I have really been trying to “green” up our cleaning supplies. I really have come a long way in the last 6 months! I pretty much use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning everything, but that is a different post!
I used to be a HUGE bleacher. I would bleach everything. I loved the smell of bleach! I loved washing all the sheets and blankets in lavender scented bleach. Climbing in between the blankets that had the lavender/bleachy smell was like heaven to me! I thought it would be so hard to give up my bleaching, but honestly it has not been hard at all!
When I started researching bleach, what I found out was enough for me to decide to make the switch. Bleach can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and is linked to cancer. (source) I really feel part of living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just the food we eat, but other items that can get in our bloodstream and affect our health.
I got rid of the bleach in our laundry area, but also needed an alternative to the bleach wipes we were using. They are handy for cleaning up small messes – like when the dog has an accident… not that that has ever happened! Is this the face of a dog that would do that?!?
I found a ton of resources for making my own disinfecting wipes on Pinterest. I decided to make mine reusuable, so I can wash them and reuse them over and over. (Note: You can also use the same method, using a roll of paper towels, and your wipes just would not be reusable).
Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
1-2 old t-shirts, cut into squares
1 cup water
2 squirts dish soap (I use a natural dish soap from Costco)
4-5 drops tea tree oil
First, cut up the t-shirts. My husband has a ton of old t-shirts, so I asked him to donate a few to the cause.
I used pinking shears, but you can just use regular scissors as well. I first cut down the seams to make it easier to lay the t-shirt flat.
Cut into whatever size you would like – I cut each side of the tshirt into thirds, and then cut into squares.
It didn’t turn into a problem at all that some of the shirts had images printed on them. This thirsty whale isn’t so thirsty anymore…
I reused an old Clorox Wipes container to put them in. I just stacked them and slightly rolled them to fit inside the container, and then stuffed them inside.
Mix together the water, soap, and tea tree oil, and pour over the t-shirt squares in the container.
I wrote the “recipe” on the front of the container so it is there next time I need to make a batch. This solution is only slightly adapted from Live Renewed. You can find a ton of different solutions, but I really like this one.
I have been taking these cloths to work to “clean” off my desk at the beginning for the day. (I share my desk with a couple other people as well). My work provides Clorox wipes, but I just can’t make myself use them anymore!
I thought it would be difficult to make the switch, but it has been so easy! After I use the wipes, I put them straight in the washer, and keep a stack of the wipes ready to make my next batch. The only thing that is slightly difficult is getting the wipes out of the container, but I usually just take the top off and grab one. I love the tea tree smell! I guess I really am into smells, so if it smells good, I will be more apt to use it!
Not only are these non-toxic, but they also help eliminate waste –less to throw away!
Do you use bleach? If you are looking for a homemade bleach alternative, try this one! I made it recently, and I love it!
I love this idea, especially as I have a ton of old t-shirts that I can use. I wonder if there’s another type of container in which to keep the wipes so they would be easier to remove? I think a baby wipe container would still be difficult.
I think you could use any kind of container, maybe a glass jar would work as well? I have heard of people using baby wipe containers, but I didn’t have one, and didn’t want to go get one just to reuse for something else.
Maybe a tupperware like you’d pack your lunch in?
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Homemade chocolate, coconut oil
That is not the face of a dog that does wrong. What a great shot of Sammy. I am so impressed with your project. Great idea. I had no idea that bleach was such a bad actor..
What a great idea – the only thing I bleech is our white laundry, but I do love the smell of it like you!
Biz recently posted..I Can’t Quit You!
I used to be a bleach freak too, but with the dogs licking everything I moved away from using it. This is a great alternative, we like the convenience of those wipes too. But I think Sammy looks pretty darn innocent
Rhonda recently posted..Crock Pot Pork Roast with Sauerkraut
I’ve been committed to using cloth instead of paper products for diapers, feminine needs, and cleaning. I often clean counters and floors with just plain water (the steam mop works great on the floor) and some of the other products I use are Angel Scrub, Trader Joe’s Cedarwood and Sage multipurpose cleaner, and Murphy’s Oil Soap. For pet stains I used Nature’s Miracle. We (still!) have Chinese cloth diapers that I use when I need especially soft or lint-free cloth (for cleaning mirrors for example). I even bought a new dozen a few years ago when the ones from our kids finally fell apart. For counters, floors, etc. I mainly use terrycloth rags that I get from Costco. I used bleach to clean bathroom grout and that may have contributed to the start of a breathing issue I had that was quite hard to get over, so I don’t get near bleach at all any more.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Dark Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Banana with Cocoa Nibs
Wow, thanks Mary! I stick more to the vinegar and baking soda myself
I found it cleans just about anything! I’m trying to get away from paper … my favorite is a reuseable coffee filter I got, which really reduced waste a lot for us!
This is such a smart idea! I use these wipes at work all the time…never realized before how harmful they could be!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because recently posted..Homemade chocolate, coconut oil
This is such a great idea! I will for sure be trying this out the next time I clean my apartment..
Denise & Laura recently posted..Two of the Easiest Recipes you will EVER Make
Jane, what a good idea. I use biodegradable dish soap to clean just about everything. It’s nice a mild but really works. Adding tea tree is such a good idea – kill off all the microbes naturally.
Thanks for the inspiration.
xxoo
E
erin @ yummy supper recently posted..BAKED APPLES WITH HAZELNUTS, MAPLE CREAM + CREME FRAICHE
I have been reading a lot about cleaners and even beauty products and what they can do! Crazy right?? I am going to make these.. I have everything!
I recently found an all natural company that sells awesome home products and self care products that are safe. E-mail me if you want more info!
Brittany (Delights and Delectables) recently posted..Thai Green Curry with Salmon
I’ve always used Bobby’s old t-shirts as cleaning rags. I love the container you store yours in. I have an old one in the cabinet just waiting for this idea! I’m not familiar with tea tree oil. I’m going to have to do a little research on that, but if I can find some – this is a great idea!
mjskit recently posted..Steel Cut Oats – A Quick and Healthy Breakfast
Tea tree oil is an essential oil — here is a link to some on Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=tea%20tree%20oil&index=blended&link_code=qs&sourceid=Mozilla-search&tag=mozilla-20
Great post Jane. We do need to bring awareness to this world about all chemicals out there, one post at a time. I try not to use bleach if I can help it. Instead I use lemons, vinegar, baking soda and soap.
Marina@Picnic at Marina recently posted..La Conner, WA
I just posted a comment and it disappeared again… oh well, let see if this one goes through.
Marina@Picnic at Marina recently posted..La Conner, WA
Sorry about that Marina, I have been having a bunch of blog issues I am trying to get resolved!