Homemade Antibacterial Wipes

Protecting oneself from bacteria in the home is a huge concern for many. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a ton of money on commercially prepared antibacterial wipes; just make your own at home. Most are made with common ingredients, and you may have enough antibacterial cleaning product in your home to make them.

Paper Towel Wipes

• While these antibacterial wipes aren't made with natural ingredients, they're incredibly easy to make out of items you likely already have in your household. Easy to make in a pinch, you can keep these wipes on hand for your kitchen or emergency cleaning needs.

  Start with a roll of paper towels. You can use whatever type of paper towel you like, but users have found that those made by Bounty are strong enough to absorb the antibacterial cleansers without turning to mush during storage. Cut the roll of paper towels in half (so that you have two small rolls). Place the roll of towels, cut side down, in an airtight container that will completely cover the roll.

  Boil 2 1/2 cups of water and add 1/2 cup of your favorite antibacterial cleaner (Mr. Clean, Clorox Green, etc) to the water. Pour the mixture over the paper towels and, once wet, slide the cardboard tube out from the center and discard it.

  To start using your cleansing wipes, pull the first paper towel from the center, just as you would if you had purchased a commercial canister of wipes.

  Tip: Use a large, empty plastic coffee canister for storing your wipes. They're the perfect size. Fill the canister with cold water and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar, allowing it to sit overnight, to get rid of the coffee smell.

Baby Safe Wipes

• This recipe, while a bit more specific about the needed ingredients, is perfect for parents looking to carry antibacterial wipes that are safe to cleanse things when babies will follow immediately after.

  Gather a quart Ziploc bag (you can use whatever brand you like as long as they are strong enough to hold moisture without leaking or breaking), 10 to 30 napkins (strong enough to not fall apart when wet), mild antibacterial dish soap or body wash (you'll need four to six squirts), aloe and Vitamin E baby oil or gel (three squirts), gentle regular baby wash (three squirts), bath baby wash (three squirts), and 1 1/2 cups water.

  Mix all of the liquid and soap ingredients together in your Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and shake it gently until all of the ingredients are mixed. Add the napkins, seal the bag, and shake the bag so the napkins absorb the liquid. If there is liquid leftover, open the bag and add a few more napkins.

  Don't forget to label the bag so that you remember what's inside. These wipes are great for adult and regular cleaning use but, again, are perfect for use on areas where your baby will sit, eat or play because the ingredients won't irritate him or his skin.

Moisturizing Antibacterial Wipes

• If you're looking for a wipe that is a bit less harsh on the skin, perhaps to clean your hands on trips or while in the car, you may want to try this simple wipe recipe.

  Gather a roll of heavy-duty paper towels, a cup of rubbing alcohol, a cup of baby lotion, and a large airtight plastic container.

  Tear off the paper towels and stack them (flat or folded) in your plastic container. Mix the rubbing alcohol and baby lotion until they are well-blended and then pour the mixture into the container over the paper towels.

  Seal the container and allow it to sit until the paper towels have absorbed all of the liquid. You can then transfer the towels to large, airtight Ziploc bags if it is more convenient for travel than the plastic container.