Dry Wipes Add Your Own Cleaner? Top 6 Best Answers

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Can you rehydrate dried out unused baby wipes?

– Keith Kobb, Harrisburg, PA

Many readers tell me that they put a few drops of tap water or baby oil in the bottom of the plastic container, seal it, and turn it upside down. If you keep the lid tightly closed and keep the box away from heat sources, the wipes should last longer. Baby wipes have many uses: they’re great for quickly cleaning phones, sticky purse linings, and dirty hands. You can also use them to dress up faucets and sinks (but they’re not safe for marble or granite).

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For many busy parents, baby wipes and other disposable hygiene products save a lot of time and effort. The soothing sensation provided by the moistened fabric and the potency of the cleansers and lotions make them ideal for cleansing a crying, struggling infant; They only require one hand to use, and their efficiency means you only need two or three of them for each diaper change. These cloths have other uses as well.

A common question is whether these wipes can be rehydrated and reused; finally when it is laden with detergents. You might have only used it once to wipe your baby’s face – couldn’t you just save it for later and add some water when it’s dried up? The short answer to this question is no.

The residue in used baby wipes

If you’ve ever looked at the surface of a baby wipe after it’s been used, you’ll likely see residue from what you’ve cleaned with it. This is true whether you’re using it to wipe your baby’s bum – an obvious reason to throw that cloth away if there ever was one – or simply to get the dirt out of their eyes in the morning.

A diverse collection of bacteria exists on our skin; Some of these germs are friendly and useful, while others are not. When you use a baby wipe to clean the skin, it collects the bacteria – both beneficial and harmful – which can then multiply and spread through the wipe, creating a germ ecosystem that can hurt your baby’s skin.

Storing the wipe after use can also be an issue. Dust and dirt particles floating through the air or sitting on flat surfaces can settle on the wipe while you wait to use it again. Remember that baby wipe packaging is specifically designed to lock in moisture and keep germs out, allowing wipes to remain sterile; If you use the wipe and then store it, you are left with a non-sterile wipe coated in bacteria and stripped of its soothing benefits.

Reusing wipes can cause skin irritation in infants

Experienced parents will tell you that babies are prone to all sorts of skin irritations, from newborn pimples to mild eczema. While most of these are nothing to worry about, the fact remains that your baby’s skin requires care and attention. Using wipes that already contain dirt and bacteria can aggravate existing skin conditions and potentially create new ones.

Yeast infections are another common occurrence in babies. They can take a number of forms, including thrush (which occurs on the tongue) and candidiasis (which occurs in the areas covered by the baby’s diaper). Dirty or previously used baby wipes can increase your risk of developing one of these conditions. Remember, if you are unsure about your baby’s rash or any other skin condition, you should always consult a doctor. Although baby wipes can be helpful in maintaining an infant’s hygiene, they should not be used to treat medical conditions without medical supervision.

Remoisten unused baby wipes in the wrapper

On the surface, rewetting unused “clean” towels may seem like an acceptable idea, but it is not. Especially when it comes to baby wipes and the ultra-sensitive skin of a newborn or toddler. Although the wipes are dry to the touch, there is no telling what contaminants may have gotten into the opened pack while the wipes were drying. Why risk skin irritation or more by reusing something that is no longer in the condition it was manufactured for its intended use? Throw the pack! Replace it with a new unopened pack and you don’t have to worry.

However, no one should find themselves in a situation where they need to re-moisten unused disposable baby wipes. This is why choosing properly sealed packaging is so important for brands of disposable wipes. Contact our packaging experts for more information on how we can help your sanitary tissue brand reduce drying by using a superior seal.

Don’t jeopardize your child’s health by reusing baby wipes

No one can deny that child care is expensive and time consuming; between diapers, food, clothing, and doctor visits, the restrictions can quickly add up. However, this should not be an excuse to jeopardize your baby’s health by reusing wipes. While they may appear perfectly viable after the first or even second use, they are likely to contain bacteria and other hazards from previous use. It’s better to use a fresh cloth. Call our baby wipes manufacturer for more information on our high quality wipes perfect for babies’ sensitive skin.

