Homemade Natural Wipes

DIY - Wipes

Wipes are used to clean your skin and surfaces in your home but store bought wipes leave more behind than they take off. Wipes are loaded with toxic chemicals designed to preserve, clean, and add fragrance. Wipes that are labeled "natural" cost a fortune and still contain chemicals. An alternative that is cheaper, vegan, and natural is to make your own.

Homemade wipes are versatile because they can be customized to your needs with different ingredients. 

Homemade wipes are great for: cleaning, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, bathroom wipes, make up remover, face wash, and dog wipes.

To make an all-purpose wipe 
You will need:

Viva paper towels (1/2 a roll), measuring cup, airtight container, serrated knife, & water

Customizable ingredients: Dr. Bronner's soap (cleanser), vitamin E oil (moisturizer and preservative), tea tree oil  (antibacterial & antifungal), lavender essential oil (natural fragrance), almond oil (moisturizer with great skin benefits), and vegetable glycerin (prevents dry skin)

Step 1: Cut the paper towel roll into whatever size you want.  Use 1/2 a roll to make one batch. 

Step 2: Pull apart each sheet of paper towel or fold on the perforated line for a continual sheet. Pending on the style of your container you can stand up the paper towel roll, remove the cardboard center and the paper towels will pull up from the center as shown on the left.

Step 3: Fill 1.5 cups of water and add five drops of each: Dr. Bronner's soap, vitamin E oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, and essential oil. 

Step 4: Place the paper towels (1/2 a roll) in the container and pour the mixture over the paper towels. Lift the towels up and pour the mixture on the bottom and in the middle to cover all areas. 

Step 5: Let the wipes sit for several minutes to absorb the liquid. If after several minutes not all the paper towels are moistened add more of the mixture. If too much liquid was added squeeze some out. 

On the go: Store in a zip lock bag, thin airtight container, or reuse a traveling baby wipe box.

Even more eco-friendly wipes: Make reusable cloth wipes out of old fabric such as baby rags, cotton, or flannel. 

Tips: 

1. Use thicker paper towels such as Viva. Cheap paper towels will not work. 
2. The amount of water and customizable ingredients will vary pending on the thickness of the paper towels and how moist you like the wipes. 
3. Do not store in sunlight. 

Check back for more recipes and ways to use your homemade wipes!

Before using essential oils check with your doctor if they are safe for you. Do not use essential oils on animals.