DIY Antibacterial Hand Wipes Recipe For When Stores Are Sold Out

The threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the flu have caused most stores to completely sell out of antibacterial products. The good news? It's really easy to make your own antibacterial hand wipes at home using a few ingredients you may already have in your pantry. While hand sanitizing wipes should not be a substitute for hand washing, rubbing a wipe between and on top of your hands for 20 to 30 seconds can help kill germs and bacteria. This main ingredient featured here is isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, which is also the main ingredient in most hand sanitizers. Isopropyl alcohol is known to kill germs and bacteria quickly by denaturing the protective outer proteins of microbes by dissolving their membranes. (Note: You might also want to make yourself an antibacterial surface spray while you're at it, to cover all your bases.)

Ed. note: We want to be clear that this DIY is an alternative solution if you can't find the hardcore stuff. DIY surface and hand sanitizers should be used when soap and other cleaners (such as Chlorox and Lysol) are unavailable and should contain at least 60% alcohol, per the CDC.

Step 1

In a bowl, use a whisk to mix the ingredients together really well.

Step 2

Stack paper towels in a storage container. A locking food storage container is perfect for these, or you could recycle a baby wipes container. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly first.

Step 3

Pour the liquid mixture over the paper towels, and then close the container lid and shake well. Be sure all of the paper towels get soaked thoroughly.

1. Shake well before each use.
2. Wring the wipe out before use if needed.
3. Wipe hands all over and air dry.

Using these hand wipes before and after touching items can help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. These are also great for wiping down surfaces like shopping carts, door knobs, toilet handles, and bathroom faucets before using.

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Stephen Paul for Hunker