I want to make natural disinfectant wipes for bathroom or countertops

[anudi01]

Okay, I know this is wasteful if I use papertowels...but I save paper in lots of other ways, so I'll splurge on this one. I have to wipe down countertops and toilets MANY times a day. I want to rip up those variable size papertowels and keep them in a box with a solution that will disinfect. I'm thinking some GSE, Lavender Oil, or lemon oil. Would I need vinegar or anything? How long would they stay good...provided I keep 'em moist. Would bacteria grow in that solution. Also, how much of each extract/oil to use per oz of water? Thanks in advance.

Also, I have heard of using a solution like this for baby wipes too (minus GSE). Does anyone have a recipe for that?

TIA!

[lil_miss_understood]

Subbing.

[PaulaJoAnne]

Fill a spray bottle with water, and add several drops of Tea Tree Oil to it.
Spritz where ever needed!

I buy TTO at WalMart. $8 for a full ounce!

[Adsullata]

Straight 5% vinegar solution kills most all germs, mold, bacteria. I suppose you could add some essential oil- lavender or citrus- if you wanted a scent other than vinegar. (altho as soon as it dries I don't smell vinegar anymore)

Do you really have to go w/ paper towels? Not judging you for eco-friendliness or anything like that. It's just that personally I really hate using paper towels for any sort of cleaning because they suck so much compared to a rag. My favorite is old t-shirts because they don't leave fuzzy-wuzzies or paper bits behind. I keep a box of various rags in a laundry cupboard next to some old towels that are all used for household cleanup. About once or twice a month I have an extra load of cleaning rags on laundry day, but it's no big deal. At least not any more time than tearing up paper towels

HTH

ETA: and I use spray bottles for my cleaning solutions as I find it convenient.

[sugareemoma]

I have one spray bottle with straight up vinegar for those really nasty problems like pet accidents or when dd trys to potty but doesn't make it to the toilet. For most other things I use 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water and then 'season' to taste with EOs, my room is pepperment and lavender, the kitchen is tto and GSE, the living room is rosmary and sage etc... I also use tto and vinegar to mop with:

[luv-my-boys]

I use a mixture of water and Tea tree oil. Since TTO is a natural disenfectant/bactricide/anti fungal it works great for cleaning. I am anal about cleaning our bathroom every day. With a bunch of little boys (some better aimers than others) I have too or its gross for me (im the only girl in the house) I found it easier to use a spray bottle and then either use cleaning cloths or I just keep a roll of towel in the bathroom. I tried keeping some in an old wipe container but found over time the paper towel got too soggy and fell apart. I found it easier to tear one as I need and spray down everything. Plus I was able to douse areas that needed extra cleaning fluid. A mixure of lemon EO and water is also nice a "fresh" smelling once you clean.

[Isamama]

Is GSE- Grape Seed Extract?

[anudi01]

Thanks for the replies

yes GSE, grapefruit seed extract.

I know, I hate using paper towels. It just seems like my rags get funky so fast. (I think it's my water that gets funky smelling). I too, use a spray bottle with vinegar. I do love this. Also, I have old white Formica, eww, and EVERYTHING stains this. Once and while, I have to use an abrasive cleanser, with bleach (I know, I know)...any suggestions for whitening w/o nasty products. Baking soda paste just doesn't cut it sometimes, as the surface of my Formica is worn and porous.

[kis95]

Originally Posted by anudi01

.any suggestions for whitening w/o nasty products. Baking soda paste just doesn't cut it sometimes, as the surface of my Formica is worn and porous.

Have you tried spraying it with hydrogen peroxide? I used it on my mildewy shower yesterday, and with a spray and a bit of a scrub, it worked perfectly!

[mommathea]

Originally Posted by anudi01

yes GSE, grapefruit seed extract.

I know, I hate using paper towels. It just seems like my rags get funky so fast. (I think it's my water that gets funky smelling). I too, use a spray bottle with vinegar. I do love this. Also, I have old white Formica, eww, and EVERYTHING stains this. Once and while, I have to use an abrasive cleanser, with bleach (I know, I know)...any suggestions for whitening w/o nasty products. Baking soda paste just doesn't cut it sometimes, as the surface of my Formica is worn and porous.

I use a magic eraser on my formica counters - works pretty well

[Barefoot~Baker]

Please forgive my ingnorance, I'm somewhat new to this lifestyle

Where do you get essential oils? I was thinking health food store, but do they sell them at places like Walmart?

[LeighB]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Turner

Please forgive my ingnorance, I'm somewhat new to this lifestyle

Where do you get essential oils? I was thinking health food store, but do they sell them at places like Walmart?

I get mine at the health food store. I've never seen them at Walmart, but that would be awesome if mine would start selling them!