One of the fun things about trying to create a more frugal lifestyle is learning about the things that we can make at home.  Most folks automatically assume that living on a budget means cooking bulk meals at home and cutting back on purchases of big ticket items, but sometimes it can be just the little things that add up.

For me, those handy dandy cleaning wipes are definitely an area where I splurge and choose convenience over cost-effectiveness.  (Especially when it comes to Method's lavender version - love 'em!)  Since I'm an admitted wipe addict, so to speak, I just had to pass along this article (reprinted by permission) for making your own disinfecting wipes.  I think I may have to give this a shot, especially if I can figure out a way to still get that lovely lavender scent.

Make Your Own Disinfecting Wipes

Do you love those disposable disinfecting wipes as much as I do? I use them on my kitchen counters, everywhere in the bathrooms and they're great in the garage or basement when you need to get a dusty item out of storage.

But as much as I love these products, I do not love the price! The cheapest wipes I've found in my area are a store-brand and cost about $2 for 75 wipes. Not bad, compared to the name-brand versions, but still I to buy "disposable" things that I use so often and use so many of each time.

Here's my solution for this convenience vs. cost dilemma: I've made my own disinfecting wipes! It was so easy & took less than 5 minutes to do.

Supplies & Directions:
• Plastic storage container, water-tight and air-tight preferably
• 5-10 Cotton cloths, sized to fit your container (cheap washcloths bought in bulk work great)
• Bottle of your favorite Full-strength Cleaner (i.e. Lysol or a natural version thereof)
• Liquid measuring cup

1. Fold your cloths into a stack that will fit on your storage container & place them inside.
2. Read the package on your cleaner & determine a proper strength for diluting your cleaner into a solution, estimating the amount of liquid needed to soak the cloths (I used 2c. water + 1oz Lysol for six large cloths)
3. Pour the cleaning solution over your cloths. Add only enough to make the cloths wet; there should be no liquid in the bottom of the container, but you should be able to press down on them & create a small puddle in your container, which is then reabsorbed immediately.
4. Seal your container until it’s time to clean
5. After you’ve used a cloth, simply give it a rinse to release some of the cleaner’s scent & let it air-dry on your sink or in your laundry room. Wash with your towels and return it to the container, adding more solution as needed.

Article by:

Katie Kolodzy is a wife & mother of a growing family and co-owner of www.nurturedhome.com - Traditional Homes with Traditional Values. Nurtured Home features homemaking and gentle mothering articles and tips - check us out! For our latest information on creating a nurtured home for your entire family, sign up for our newsletter, "Nurtured News" at www.nurturedhome.com/NurturedNews.html