May 2023

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of disposable cleaning wipes, making your own reusable wipes can be a fantastic alternative. Plus, it’s a great way to save some money! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with two options you can try: basic cleaning wipes and disinfecting wipes.

To get started, you’ll need some materials for the wipes. We suggest using microfiber cloths, but you can also repurpose old washcloths or dishcloths. Cloths that are approximately 8″ x 8″ are the perfect size. If you’re in an Erie Station Village studio apartment, you should only need three or four. If you live in one of our townhomes, you should make six to eight. To store your wipes, an airtight container like a large glass jar, preferably a one-quart mason jar, works wonderfully.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for each type of wipe:

Basic Reusable Cleaning Wipes:

• 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap
• 6 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender is a lovely choice)

Disinfecting Reusable Wipes:

• 1 cup of water
• ½ cup of 70% rubbing alcohol
• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 3 drops of essential oil (pick your preferred scent)

Regardless of which type of wipe you’re making, simply combine all the liquid ingredients in the glass jar. Add the cloths and give them a good mix until they absorb the liquid. Make sure to cover the jar tightly. Depending on the size of your cloths, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. The wipes should be damp, with all the liquid in the jar absorbed.

Whenever you need a wipe, just grab one and start cleaning. Once you’re done, toss it in the laundry to clean it, and when you run out, you can easily whip up a fresh batch of wipes. It’s that simple!