DIY Life

I like pretty much everything that makes my life easier when it comes to the job of cleaning. Since I have been cleaning everything with everyday items I have in my home, like baking soda, lemons, and vinegar, I decided that I would get away from buying commercial wipes and make my own. Homemade wipes smell better, are cheaper, and are generally free of harsh chemicals. Here's how:

Materials:

Round 34.5 oz. plastic coffee container, such as Folgers 1/2 Caff container
Extra large roll of paper towel
Your choice of cleaning agents
Liquid measuring cups

Tools:

Electric drill with a 1/2 inch drill bit, or utility knife and sharp scissors
Electric knife or large chef knife

Steps:

1. Use an electric or chefs knife to cut the paper towel roll in half.
2. Place one of the paper towel halves in the container and save the other half to use later.
3. Pour your cleaning solution over the paper towel, place lid on, and let the paper towel absorb the cleaning
solution for 4 hours or overnight.
4. Using a small block of wood as support, drill a 1/2 inch hole in the center of the container lid. If you are using
a utility knife cut a 1/2 inch "x" and then pull up each piece and cut about 1/8 of it away with your very sharp
scissors.
5. Gently pull out the cardboard from the paper towel and discard. Pull out the inside end of the paper towel roll
from where the cardboard had been, being very careful not to tear it.
6. Carefully thread the end of the paper towels through the 1/2 inch hole and put the lid back on.
7. Pull gently every time you use the cleaning wipes, as you don't want to end up having to take the lid off every
time you want to use a wipe.

I like to use Viva paper towel for my homemade cleaning wipes, as they absorb very well and they don't fall apart when I am cleaning. They don't dry out very fast, as I pretty much use them for everything. If yours start to dry out, just add more water or cleaning solution as necessary. Let them sit overnight for the paper towel to properly absorb the new solution before you use them again.

Here are a few recipes that I use the wipes for:

Disinfectant:

1/4 cup Pine-sol
2 3/4 cup water

Glass and Windows:

2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup isopropyl rubbing alcohol

Countertops, stovetop, quick mess clean up:

1 1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water

You can vary the strength of the cleaning solution in your wipes as you see fit. These recipes are just the strength of the cleaning solution that fits me, and allow me to safely clean without feeling ill. You can also use whatever cleaning agents you like that will give you the satisfaction of a job well done.