A note from Shannon

Hello everyone!

Okay, so here’s the thing. I am not a scientist or a doctor. I’m just a wife and mother. My heart is in providing as little help as possible with all of this.

This wipes recipe was created years ago, especially what’s happening right now. The wipes definitely clean surfaces. And I’ve updated the “recipe” with the latest information.

Does that mean they will kill everything? Not necessarily.

But they can help if you don’t have or can’t get hold of the store-bought disinfectant wipes.

And they’re washable, so they save on waste.

I know we are all confused, stressed out and trying our best. Please use your common sense and make good use of the resources you have. If that means upping the alcohol to feel more comfortable, by all means do so.

Regular soap and warm water is supposed to destroy the current bug, so that might work too.

I really don’t have all the answers. But I hope the projects and things I created here help you.

xo, Shannon

Recipes 1-3: Dilute bleach solution

Ingredients:

bleaching

water

Spray Bottle/Funnel

*Each recipe listed below has a different ratio

*Each recipe has been reproduced from verified sources

Recipe #1: 1:10 ratio (strong – Mark Warner formula) [5]

Combine ~1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water or ~⅓ cup of bleach per liter of water.

Recipe #2: Ratio 1:32 (Medium – Clorox Formula) [3][5]

Combine ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water, or 2 tablespoons of bleach per quart of water.

Recipe #3: 1:48 ratio (diluted – CDC formula) [2][5]

Combine ⅓ cup of bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.

Notes on using bleach:

This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, thanks!

Clorox and Lysol wipes are currently out of stock in stores everywhere. So I thought I’d share a homemade DIY sanitizer recipe that you can use for now.

It’s actually a lot cheaper to make than to buy at the store as well. Using a serrated knife, cut your paper towel roll in half. Use your muscles for this one! Or you can use thin rags too! Also check out my recipe for DIY Hand Sanitizer, Homemade Bleach Alternatives, and DIY Foaming Hand Soap.

Mix all ingredients together and pour over in a container or glass. Depending on the absorbency and size of your paper towels, you may need to either double or halve this recipe.

Make sure your rubbing alcohol has an alcohol concentration of at least 70% or it will not be effective. Disclaimer: I’m not an expert nor am I claiming to be an expert, but in a pinch these will make your home shine!

Twitter,

Follow us on Facebook Pinterest and Instagram for more heavenly recipes. Print this recipe Pin this recipe DIY Disinfection Wipes Calories Ingredients 2 cups distilled water

1 cup isopropyl alcohol at least 70-91% strength

1 tbsp Dawn dish soap

3 drops tea tree oil (optional)

1 Paper Towel Roll Instructions Using a serrated knife, cut your paper towel roll in half.

Flip them over and pop them into a jar or previous Lysol/Clorox wipes box.

Mix the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap.

Pour around the edges of the paper towel roll. Leave on for 2 minutes.

Pull out and discard the middle paper towel roll. Now you can pull from the center.

Store in a closed container with a lid.

But before we dive into converting your baby wipes into disinfectant wipes that will effectively sanitize your home and prevent the spread of coronavirus droplets and other dangerous germs, it’s important to note that there’s a fundamental difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Even if you think you’ve cleared a storm, your home may not be as germ-free as you might think. But as long as you disinfect in addition to cleaning, you should be in good shape.

Read on to learn how to turn baby wipes into disinfectant wipes that disinfect effectively.

A simple wipe with a disinfectant wipe makes sanitizing household surfaces a snap, but the sky-high demand these days makes Clorox and Lysol products almost impossible to find. And unfortunately, according to Clorox CEO Benno Dorer, this shortage of disinfectants is expected to last at least until 2021. In the meantime, you can make your own DIY disinfecting wipes using a few household ingredients that have been proven effective in killing viruses, including the coronavirus. However, these chemicals can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore, read these instructions on how to make disinfectant wipes carefully before you begin.

