I’ve been using homemade cleaning supplies for a few years now (and loving it!) with the exception of one item – countertop wipes. The store bought wipes are just so dang handy and smell so good, and I always feel confident that they’re getting the job done. But every time I use one I freak out a little bit, curious about (but not dumb enough to actually check) the components that make up the solution that I’m letting slowly soak into my hands.

So, this DIY has been loooong awaited. I held off on making them because I assumed the process would take forever, and at the rate we fly through countertop wipes it probably wouldn’t be worth my time and effort.

And what if they don’t actually do the job I need them to do?! We eat a lot of chicken and eggs, and I clean my countertops a lot. Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway), I was skeptical. But guess what — I’m in love with them! And if you want reusable wipes, try these t-shirt wipes.

Once you have all the supplies together they take hardly any time at all to make. I’m very happy with the job they do – and satisfied knowing I’m not killing myself slowly with that mystery solution in the store bought wipes, too!

Natural Homemade Cleaning Wipes

Supplies Needed

1/2 cup all purpose cleaner (I used Mrs. Meyer’s)
8-12 drops tea tree essential oil
2 1/2 cups water
Choose-A-Size Paper towels, 1 roll cut in half
Storage jar with lid

Step 1

Measure 2 1/2 cups of water in a large measuring cup. Add 1/2 cup of your all purpose cleaner and give the solution a quick swirl to combine.

Step 2

Add 8-12 drops of tea tree essential oil and any other oils you like for fragrance. Tea tree oil acts as a natural disinfectant and is a fantastic alternative to using bleach.

Step 3

Grab your bread knife – or something with a serrated edge – and cut your paper towel roll in half. This task isn’t pretty, there will be lots of pushing and pulling and stabbing. Be very careful, but don’t be afraid to really handle it to get the job done. Dust off the cut side of the roll and try to get rid of as many jagged pieces and lint as you can before placing it in your container.

Step 4

Slowly pour your cleaning solution into the dish. Start from the inside near the cardboard roll and swirl the solution outward, covering as much surface are of the paper towels as possible so it has a chance to soak through all the layers.

Step 5

Pull the cardboard out from the center of the roll. If it doesn’t slide out easily, let it sit for a few more minutes before attempting a second time.

Step 6

Label your wipes so everyone knows what they should be used for. I found these great little chalkboard labels at a craft store.

Place the lid on top and you’re good to go! If the lid gets left off and the towels loose moisture just add a 1/2 cup water and you should be back on track.

Photos by Ana Stanciu