Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Make disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces
• Method 2 of 2: Make your own wipes to disinfect your hands
• Necessities
• Making wipes to clean surfaces
• Making wipes to disinfect your hands
• Tips
• Warnings

Single-use disinfectant wipes provide a convenient and hygienic way to keep both your hands and your home free from bacteria and viruses. With all the news about the spread of the coronavirus, it is increasingly difficult to obtain good disinfectants in some places. Do not panic! If the cleaning shelves in your supermarket also run out, read in this article how you can easily make your own wipes to keep your house and your hands clean. The great thing is that you don't need much special for it. In fact, you probably already have most of the supplies at home. The best advice is still to wash your hands with soap and water, or if necessary with alcohol-based hand gel, but if you don't have all of that at hand, homemade disinfectant wipes are a great alternative.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Make disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces

1. Make a cross-shaped opening in the lid of a plastic cylindrical container. Buy a plastic container that is wide enough to fit a piece of paper towel. Cut a cross-shaped opening in the lid with a Stanley knife, precision knife, or other sharp knife. You are going to pull the wipes out of the tray through this opening if you want to use them.
   • Be careful when you cut into the lid! Place the lid on a sturdy surface that will not be damaged if you scrape it with the knife, such as a workbench or cutting board, and keep your fingers clear.
2. Soak the paper towels in the detergent overnight. Put the lid on the container and set it aside. Leave the wipes on for 12 hours or overnight to allow the disinfectant to soak well into the paper.
   • To be able to disinfect properly, the wipes must be well saturated. You have to apply a fairly thick layer of the cleaning agent to the surface that you want to disinfect.
3. Discard the wipes immediately after use. If you reuse sanitizing wipes, you may be spreading the bacteria and viruses instead of removing them. Immediately after cleaning, dispose of the wipes in a trash can with a garbage bag in it. If you want to clean more, take a new cloth.
   • If you used gloves, throw them away when you're done (or disinfect them if they're reusable).

Method 2 of 2: Make your own wipes to disinfect your hands

1. If possible, use soap and water or store bought hand gel. According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the best way to disinfect your hands is to wash them with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don't have soap and water at hand, a hand gel with at least 60% alcohol is the best alternative. Do not try to make hand gel yourself unless there is really nothing else to it. It is very difficult to make a product that is effective against germs, but that is not harmful to your home.
   • Most alcohol you buy at the drug store or supermarket is probably not concentrated enough and will not produce a 60% alcohol solution when combined with other ingredients, such as aloe vera gel.
   • Just be aware that if you often use highly concentrated alcohol on your hands, the alcohol can damage your skin over time, making it easier for toxins and other debris to penetrate your skin.
2. Put the mixture on a tissue paper or tissue. If you want to disinfect your hands or any other surface, simply put some of the mixture on a clean paper towel, paper towel, tissue or gauze pad. Squeeze or spray enough on the cloth to moisten it thoroughly.
3. Wipe your hands well and throw away the cloth. Wipe everything on the surface of your hands, including the backs, your wrists, and the spaces between your fingers. Check your hands carefully to make sure there is no dirt left on them. Do not wipe or rinse your hands, but let them air dry.
   • Rinsing your hands or wiping off the sanitizer too quickly may prevent you from fully sanitizing your hands.

Necessities

Making wipes to clean surfaces

• Cylindrical plastic tupperware container with lid
• Utility knife or precision knife
• Kitchen paper
• Sharp kitchen knife or jigsaw
• A disinfectant solution, such as isopropyl alcohol, lysol, or bleach

Making wipes to disinfect your hands

• Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
• Aloe vera gel (100%)
• Clean plastic container, such as an empty bottle that used to contain liquid soap
• Paper tissues or tissues

Tips

• The best way to sanitize your hands is to wash them with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially if they are visibly dirty or greasy. Only if you have absolutely no soap or water at hand can you use an alcohol-based disinfectant or wipe as an alternative.

Warnings

• If there is really no more hand gel anywhere, or if you are in need of money, you can always make your own hand gel. Just be careful and always follow the directions given carefully as it is very difficult to make a product that effectively kills bacteria and viruses while being safe for your skin.
• Baby wipes, non-alcohol antibacterial wipes, and botanical or essential oil wipes are not effective enough against the coronavirus. To disinfect your skin, use only alcohol-based disinfectants, or use one of the other disinfectants that are on the list of approved cleaning products from the RIVM or American EPA.