Isabel Pavia/Getty Images

How to make alcohol wipes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends alcohol as an effective cleaning agent for disinfecting household surfaces. When making alcohol-based disinfectant wipes, use at least 70% rubbing alcohol (neat) for the most effective cleaning. Take a roll of paper towels (or small kitchen towels for reusable towels) and an airtight container big enough to store them. You can cut the paper towel roll in half if needed to make it fit. Choose a container that will not be used to store food, drink or other cleaning supplies and label it to avoid accidental mix-ups. Use these steps to make alcohol wipes:

Pour rubbing alcohol into your airtight container, leaving enough room at the top for the wipes to fit. Place the paper towels or wipes in the container and completely submerge them in the alcohol. Soak the wipes for at least five minutes before using them.

You can also turn pre-made wipes like unused makeup wipes or baby wipes into disinfectant wipes by dipping them in rubbing alcohol (but these wipes should never be used with bleach). After wiping the surface with your alcohol-based disinfectant wipe, allow the solution to sit for at least five minutes to effectively kill germs.

How to make disinfectant wipes with bleach

Bleach is another powerful disinfectant recommended by the CDC for use against the coronavirus, but requires extra care when using it. The harsh chemical can stain clothing and irritate skin, eyes, and nose. You should always wear rubber gloves and ensure the area is well ventilated when working with bleach, including when making and using DIY hand sanitizer wipes. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products as this can cause dangerous chemical reactions.

To make sanitizing wipes with bleach, first check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure the bleach is still effective, as the chemical will begin to break down after a shelf life of about six months. Then put on rubber gloves and follow these instructions to make homemade sanitizing wipes with bleach:

Prepare the CDC-recommended bleach solution by mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Pour the solution into your airtight container, being careful not to fill it all the way up. Place the paper towels or tissues in the container and completely submerge them in the solution. Soak the wipes for at least five minutes before using them.

Remember to wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach-based disinfectant wipes. To ensure proper disinfection, allow the solution to sit on the surface for at least a minute before wiping with a clean, dry cloth.

It’s important to note that when mixed with water, bleach is only effective for about 24 hours, so these homemade sanitizing wipes are not meant for long-term storage. For the best disinfecting power, you must make a fresh batch of bleaching disinfectant wipes for each use.

Although store-bought wipes are the most effective and convenient option, homemade disinfecting wipes work in a pinch. Until the shelves are restocked, they might be the best option for a quick clean.

Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to start thinking about staying healthy! It’s inevitable that germs and colds will spread through the classroom and into our homes. I appreciate the inexpensive ingredients for these homemade hand sanitizer wipes, so we can make them again and again year-round (get those germs!). Check out our guide to making a face mask too!

Homemade hand sanitizer wipes

The key ingredient in making hand sanitizer is rubbing alcohol. To prevent your hands from getting too dry or irritated by the rubbing alcohol, you can add a moisturizing ingredient to make using the DIY hand sanitizer wipes a better experience, especially if you use them multiple times a day! As long as the solution you are mixing contains 60% rubbing alcohol, you have effectively disinfected it!

How to make homemade hand sanitizer wipes

Rubbing alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant. It dries quickly, making it a great choice for a DIY hand sanitizer. However, since rubbing alcohol dries on the skin, the addition of aloe keeps your hands soft and moisturized at the same time. Plus, the soothing smell of aloe makes the DIY wipes smell great! We love the idea of ​​taking small cloth towels and laundering them for repeated use. So clever!

This is very affordable and can be made in just a few minutes. I like this recipe because it cares for your hands while killing germs but isn’t too greasy! You can find the drying towels on Amazon HERE. This particular species can be used as a dry or wet wipe, making it ideal for this project. If you’re short on time, you can make mine with baby wipes.

