Ethanol (grain alcohol), used for consumption, is sold in varying proof levels.

Read the labels of grain alcohol and vodka bottles to determine their alcohol content.

For instance, Everclear Grain Alcohol is 190 proof, or 92.4 percent ethanol.

Homemade disinfectant wipes in glass jar next to essential oils

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

When exposed to light, hydrogen peroxide reverts to plain water.

Do not substitute hydrogen peroxide for alcohol when making these wipes.

Alcohol evaporates very quickly, and you’ll be left with dry wipes.

Materials and tools for making homemade disinfectant wipes

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

It should be large enough to hold 40 folded paper towels and three cups of liquid.

Other types of plastic can react with essential oils and discolor or dissolve.

Paper towels, paper guest hand towels, and paper napkins work well.

Empty glass containers for placing homemade disinfectant wipes

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Choose a heavy-duty paper towel with fewer chemicals likeReel Recycled Paper Towelsthat has a half-sheet option to reduce waste.

For others, you’re able to leave them full-size or cut them into smaller pieces if desired.

Reusable wipes should be machine-washed in hot water after every use.

Colorful microfiber cloths and paper towel roll and stacked sheets

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Layer the Towels

Separate the towels into individual pieces and fold or roll to fit the container.

Measure the Disinfecting Solution

You need enough alcohol to cover and saturate the towels.

Three cups of alcohol will saturate about 40 folded paper towels.

Multicolor microfiber cloths rolled in glass container and paper towel roll in glass jar

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Add Essential Oils

Essential oils add a pleasant scent and some oils do have antibacterial qualities.

You may mix and match to suit your sensibilities in the quantity that you desire.

Wait until the liquid is absorbed and pour in the rest.

Isopropyl alcohol measured in measuring glass in front of glass jar with paper towel roll

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

You may need to add a bit more alcohol if the towels are not fully wet.

There should be some liquid visible in the container.

Cover the container tightly and the wipes are ready to use.

Essential oils poured into glass measuring cup with alcohol

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Label the Container

Use a paper label or a piece of masking tape to label the container.

Place out of reach of children and pets.

Do not wipe away the alcohol; allow it to air dry.

Disinfectant solution poured over paper towel roll in glass container

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Use More Than One Wipe

One wipe will not disinfect an entire kitchen or bathroom.

One wipe will usually disinfect an area of around three-square-feet.

Dispose of the wipes in a trash can.

Glass containers with homemade disinfectant wipes labeled

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home.U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About.

Heavy soil and grease removed from marble countertop

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Disinfecting wipe squeezed to check for moisture

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Disinfecting wipe left on marble countertop

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Disinfecting wipe pulled from glass mason jar

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Disinfecting wipes disposed of in metal trash can

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Hands being washed under running sink water

The Spruce / Ana Cadena