This DIY reusable disinfectant wipes turned out better than I expected.
At this point you probably already know that I love a good DIY, especially when it’s easy, budget-friendly, and actually works. These DIY reusable disinfectant wipes are all of that and more! They’re a great non-toxic alternative to store-bought wipes, and I know for a fact they’ll save me money.
If you’re trying to make your cleaning routine safer for you and your family, I have shared a couple of super easy DIY cleaning recipes that are natural, non-toxic, and budget friendly.
Benefits of DIY Reusable Disinfectant Wipes
1. Non-Toxic & Safer for Your Home
No harsh chemicals, no overpowering fumes, just simple, non-toxic ingredients that get the job done without exposing you to toxins.
2. Saves You Money
No more buying disposable wipes over and over. You make one batch and keep reusing the cloths.
3. Eco-Friendly & Zero Waste
Since these wipes are reusable, you’re cutting down on single-use waste. Plus, you’re repurposing cloths instead of tossing them after one use.
4. Super Easy to Make
It takes just a few minutes to mix up the solution and soak the cloths, way easier than running to the store when you run out of wipes.
5. Customizable
You can tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand, adjust the scent, add essential oils, or skip ingredients depending on what works best for you.
6. Works on Multiple Surfaces
Great for wiping down kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, kitchen toys, etc.
7. Smells Fresh Without Synthetic Fragrances
Since you’re using natural ingredients, you’re not left with that overpowering artificial scent, just a light, fresh, clean smell.
Harsh Chemicals to Avoid
When switching to non-toxic cleaning, it’s important to know which harsh chemicals to avoid.
Here are some common ingredients found in conventional disinfectant wipes and cleaners:


- N-alkyl- Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride: D (High Concern) EWG rating.
- Hexoxyethanol: F (High Concern) EWG Rating.
1. Ammonia
- Found in glass cleaners and disinfectants.
- Can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Mixing it with bleach creates toxic fumes.
2. Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
- Common in disinfectants and bathroom cleaners.
- Can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation.
- Dangerous when mixed with vinegar or ammonia.
3. Triclosan
- Found in some antibacterial wipes and soaps.
- Linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
- Banned in hand soaps but still found in some cleaning products.
4. Phthalates
- Often hidden in “fragrance” on ingredient lists.
- Can disrupt hormones and affect air quality.
- Found in many scented wipes and sprays.
5. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
- Found in antibacterial wipes and sprays.
- Can trigger asthma and skin irritation.
- Linked to antibacterial resistance.
6. Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde Releasers
- Preservative in some disinfectant wipes.
- A known carcinogen and respiratory irritant.
7. 2-Butoxyethanol
- Found in multi-purpose and glass cleaners.
- Can cause headaches, nausea, and long-term organ damage.
Source: read more about the trouble of disinfecting wipes
DIY Reusable Disinfectant Wipes Recipe
Ingredients
- Cloths (old t-shirts, microfiber, or cotton cloths work great)
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (I used 90%, but anything over 70% works) : B (low concern) EWG rating
- 1 cup warm water
- 1-2 tbsp Castile soap
- Vinegar (optional but great for extra disinfecting power)
- Glass jar (I got mine from the Dollar Tree!)

Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
Mix the alcohol, water, castile soap, vinegar (if using) and essential oils in the jar.



2. Add the Cloths
Add the cloths and submerge them until fully soaked.

3. Adjust the Moisture Level
Let them sit for a bit to absorb the liquid. If they’re dripping wet, you can remove some liquid so they’re just damp (not soaking) when you use them.

You can buy the same labels I love from Amazon right here!
How to Use & Reuse
- Just pull out a cloth whenever you need to disinfect something.
- I keep a basket for used cloths (along with kitchen towels) and toss them in the washer when they’re dirty.
- When the liquid runs out, just refill and repeat.
And that’s it! A simple, budget-friendly, and non-toxic way to keep surfaces clean without the waste. Let me know if you try them!

DIY Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (I used 91%, but anything over 70% works)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp liquid Castile soap
- 1 cup vinegar (optional)
- 15-20 drops essential oils
- glass jar
- Cloths (old t-shirts, microfiber, or cotton cloths work great)
Instructions
- Mix the alcohol, water, castile soap, vinegar and essential oils in the jar.
- Add the cloths and submerge them until fully soaked.
- Let them sit for a bit to absorb the liquid. If they’re dripping wet, you can remove some liquid so they’re just damp (not soaking) when you use them.
Notes
- To use them just pull out a cloth whenever you need to disinfect something.
- I keep a basket for used cloths (along with kitchen towels) and toss them in the washer when they’re dirty.
- When the liquid runs out, just refill and repeat.