You can also use a halved roll of paper towels (use a sharp knife). Thick and strong paper towels work best when used damp with hand sanitizer. Once the paper towels are cut in half, use 1/4 to 1/3 of the paper towels and place them in the container before adding the alcohol solution. Save the other cut paper towels for the next time you make the hand sanitizer solution!

Click here to download our homemade hand sanitizer wipes to print:

TIP: Use clear packaging tape to attach the label to your container and make it ‘waterproof’.

Other Homemade Cleaning Products You May Like:

This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, thanks!

Clorox and Lysol wipes are currently out of stock in stores everywhere. So I thought I’d share a homemade DIY sanitizer recipe that you can use for now.

It’s actually a lot cheaper to make than to buy at the store as well. Using a serrated knife, cut your paper towel roll in half. Use your muscles for this one! Or you can use thin rags too! Also check out my recipe for DIY Hand Sanitizer, Homemade Bleach Alternatives, and DIY Foaming Hand Soap.

Mix all ingredients together and pour over in a container or glass. Depending on the absorbency and size of your paper towels, you may need to either double or halve this recipe.

Make sure your rubbing alcohol has an alcohol concentration of at least 70% or it will not be effective. Disclaimer: I’m not an expert nor am I claiming to be an expert, but in a pinch these will make your home shine!

Twitter,

Follow us on Facebook Pinterest and Instagram for more heavenly recipes. Print this recipe Pin this recipe DIY Disinfection Wipes Calories Ingredients 2 cups distilled water

1 cup isopropyl alcohol at least 70-91% strength

1 tbsp Dawn dish soap

3 drops tea tree oil (optional)

1 Paper Towel Roll Instructions Using a serrated knife, cut your paper towel roll in half.

Flip them over and pop them into a jar or previous Lysol/Clorox wipes box.

Mix the water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap.

Pour around the edges of the paper towel roll. Leave on for 2 minutes.

Pull out and discard the middle paper towel roll. Now you can pull from the center.

Store in a closed container with a lid.

— Recommendations are independently selected by Reviewed editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

COVID-19 cases have been rising in the US since March, and while there’s no cure yet, the CDC has approved certain household disinfectants to kill coronavirus on surfaces. This includes both Clorox wipes and Lysol wipes. At the start of the pandemic, consumers stocked up on these wipes and completely emptied the shelves, disrupting the entire supply chain.

Clorox is massively increasing its production to keep up with demand, but shortages are unlikely to end in 2020. But that doesn’t mean you have to panic. You can make your own CDC-approved disinfecting wipes at home.

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What you need to make disinfectant wipes

For bleach-based disinfectant wipes:

Bleach (minimum 1000 ppm sodium hypochlorite)

water

paper towels or tissues

An airtight storage container

For alcohol-based disinfectant wipes:

Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (aka grain alcohol)

water

paper towels or tissues

An airtight storage container

Where to get them:

How to make disinfectant wipes

First and foremost, note that these sanitizers are for surfaces, not people. They can be aggressive to your skin and lungs, so the CDC advises you handle these solutions with gloves and in a room with adequate ventilation.

Before using bleach, alcohol, or an EPA-registered disinfectant, it’s important to note the following:

If you use bleach, make sure the bottle hasn’t passed its expiration date. Also make sure that this bleach contains at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite or states that it is for disinfection. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.

If you use alcohol, you need to dilute it. Isopropyl alcohol contains 91% alcohol content and ethanol (also known as grain alcohol) contains 95% alcohol content. The ideal alcohol content for proper disinfection is 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60% ethanol. Follow the steps below to dilute it properly. If you’re drawing from an older stash of alcohol, make sure it’s been stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place so the alcohol hasn’t partially evaporated. If you are not sure, buy a new bottle. Isopropyl alcohol can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. Ethanol can be purchased at your local liquor store.

To make bleach-based disinfectant wipes:

Put on gloves and open a window for adequate ventilation.

