Anytime there’s a spill on the countertops or on the floor, we run to grab the Clorox disinfecting wipes. Maybe it’s out of convenience or out of habit, but at a time where we all need to reduce our waste, we can’t afford to continue using single-use cleaning wipes.
Disposable Clorox wipes are harmful to our environment for several reasons. For one, wipes contain plastic fibers, which become toxic to wildlife that mistaken our trash for food. And as we all know by now, anything made out of plastic doesn’t break down for hundreds of years. If we each go through multiple containers of wipes each year, you can only imagine what our landfills and waterways look like by now.
To reduce your waste and make your home as sustainable as possible, we have five Clorox wipes alternatives that keep you and our planet safe! The best part is, they’re all cost-effective liquids that can be paired with reusable paper towels to make your cleaning routine that much more eco-friendly.
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar might become the most useful pantry ingredient in your home. From disinfecting your vegetables to killing the bacteria on your countertops, white vinegar is both an effective cleaning product and an eco-friendly Clorox alternative! Vinegar is made from 5% acetic acid, which is responsible for killing bacteria and viruses. Researchers tested household disinfectants and found that vinegar was effective at killing a range of pathogens!
All you need to do is mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a glass spray bottle, shake it up, and there you have it; an all-natural, cost-effective disinfectant. Instead of using a paper towel to wipe up spills, opt for reusable UNPaper Towels made from cotton and meant to be thrown in the wash instead of tossed in the trash!
2. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a vegetable oil-based soap that’s incredible for removing dirt, germs, and bacteria from any kind of surface in your home. The beauty in stocking up on castile soap is that it’s gentle enough to be a versatile product to clean both your home and your body! When using chemical-based cleaning products, we usually look for the suds to tell us that the soap or solution is doing its job. However, that’s actually the role of sulfates, which we don’t need for any reason other than the lathering effect.
Castile soap contains a blend of natural oils, which produces a similar lathering effect, except this one isn’t harmful to your body or the environment. Using the same method as you would with vinegar, mix equal parts of castile soap with water and give it a good shake!
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Because of its name, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t always get the eco-friendly alternative recognition that it deserves. However, hydrogen peroxide is actually an all-natural, biodegradable compound that breaks down into water and oxygen molecules! Most convenient stores sell 3% hydrogen peroxide, an effective Clorox alternative to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces, or even wipe down the items in your house like door knobs or your children's toys.
4. Lemon Juice
Perhaps the easiest Clorox alternative you can find, lemon juice is highly acidic and has natural antimicrobial properties, which stops the growth of microorganisms. Since lemons are naturally-derived, they aren’t strong enough to be classified as a disinfectant. However, lemon juice can be used to wipe down hard surfaces or to shine the faucets. Either create your own lemon juice-based spray or cut a lemon in half, squeeze onto the dirty surface and use an UNPaper Towel to wipe everything clean!
5. Essential Oils
If you thought essential oils were only good for their aromatic properties, well, you’ll be pleased to know that certain oils are actually natural disinfectants! Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, and peppermint are safe alternatives to toxic disinfectants and other cleaning agents. Thanks to their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, these three essential oils can clean your surfaces while leaving a delicious scent.
For a multipurpose cleaner, mix three cups of water with ½ cup of white vinegar and about ten drops of tea tree oil into a glass spray bottle. Between the white vinegar and essential oils, you have a cost-effective and nontoxic Clorox wipe alternative to clean your countertops, bathroom sinks, or even your floors!
