How to Make DIY Alcohol Wipes for On-the-Go Cleaning
Travel Light, Clean Right: DIY Alcohol Pads for On-the-Go Hygiene
Traveling or just out and about running errands? It’s always nice to feel clean and refreshed, but carrying around a bottle of cleaning solution or hand sanitizer can be a hassle.
Enter the alcohol-soaked cotton pads—your new favorite travel companion for quick, efficient, and mess-free cleaning!
These DIY alcohol wipes are perfect for wiping down surfaces like bathroom counters, grocery cart handles, or even your phone screen. They’re compact, convenient, and great for traveling, making them the ideal choice for your suitcase or handbag.
Tools and Materials
- Cotton pads
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- Ziplock bag
- Optional: A few drops of essential oils (for a pleasant scent)
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Why You’ll Love Alcohol-Soaked Cotton Pads
Travel-Friendly: Forget about lugging around bulky cleaning bottles or worrying about TSA liquid restrictions. These alcohol pads are small, lightweight, and ready to clean anything from a sticky countertop to your airplane tray table.
Convenient for Quick Wipe-Downs: Whether you're grocery shopping, eating out, or using a public restroom, having a few alcohol-soaked cotton pads in your bag means you’re always ready to tackle germy surfaces without the need for a full cleaning kit.
Multi-Use: Not only are these pads perfect for cleaning surfaces, but they’re also great for sanitizing your hands after touching public surfaces. Plus, they won’t leak or spill like bottles, which makes them perfect for traveling.
1. Pour Alcohol into a Resealable Pouch
Pour isopropyl alcohol into a Ziploc style bag (about 1/4 cup for every 5-6 pads, depending on how saturated you want them).
If you like, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or lemon, for a fresh scent. Gently dip your cotton pads into the alcohol solution, ensuring that they are damp but not dripping wet.
2. Place Pads in Ziploc
Place a small stack of cotton rounds into the Ziploc bag.
3. Pack the Pads
Once your pads are soaked, remove as much air from the bag as possible and zip it closed. It is important to ensure that the bag is airtight to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
When removing air from a Ziploc, I place it on the side of a counter or table and gently push the air out of the bag from the top before sealing it up.
Need more easy cleaning solutions?
How to Use Alcohol-Soaked Cotton Pads on the Go
- Grocery Shopping: Wipe down the handles of shopping carts or baskets before you touch them. You never know who’s used them before you, and this is a quick way to protect yourself from germs.
- Public Restrooms: Before using the bathroom, wipe down the toilet seat, flush handle, and doorknob with your alcohol pad for an extra layer of protection. You can also use it to sanitize your hands when soap and water aren’t available.
- Cleaning Your Phone & Other Electronics: Our phones are some of the germiest surfaces we touch daily. Wipe down your phone screen, keys, or even your tablet with an alcohol pad for a quick, disinfecting clean.
- On Planes & Trains: Clean the tray table, armrests, and other shared surfaces in your seat area when traveling. It only takes a minute and can help you feel more comfortable and hygienic during long flights or train rides.
How to Make DIY Alcohol Wipes
Your alcohol-soaked cotton pads are now ready for use! Throw them in your handbag, travel bag, or car for quick cleaning anywhere you go.
These portable pads give you peace of mind, knowing that you're ready to tackle any dirty surface or germy spot.
Grab your supplies, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a cleaner, more convenient travel experience!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?