DIY Non-Toxic Disinfectant Wipes

I’m about to get on a plane to fly across the country in a week (Update: I cancelled the trip… social distancing and all). And of course, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. The kids are out of school for two weeks (at least). I was feeling a little panicked because, what the heck am I going to do with them? How am I going to get any work done? How am I going to tire them out when we aren’t supposed to go to playgrounds or in public? What am I going to dooooo…..!

I was feeling selfish and worried about the logistics more than anything else. Then my mom sent this:

And I have to admit, I panicked. Just a little. Well… maybe not panicked, but I did get a little more concerned. I think it is probably time to take a few extra precautions beyond social distancing and hand washing. Because if mama gets sick, we’re gonna have some serious problems.

I decided I want to wipe down the tray table and other common areas near me before I get cozy on my flight. And then to wipe up after I inevitably drool during my in-flight nap.

I am sure the airline will have their own when I board, and likely there will probably be wipe stations throughout the airport, but I don’t like the idea of using known toxins to get rid of both the good and bad bacteria or wiping down a dirty surface with a toxic wipe. Seems a little silly to solve one problem with another.

And, yes, I am aware that COV-19 is a virus, and anti-bacterial wipes won’t work at all, but a clean surface is a clean surface. Just the action of wiping with water has been shown to reduce some infective viruses. And, I will admit, I love the placebo effect. So, off to the airport I go with my DIY reusable, non-toxic disinfectant wipes!

Also, duh. I have kids. I could use some disinfectant wipes in the car, in my purse, around the house, well…basically everywhere. I might as well make a belt that has these things attached to it!

So… I made my own. With ingredients I know and trust, and wipes that won’t head straight into a landfill.

Also, they are WAAAAYYYY cheaper.

Why Not Just Use Store Bought?

Well… So many reasons. But mostly, they are generally made with a lot of toxins and unknown ingredients that I am just not comfortable having around my family. They can kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, and are really drying.Every store-bought wipe is ranked a ‘C’ or below by the Environmental Working Group.

This just isn’t good enough for my family. Or yours!

Yes, they may be great on surfaces, but you have to handle them in order to use them. Not great.

And, not only do the ingredients pollute your home’s air and are hard on your family’s systems, they are so wasteful. One wipe and in the trash. Completely unnecessary.

So… the answer is DIY non-toxic disinfectant wipes.

How to Make DIY Non-Toxic Disinfectant Wipes

These are super easy and only require a few items and a few minutes. You can even do it with your kids’ “help.” Although, watch the vodka!

• 1 cup of vodka (I sent my husband to the store with the instructions: highest proof, cheapest vodka that you can find).
• Old tee shirts or other rags. Some tutorials suggest getting double ply rags and sewing them together. I will admit, I love this idea but don’t love the idea of pulling out my sewing machine for anything other than Halloween. So, I just used old shirts.
• 3 tablespoons of castile soap. I use Dr. Bronner’s because we always have it on hand.
• 30 – 50 drops of your favorite essential oils. I am using Tea tree and lemon mixed with lavender. Tea tree and lemon to disinfect, lavender to calm me down. Because I have kids. Always lavender.
• A sterilized mason jar (or other storage container). I am using Stasher bags for my flight, not perfect, but I don’t want to carry around a glass jar in my carry on. I worry about what TSA might have to say about it!

I have seen a few recipes like this suggesting vinegar and castile soap. Don’t. They do not mix well and you will end up with a gross curdled mess. Take a look at what Lisa Bronner (of Dr. Bronner’s) has to say. Dr. Bronner’s and vinegar separate are awesome. Together they are just gross.

Essential Oils:

You can skip the essential oils if you want. They add to the scent and have been shown to be anti-viral, but I don’t think they are necessary, especially if you are sensitive to them. If you decide to use essential oils, the following oils show anti-viral activity:

• Eucalyptus (I won’t use this one for now, because it isn’t safe for little kids)
• Frankincense
• Tea tree
• Cinnamon leaf
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Lemon oil

Of course, no amount of essential oils or disinfectant wipes will kill everything. They also do not take the place of good hygiene and self-care, so get enough sleep, stop touching your face, and wash wash wash your hands! Ok, disclosure over.

Also, be sure to take a look at the safety of any essential oil that you decide to use. Some (like eucalyptus) are not kid-friendly. But, neither is vodka, so maybe keep this away from them!