If you're worried about getting sick during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic [1], chances are you're taking all of the necessary steps to stay healthy [2] (washing your hands, not touching your face, wiping down frequently used surfaces, etc.). But one issue many people have encountered during this time is essential cleaning supplies [3] being sold out everywhere due to popular demand. Instead of searching far and wide for expensive cleaning wipes, did you know you can actually make your own for less than a dollar? With vinegar and liquid dish soap, you'll love how this easy DIY [4] can be made over and over with the help of a repurposed coffee canister. Made from all-natural ingredients, you can even add a few sprinkles of your favorite essential oil [5] to personalize these eco-friendly cleaning wipes. Note: while the ingredients in these wipes are not proven to kill coronavirus specifically [6], they're effective for general household use, and can help you save that precious supply of Clorox wipes for when you really need them.
What You'll Need
- One-pound coffee canister with plastic lid
- Paper towel roll
- Sharp knife
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
- Spray paint (optional)
- Needle
- Scissors
Directions
- The ingredients for these homemade wipes cost just about nothing, which means you can have a can of wipes in every room of your home. Vinegar [8] does an amazing job of cleaning while naturally whisking away germs, preventing mold, and killing bacteria. And you can use your favorite dish soap or make your own [9].
- Repurposing an old coffee can for this DIY creates a container that can be used over and over again. Either leave the can as is, or give it a quick coat of spray paint, inside and out, for a fresh look and to keep the inside of the can from rusting.
- To create the cleaning wipes, cut the paper towels in half using a sharp serrated knife, and squish them into the painted can. And using eco-friendly paper towels makes this DIY even greener.
- Mix together the vinegar, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and water in a small bowl. You can add several drops of essential oil to the wipes, which personalizes the cleaner and boosts its antibacterial powers.
- Slowly pour the liquid over the paper towels. Once they're saturated, carefully remove the cardboard center, and pull a paper towel from the middle.
- Press a craft needle through the center of the plastic lid several times, and then fit the scissors through to cut a circle from the center, around one half-inch in diameter.
- Now feed the paper towel through the hole in the plastic lid, and secure it to the painted coffee can (to keep the wipes moist, just add a few drops of water into the canister). Now you have homemade wipes that are great at cleaning and disinfecting your home!