As authoritative medical associations like CDC suggested using certain household disinfectant wipes to keep the home safe from the Covid-19 infection, a spike in the demand for disinfectant wipes was observed. Everyone started stocking the wipes in homes thereby affecting the entire supply chain. Although the wipes manufacturing companies accelerated the production but could not beat the massive demand of the world population. Therefore, the concept of DIY disinfecting wipes came out.
The medical associations approved their capability of resisting the spread of infection in homes. Therefore, if you are also struggling to get the disinfectant wipes, you have landed in the right place.
How To Make Homemade Wipes
Making wipes is not as tough as it may sound. It is easy and less time-consuming. All you need is some ingredients to make CDC approved home disinfectants.
There are three ways of making these wipes. Some ingredients will differ.
Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes
Bleach-based disinfectant wipes
Hydrogen Peroxide disinfectant wipes
These are the basic things that you can easily get from the confectionary. You may need to step into a pharmacy for grain alcohol.
Pre-Making Instructions
Dilute alcohol. Isopropyl contains 91% alcohol which should be diluted till it comes to 70%. Mix 7 cups of isopropyl with 3 cups of water.
Ethanol consists of 95% alcohol which needs to be diluted till it becomes the 60% alcohol solution. Dilute 6 cups of alcohol with 4 cups of water.
If you already have the solutions, make sure they were stored in an airtight container in a dark place, away from sunlight. It may have evaporated the partial portion of the alcohol. Purchase a new bottle, if unsure.
You will have to grab Ethanol from a local liquor shop.
1) Ingredients For Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Wipes
Ethanol or isopropyl (or grain alcohol)
Paper towels or cotton cloth
Airtight storage container
Water
Steps To Make Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Wipes
Wear your gloves.
Make sure to not start making disinfectant wipes without gloves. It can damage your skin.
Put your paper towel or cotton cloth in an airtight container. Fill in the container with both the diluted alcohol solutions and mix them until they do not get submerged.
Let the wipes soak the entire solution (it hardly takes 5 mins)
Your disinfecting wipes are ready to use.
After use, you must store them in a dark room and cool place to resist their evaporation.
Alternatively, keep them in a plastic sealable bag to use anywhere, anytime.
2) Ingredients For Bleach-Based Disinfectant Wipes
Bleach
Water
Paper towels or cotton cloth
Air-tight container
Steps To Make Bleach-Based Disinfectant Wipes
Put on your gloves.
Ensure room ventilation as you are using bleach.
Mix 5 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach to 1 quart of water. (The quantity may differ as per your requirement)
Submerge the paper towel or cotton cloth (for wiping) into the solution(diluted bleach) for approx. 5minutes. Do not use it until the wipes absorb the solution properly.
Once it is fully absorbed, close the container.
Please note, bleach solutions are effective for disinfection for up to 24hours only. Therefore, you will have to make bleach disinfection wipes every time you plan to disinfect your home.
3) Ingredients For Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant Wipes
Distilled water
Hydrogen Peroxide
Paper towels or cotton cloth
Opaque Container
Steps To Make Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant Wipes
Add water and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl and mix them properly.
Submerge paper towel or cotton cloth into the same container
Pour the solution slowly so that the wipes get saturated completely. You can flip or toss the wipes over to saturate them properly.
Effective Ways To Use Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
Making a disinfection solution is not enough, you must know the ways to use them properly so that you do not spread germs instead of protecting your home from it.
Do not wipe in the reverse direction. Always wipe it in a single direction to prevent reinfecting the area.
Make sure to let the surface dry naturally (should remain wet for 1 minute).
Make sure to wear gloves and open the windows, in case of bleach-based disinfectant wipes. Also, do not wear good clothes as bleach may discolour your nice dress.
Do not use disinfectant wipes on metal items. It may cause rust. Alcohol-based disinfectant is safe to use on metals.
These disinfectant wipes are not for surfaces covered with carpet, rugs, or drapes. You can use soap diluted water for such surfaces.
Places Where You Can Use homemade Disinfectant Wipes
Tables
Light switches
Doorknobs
Countertops
Handles
Phones
Desks
Keyboards
Toilets
Faucets
Sinks
Touch screen devices
Remote controls
Clothing
Towels
Linens
Some of the places or things above should not be disinfected with bleach-based disinfectant wipes.
In The End
Keeping your house protected from bacterial germs and viruses is critical. You should know whether your disinfectant is effective enough or not. Therefore, making homemade disinfecting wipes with the help of CDC suggestions could be the most reliable way to protect your house from bacterial and viral infections.
