Here is another "Make Your Own" idea-Cleaning wipes. There are a lot of recipes out there on the Internet (I just searched for "Make Your Own Cleaning Wipes" and found lots). I basically took ideas from different sites and came up with these. I stared with a roll of Bounty paper towels. We buy ours in the jumbo rolls which are too big for my container so I had to wait until we had used about a 1/4 of the roll. Then I cut the roll in half. I saw one website say you needed to do this with an electric knife (but I never let instructions deter me) so I just grabbed my heavy duty serrated knife and cut away and it worked.
The edge is a bit jagged but it won't matter in cleaning.
Next I got my container (a disinfecting wipes container that was empty-I used it because it already had the right kind of lid).
Then I grabbed my "go to" cleaner refill jug. Like I said there are lots of recipes for make your own cleaners out there and I have no beef with those but I figured "since I am going to spray this on most surfaces to clean anyway why not just turn it into some handy wipes." I poured about a cup of this cleaner over top of the paper towels plus a 1/2 cup of water. (Just check and see how saturated the paper towels are-you may need to add more).
Let them get a bit soggy, then pull out the cardboard center (can be a bit tricky but persevere). My paper towels are the type that are stuck to the cardboard center which is really helpful because as you pull that out the paper towels will come with it.
Remove the cardboard center and throw away and hold onto the top paper towel. I had to discard the first one or two until I got a nice one.
Pass this through the center of the lid and TADA-cleaning wipes. So easy and I think frugal. I am loving that I don't have to wait until these come on sale to get more cleaning wipes (I love em because they are so handy). Now I can just make my own. I made some for cleaning wood and metal fixtures too.
Happy frugal cleaning.
Now, if you can come up with a good natural wipe recipe I'd be one board! Love the idea, can't do the chemicals. I bet vinegar and tea tree oil would do fine. You don't have to wipe it off and it kills germs jut as well or better than the name brand (eco un-friendly) cleaners.
ReplyDeleteMrs.meyers is a natural brand and has a "all purpose cleaner" which has a recipe for Counter Spray. I think its 5 Tbs of all purpose cleaner and 16oz of water.
DeleteIm sure u can use that exact solution for the wipes. :)
Allisonswhim-look on line I found a few natural cleaning wipes recipes and even how to make your own holder if you don't want to use one from a premade wipe.
ReplyDeletehi heather. great post. what is your recipe for a wood cleaner? also, i love the posts from you and your neighbor. i am not a card making type but i have been loving the postings. keep them coming. i think i could make a few of these cuties!!! thank you both....sonia
ReplyDeleteMy wood cleaner recipe is (this is embarassing cause it is pretty simple and not very ingenious) but it is 1/4-1/2 cup pinesol (or other pine cleaning product) to 2 1/2 -2 3/4 cups water.
ReplyDeleteHere is a great link for anyone:
http://organizedhome.com/clean-house/make-your-own-cleaning-wipes
I love this idea, but I just wondered if they paper towels hold up? Don't they rip once they are wet, especially after soaking?
ReplyDeleteYou have to make sure and use a heavy duty, name brand paper towel. They do hold up. If you are worried you could always add less liquid and then just replenish if needed. I have a few that tear but overall I am surprised. I was skeptical at first. You can't do it with bargain brand cheapies though.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete