Okay, be honest—how many times have you gone to grab a cleaning wipe and realized the container is empty? And of course, it happens at the worst possible moment… like right after you’ve spilled coffee on the counter or your kid has left mysterious sticky fingerprints everywhere. Instead of running to the store (again), here’s a little secret: you can actually make your own cleaning wipes at home. Yep, DIY wipes that are cheaper, customizable, and just as handy.
So, let’s talk about how you can whip these up in no time. Don’t worry—it’s way easier than you think.
Why bother making your own wipes?
First question that pops up: why should you even bother when you can just buy them? Fair. But here’s the thing—homemade wipes save you money, reduce waste (hello, reusable cloths), and you know exactly what’s going into them. No weird chemical soup with names you can’t pronounce. Plus, you can make them smell amazing with a few drops of essential oils. Lavender kitchen? Lemon-fresh bathroom? Totally your call.
And let’s be real, there’s something oddly satisfying about using something you made yourself. It’s like, “Look at me, living my eco-friendly DIY life!”
What you’ll need
Alright, let’s round up the supplies. Nothing fancy, promise:
A roll of paper towels (thick ones, so they don’t fall apart when wet). Or if you want to go eco-friendly, use cut-up old T-shirts or reusable cloths.
A container with a lid. (An old baby wipe container or even a big Tupperware works fine.)
1 to 2 cups of water (filtered if you’re feeling extra).
1–2 tablespoons of liquid soap or dish soap.
1 tablespoon of vinegar or rubbing alcohol (this helps with disinfecting).
A few drops of essential oil (optional, but why not make cleaning smell like a spa day?).
See? Half of this stuff is probably already sitting in your kitchen.
How to actually make them
Here’s the fun part. Let’s put it all together:
Prep the paper towels: If you’re using a paper towel roll, cut it in half with a sharp knife so you get two mini rolls. Yes, you’ll feel like a DIY surgeon here.
Mix the liquid: In a bowl, stir together the water, soap, vinegar (or rubbing alcohol), and a few drops of essential oil. Smells good already, doesn’t it?
Pour it in: Put your paper towels (or cloths) into the container and slowly pour the mixture over them. Let it soak through.
Wait a bit: After a few minutes, pull out the cardboard tube from the middle of the roll. The wipes will now pull up easily from the center, just like the store-bought ones.
That’s it. Seriously. You’re done. You’ve got your own batch of cleaning wipes ready to roll.
Tips and tweaks
Here’s where you can have fun with it:
If you’re making wipes for the kitchen, go with lemon or orange essential oil—smells clean and citrusy.
For the bathroom, lavender or tea tree oil is great since tea tree has natural antibacterial properties.
If you’re more into reusable options, skip the paper towels and use fabric squares. Just toss them in the wash when you’re done, and they’re ready for round two.
And don’t worry if the first batch feels “off.” Too wet? Add more cloths or towels. Too dry? Splash in a little more solution. It’s DIY—you’re in charge here.
Wrapping it up
So next time you’re in a pinch, don’t stress about running out of wipes. Just make your own. Not only is it easy, but it also gives you that smug little “I totally hacked adulthood” feeling. And hey, once your friends see your homemade wipes, you’ll probably end up showing them how to make their own too.
Now go grab a roll of paper towels and try it out—you’ll thank yourself the next time life (or a toddler) gets messy.
