The COVID-19 pandemic has cleared almost all local grocery stores of disinfecting wet wipes. Luckily, you can make your own batch from your own kitchen! Here’s a complete guide on how to make homemade wet wipes.
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Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Homemade Disinfecting Wet Wipes
What to Use for Your Wet Wipes Solution
The key to making your disinfectant wet wipes effective lies in the solution. You cannot just throw in random products or your wet wipes won’t be an effective cleanser. Or worse, they might irritate the skin. Some products you need to use include:
1. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a great addition for those who want to use their homemade wet wipes on their faces. You can use grapeseed oil wipes as substitutes for:
- Makeup Removers: Grapeseed oil will lubricate the skin and make it easier to remove all kinds of cosmetics. Plus, they’re less harsh on the skin than regular soap.
- Oil Control Film: They have anti-inflammatory properties you can use to reduce acne outbreaks, tighten pores, and control oily skin.
- Whitening Lotion: Grapeseed oil is known to whiten uneven skin and lighten scars.
2. Essential Oils
Most essential oils have powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They work well on blisters, acne, scars, rashes, and skin irritations.
Plus, they smell heavenly. A few drops of your favorite essential oils will have your wet wipes smelling fresh and fragrant for a very long time.
Some good essential oils to use include:
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a fragrant option with a camphor-like, long-lasting aroma. This is perfect for those who love the scent of thick shrubs on a rainy morning.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender smells like vanilla. It has a sweet, alluring fragrance that reminds one of a freshly watered flower bed.
- Rose Oil: Rose oil is a very popular choice among those who want a more mature scent. It’s not as sweet as lavender, but not as earthy as tea tree oil.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Using too much alcohol or disinfectant products will cause your skin to dry out. In the long run, this can lead to irritation, flaking, cracking, and in worse cases, infections.
To combat this, opt to mix in one to two tablespoons of your favorite aloe vera gel into the mix. These will give your wipes that nice, gel-like consistency.
Note: If you plan to use wet wipes to clean yourself after using the toilet, you definitely need to mix in some aloe vera gel into the wipes solution.
4. Baby Castile Soap
Baby Castille soap is a great cleansing ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It has strong anti-bacterial properties but is very gentle and safe for use on kids and toddlers.
They’re a great substitute for the baby wipes you use to clean your child’s butt with when changing diapers.
5. Bleach
Bleach is a good option for those who want to make all-around disinfectant wipes. These work well for high-touch surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, walls, and chairs, among others.
Plus, CDC states that bleach is one of the few household cleaning items capable of killing the COVID-19 virus.
Note: Do not use bleach-soaked wet wipes on the skin. This is very strong and may cause irritation and inflammation. Only use these wipes for general cleaning.
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How to Make Homemade Wet Wipes
What You’ll Need:
For the wipes:
- thick paper towel roll
- 1 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1 tsp grapeseed oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 1 Tbsp baby castile soap
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 Tbsp aloe vera gel
Equipment:
- covered plastic containers
- serrated knife
- marker
- whisk
- spoons
- measuring cups
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
The first thing you need to do is to cut the roll of paper towels. Make sure the halves would fit in the plastic containers you have prepared. Ideally, each roll should be 1/4 the size of one container.
To get started, mark the paper towel where you want to cut it. Then, slice through the roll using a serrated knife while following the mark.
Note: Do not rush this part. Cutting the paper towel haphazardly will cause the towel to turn to shreds.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Wipes Mix
Now it’s time to make the wet wipes solution. Get a clean measuring cup and pour in the distilled water, grapeseed oil, tea tree essential oil, castile soap, essential oil, and aloe vera gel.
Whisk them together until they form a thick, bubbly consistency.
Step 3: Place the Paper Towels in the Container
Position the paper towels in the container. You should be able to close the lid properly. Remember that exposure to air will ruin your wet wipes.
Step 4: Pour the Solution Over the Towels
Slowly pour the soap solution all over the paper towels. Make sure to soak every nook and cranny of the towel, even the ones inside the core.
Step 5: Let the Mixture Sit
Let the toilet paper rolls absorb the mixture for at least a couple of hours. Remember to flip the container every now and then to mix the liquid around.
Step 6: Use and Store
Pull the cardboard core out once you are ready to use your wet wipes. Close the lid and store the container in a cool, dry place once you are done using the wipes.
If the wet wipes start getting dry, simply pour a bit of the solution over the towels again. However, do not submerge the towels in liquid or they might get too weak and flimsy to even use.
Check out this video by Do It On A Dime for a complete video guide on how to make homemade baby wet wipes:
Knowing how to make disinfecting wet wipes will be very helpful, especially during a pandemic like this. Make a few batches of these then carry them around wherever you go. You should always have wet wipes available in case you’re exposed to high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, railings, and walls, among others.
Of course, wet wipes are no substitute for proper handwashing. Keep in mind that the best way to get rid of germs and bacteria is to wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
Have you tried making your own wet wipes? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
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