking. Thanks again!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Your welcome Heather but I should be thanking you. I love, love love your idea of udder wipes and I don’t even own a cow (yet). I will definitely keep that one on file for when I do. My husband and teenager think you’re a genius. I agree!
–Leah
Tewauna {For His Glory Homestead} says
I SO have to try this!!!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You will love them Tewauna! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Susan says
Curious if anyone has used this same recipe with old t-shirts or something like that, in place of the paper towels?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Oh, now I’m curious too, Susan. I love the idea so if you try it please come back and let me know how it works.
–Leah
Michelle @ Green Earth Bazaar says
That’s a great idea, though maybe the cloth would soak up too much of the liquid? You could always carry around a container of the solution along with your re-usable cloth wipes.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I agree Michelle. You would have to adjust the amount of liquid you use depending on the number of cloth wipes. The good news is that you can just put the extra in a spray bottle and use it that way. Or apply it to a cloth as needed as you suggested. My readers are so clever!
–Leah
Simone says
Hi Leah, what a great idea! I have never seen this done before. I sometime use the bought cleaning wipes but only buy them when they are on special. I might give this a go. These would be great for my kids to use too x
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Yes Simone, they are great for kids to use and much less toxic too. Plus they’re cheaper, they smell better, they clean great and disinfect too. Can you tell I am kind of in love with these wipes! Definitely a great place to start your cleaning cabinet makeover. Have a fabulous day!
–Leah
Ana Lynn says
So glad I stumbled on this! Maybe now I will finally be able to convince my mother to stop buying the cleaning wipes and use these instead.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I hope you can convince her, Ana Lynn. These are easy to make, cheaper than store bought and without all the toxic chemicals. Good luck!
–Leah
Michelle @ Green Earth Bazaar says
Wow, that’s so cool! I’m definitely going to try making some. I haven’t used any kind of cleaning wipes since my daughters were little, but they are so convenient and useful to have especially while traveling. The only item I need to purchase are the paper towels (thanks for the brand tip by the way).
By the way, I love Dr. Bronner’s too. It’s the only soap I buy; great soap, great company. 🙂
fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Michelle! My kids are teenagers and they prefer cleaning with the wipes. To be honest so do i and since they are cheaper and not toxic like the store brand, I can easily justify it. I love the idea of using them when traveling. I am definitely stealing that idea. Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Sarah Ann says
I LOVE this idea! I am just starting to dabble in essential oils and it was a joy to find you through the SITS Sharefest! My kids are sick ALL the time and I need to amp up my cleaning tool belt so I will absolutely be making these!! I am a new follower and would be honored if you would join me at the Saturday Soiree Blog Party and share your great ideas. http://faithalongtheway.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s awesome Sarah Ann! Essential Oils have changed my family’s healthcare entirely. No one here has been sick in almost 2 years since I started with doTerra. My Cleaning Cabinet Makeover is a great place to start and will allow you to get rid of all the toxic cleaning chemicals in your home. Thanks for the invite and I will definitely link up next time. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Mothering From Scratch says
These look great! I knew you’d have to use Bounty….they really are the only paper towel worth using, right?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Sounds like we should both be on their payroll. LOL! Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Susie (the Esthetic Goddess) says
What a great idea! I am never without tea tree oil. It’s one of my favorite essential oils!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Susie! You have good taste in essential oils–Melaleuca is one of my favorites too! It’s so versatile and I use it in lots of my products. Have a fabulous week and come back soon.
–Leah
Heather says
Ooh I am definitely printing this out! I love my homemade cleaners, but just have not found anything to replace my Chlorox wipes. I can’t wait to make these!!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks for stopping by Heather! You are going to love these. They are quite possibly my favorite homemade cleaning product. Have a great week!
–Leah
Honeybee says
Very cool idea. Glad you posted, now I know I can save several dollars by following your tips.
herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Honeybee! I love saving money especially when you get a better, safer product in the process. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Renee says
Love this idea! Is it safe to use on all countertop surfaces?
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Renee–thanks for your question! These wipes are safe on acrylic, ceramic tile, wood, glass, stainless steel, marble and granite. You’re gonna love them. They are probably my favorite homemade cleaning product. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Caryn says
This post is a great reminder for me try these. Thanks.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Caryn! These are one of my favorite homemade cleaning products. Definitely make it soon–you’re going to love them!
—Leah
Debbie says
This is such a fabulous idea! I don’t have small kids at home, but I do have six dogs, so it’s kind of the same idea (except they don’t have to clean their own bathroom). Here from the Sits Girls!
Allison Clayton says
Fantastic method. I have tried several times to do cleaning wipes at home. I put only 10 drops of essential oil. First time I used lavender essential oil. It has amazing scent. Every time when I wiped something with them the whole house smells. Greetings!
Leah says
That’s great Allison! Good job making your own cleaning products and riding your house of all those nasty chemicals. Of all the homemade cleaners I make, this is one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Lisa says
Hi! Which Castile soap scent do you use?
Leah says
Hi Lisa–I use unscented as I want to get the scent from the essential oils I add in. Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Katy Downs says
You are a rockstar!! I, absolutely, love all your recipes… thank you for helping us all remove the horrible chemicals from our home… one homemade product at a time!
Leah says
Wow Katy–thanks so much and you’re very welcome. But really, you’re the rock star for not just talking about making your home healthier but actually doing it. Great job!
–Leah
Susan says
Hi, I’m looking for wipes for germy hands while we’re out. Do you think this recipe is also good for hands? Thanks!
Kristi says
Just double-checking, have you found them to be effective and not mold, if you leave them for a couple months? (i.e. using this wipe for kitchen counter tops, and if I did it this way, the wipes would last for a little while)
lisa says
Got everything together to make these today with a friend.
Do you take the cardboard center out?
Thank you! : )