Mix the ingredients in an airtight container. Depending on the amount you’re looking for, the ratios are either 5 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach to 1 liter of water.

4 teaspoons of bleach to 1 liter of water. Completely soak your paper towels or cloths in the diluted bleach for at least 5 minutes to effectively soak up the solution.

Close container tightly.

According to the CDC, bleach solutions are only effective for disinfecting for up to 24 hours. After this time, you will need to make a new batch of diluted bleach each time you want to use disinfectant wipes.

To make alcohol-based disinfectant wipes:

Put on gloves.

If using 91% isopropyl alcohol, mix 7 cups of alcohol with 3 cups of water.

If using 95% ethanol (also known as grain alcohol), mix 6 cups of alcohol with 4 cups of water.

Place your paper towels or tissues in an airtight container and fill it with your freshly diluted alcohol solution until completely submerged.

Wait 5 minutes before using to allow your paper towels or wipes to properly soak up the solution.

Close the container tightly and store your wipes in a dark, cool place to prevent alcohol evaporation (or place in a sealable plastic bag for portable wipes).

How to use disinfectant wipes

Once you’ve made your wipes, it’s important to use them properly so you’re not just spreading germs. Lead lab testing technician Jonathan Chan recommends wiping in one direction to avoid reinfecting areas.

Bleach-based wipes require the surface to remain wet for at least a minute to properly disinfect. “One thing to remember about disinfecting wipes,” says lead scientist Julia MacDougall, “is that you have to soak the surface for the right amount of time to get full effectiveness or you’re not going to disinfect.” Think Remember that whenever you handle bleach, you should wear gloves and be in a room with adequate ventilation. Don’t wear clothes that you particularly like while making or using bleach wipes, as the bleach can discolor them. You should also avoid cleaning metal parts, especially stainless steel, with bleach, as it can cause premature rusting.

For alcohol-based wipes, completely wet the surface. Your surface will be disinfected once the surface has dried. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.

These cloths are intended for use on hard surfaces. For disinfecting soft surfaces such as carpeting, rugs, and curtains, the CDC recommends using soap and water or other cleaning agents deemed appropriate. If you can put them in the wash, make sure you wash the items according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the warmest water setting appropriate. Let the items dry completely.

You can also disinfect surfaces in your home with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray. The CDC website has a list of these disinfectants, which work on both hard and soft surfaces.

The CDC recommends following this process:

Check if your product is EPA approved. Read the product instructions, especially what surface it can be used on and any precautions to take. Put on gloves before use, take them off after use and wash your hands thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Pre-clean the surface if the product instructions call for it. Make sure the disinfectant stays wet on the surface for the required amount of time to ensure effectiveness.

Where are disinfectant wipes used?

There are many surfaces in your home that you probably don’t clean as often as you should. And while hard, high-touch surfaces are better incubators for the virus, it can also live on soft surfaces like your clothes and carpets. The CDC notes that some of the most touched surfaces in your home include:

tables

doorknobs

light switch

countertops

handles

desks

phones

keyboards

toilets

taps

Sinks

Tablets and other touch screens

remote controls

dress

towels

bedding

Also, remember to bring wipes with you when you run errands, travel, go to the office or gym, eat at a restaurant, or just do anything where you might come into contact with surfaces that have been touched by others.

Remember that other ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) and wear a mask to protect yourself and others.

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During the Coronavirus-COVID-19 pandemic, while sooo many of us are self-isolating and staying home with babies, our local grocery stores are running out of things like hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Now stores are running out of baby wipes and some babies are suffering from using the wrong wipe.

I’ve collected some tips from some of our certified trainers and trainees as well as our Instagram and Facebook followers to help you find an alternative to baby wipes today, including reusable baby wipes and other creative options.

Let’s not let this “pandemic” take good baby hygiene away from us! (And check out this post for information on alternatives to disposable diapers in case there are diaper shortages, too.)