It seems disinfecting wipes are out of stock everywhere. All of our distributors are out of stock, and I’ve been to several stores in the area to only find empty shelves. I made this recipe to try it out and I really liked it. I actually think I may use these wipes from now on, even when disinfecting wipes are available in the future.
The wipes with the below recipe are a little more wet than most disinfecting wipes. I kind of liked it that way, since one wipe seemed to go a lot farther in cleaning things, though you could try to reduce the amount of water used and see how you like them.
EDITED TO ADD: Later I felt like my paper towel wipes fell apart. I feel like this probably happened for two reasons: I was using inexpensive paper towels, and also, I think the bleach I was using was “double strength”. For this recipe, I’d make sure you’re using good paper towels (or even reusable cloths would work) and if you’re using extra strength bleach, I’d reduce the bleach amount by half. I hope they work out for you!
Additionally, a bleach and water solution can be used as a disinfecting cleaner in a spray bottle, which works very well for disinfecting surfaces.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unscented, bleach
2 1/2 cups of water
1 roll of paper towels
Empty round wipe container to store them in
1 teaspoon of essential oils (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
First, cut a paper towel roll in half so there are two equal rounds. I did half with a bread knife and then my husband offered to cut it the rest of the way with a saw (which was a lot quicker).
Squeeze your paper towel half into an empty wipe container. My paper towels must have been larger than usual, because I had to take several sheets off the outside so it would fit.
Mix the water and bleach (and essential oils if using) in a container and pour over the paper towels in your wipe container. Let it sit a few minutes and then pull out the cardboard core from the paper towel. Begin pulling paper towels from the roll from the inside. Continue pulling paper towel wipes from the inside as needed.
The ratio of bleach in these wipes is enough to disinfect against bacteria and viruses. I’d recommend using a wipe on surfaces at least once daily to keep things sanitized. These wipes are more substantial than regular disinfecting wipes since they’re made from paper towels, so I think you’ll really like them. I’m definitely a fan.
Also, let me say, that while bleach isn’t something we sell at the store, pure, unscented bleach is not a bad thing to use. It is caustic in its undiluted state but is a simple way to disinfect the home without a bunch of added chemicals.
Essential oils could also be added to the bleach water mixture before pouring over the paper towels, but I wanted an unscented wipe to use around the house. Bleach is a simple and effective disinfectant as long as its diluted properly.
Making a household disinfecting spray with bleach is also very effective, and is simple to make- use one tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water (or one teaspoon mixed with 1 1/3 cups of water) in a spray bottle or to use with a clean towel and bucket. Wiping down all surfaces and frequently touched items like phones, computers, remotes, doorknobs, etc. is a good idea.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. We are here to help. Stop by our store at 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights if you need anything. We are committed to sanitizing the store throughout the day and have a large bottle of hand sanitizer for our customers right by the entrance to the store. Be well.