See how to make easy DIY hand sanitizer wipes in 5 minutes! The homemade antibacterial wipes are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. Use the portable disinfectant hand wipes for travel or when water and soap are out of reach.

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DIY Hand sanitizer wipes – Homemade disinfectant hand wipes for travel and on-the-go
Right now you probably wondering Is there any hand sanitizer left? The shops in my area have all cleared out, and friends told me it’s the same situation where they live. I already shared easy recipes for DIY hand sanitizer spray and homemade hand sanitizer gel. Today, I’m going to show you how to make hand sanitizer wipes at home.
Can you make your own disinfectant wipes? Yes, you can! And unlike store-bought products, my DIY hand sanitizers aren’t drenched in toxic chemicals. Instead, the wet wipes hand sanitizer is made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients and essential oils.
Another benefit is that you can make homemade antibacterial hand wipes with reusable and eco-friendly materials, which helps to reduce waste and promote sustainable living.
Okay, let’s make this easy and natural disinfectant hand wipes!

Materials for disinfectant hand wipes
You won’t believe how easy it is to make natural antibacterial wipes at home. Before you start, gather the materials. Here is what you need for DIY hand sanitizer wipes:
High proof alcohol
DIY hand sanitizer wipes with alcohol are the only way to ensure our DIY antibacterial wipes are safe. According to WHO and CDC recommendations, a hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective.
For the best hand sanitizer wipes, prepare the recipe with high-proof alcohol. Here are some options that you can use in this recipe:
- Spirytus vodka (192 proof, 96% alcohol)
- 190 proof Everclear (95% alcohol)
- Golden Grain (190 proof / 95% alcohol)
- Gem Clear 190 Proof (95% alcohol)
- Alcohol-95 (95% alcohol content)
- 151 proof Everclear (75.5% alcohol content)
- 150 proof vodka (75% alcohol content)
You can also opt for DIY hand sanitizer wipes with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). However, rubbing/isopropyl alcohol is very harsh and poisonous if consumed, especially for toddlers and small children. But if rubbing alcohol is your only option, use it!

Glycerin or aloe vera gel
Glycerin is added to counter the drying alcohol. The ingredient attracts moisture from the air and provides deep moisturisation, which strengthens the elasticity of the skin. Aloe vera gel can be used alternatively.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is moisturising as well and has a mild preservative effect. Adding the oil is optional.
Essential oils
Although not a must, I prefer my DIY disinfecting wipes with essential oils. Essential oils add natural fragrance and strengthen the antibacterial and antiviral effect of the disinfectant solution. For my DIY hand sanitizer wipes, I used a mix of lavender and tea tree EO. For more disinfectant essential oils, check out my hand sanitizer spray recipe.
In case you have very sensitive skin or prefer fragrance free sanitizing wipes, skip the essential oils.
Wipes
For the wipes, you can choose from different options:
Disposable paper wipes
Use thick paper, for example, cosmetic wipes, kitchen/guest paper towels, or dinner napkins. Toilet paper is too thin and will become mushy once exposed to the liquid disinfectant.
Reusable DIY hand sanitizer wipes
Reusable hand wipes are more durable, eco-friendly and will save money as you won’t have to constantly buy paper towels. Small washcloths, microfiber cloths, cotton wipes, or reusable paper towels are all great options. I simply cut 5-in / 12-cm squares from an old t-shirt.
Remember that reusable wipes have to be washed after each use before you can reuse them in a new batch.
Storage container – Hand sanitizer wipes dispenser
To store the sanitizing wipes for travel, put them in a small, portable and spill-proof container. Here are 2 ideas that you can use as on the go hand sanitizer wipes dispenser:
- small glass jars – A glass container is the preferred option when storing products that contain essential oils. These 4-oz mason jars or baby food containers have a good size and can hold approximately 6 sanitizing hand wipes.
- plastic containers – Plastic jars are lightweight (much lighter than glass mason jars), won’t break and are very convenient for DIY travel wipes. The lid is super tight, minimizing the risk of the hand sanitizer liquid spilling out. I carry a cosmetic plastic jar with DIY hand sanitizer wipes in my purse.
How do you make hand sanitizer wipes?
How do you make antibacterial wipes? Making disinfectant hand wipes is actually super simple. let me walk you through the easy steps:
- Place the wipes in your container of choice. It’s best to fold or roll the wipes to get them easily out of the jar or container.
- Mix the alcohol, glycerin or aloe vera gel until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the wipes until the wipes are fully soaked.
How to use DIY hand sanitizer wipes
Do hand sanitizer wipes work? Do hand wipes kill germs? Yes, as long as the alcohol content is over 60%. You also must use the homemade antibacterial wipes correctly:
- Unfold the disinfecting hand wipe.
- Rub your hands vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
- Cover your palms, back of hands, between the fingers, and under your fingernails – just as you would if you were washing with soap and water.
- Don’t put used wipes back into the container.

Is hand sanitizer as good as hand washing?
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to clean your hands. Cleaning our hands often and thoroughly is an important step to fight off germs.
Disinfectant wipes are useful when you don’t have access to soap and water. I keep the DIY hand sanitizer wipes in my purse for travelling, road trips, commuting to work or for a quick clean up after shopping.
The downside is that the high alcohol content in hand sanitizing alcohol wipes can dry out your skin. So, it’s best to restrict the use of homemade hand washing wipes unless necessary.
Antibacterial body wipes – DIY body wipes
The use of these antibacterial cleaning wipes isn’t limited to hands. You can also use them as DIY antibacterial body wipes or DIY foot wipes. I like to rub my feet with these natural hand sanitizing wipes after a visit to my local pool or after walking barefoot on the beach.
I work part-time as a caregiver and also use the DIY hand wipes to disinfect my arms after a shift. Again, the homemade handi wipes are very drying and should only be used when you can’t wash with soap and water.
Are antibacterial wipes okay for babies?
Is hand sanitizer okay for babies? The high alcohol content makes these DIY hand disinfectant wipes unsuitable for babies and small children if used on a regular basis. The one-time-use is okay, for example, when your toddler touches something unhygienic (think dog/duck poop in the park). I’m already working on DIY baby wipes with castile soap, so watch out for that!
Storage and shelf life
Store your homemade hand disinfectant wipes in a dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. The DIY natural antibacterial wipes can be kept for many months. The high alcohol content and vitamin E oil act as preservatives.
Reusable cotton wipes or towels have to be washed after each use.
The hand sanitizer wipes will dry out over time, but can be re-hydrated with the same mixture.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Wipes – How To Make Disinfectant Hand Wipes
See how to make easy DIY hand sanitizer wipes in 5 minutes! The homemade antibacterial wipes are made with natural ingredients and essential oils. Use the portable disinfectant hand wipes for travel or when water and soap are out of reach.
Materials
Tools
- mixing cup with a spout
- storage jar or container
Instructions
- Place the wipes in your container of choice. It’s best to fold or roll the wipes to get them easily out of the jar or container.
- Mix the alcohol, glycerin or aloe vera gel until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the wipes until the wipes are fully soaked.
Notes
*Wipes
For the wipes, you can choose from different options:
Disposable paper wipes
Use thick paper, for example, cosmetic wipes, kitchen/guest paper towels, or dinner napkins. Toilet paper is too thin and will become mushy once exposed to the liquid disinfectant.
Reusable DIY hand sanitizer wipes
Reusable hand wipes are more durable, eco-friendly and will safe money as you won’t have to constantly buy paper towels. Small washcloths, microfiber cloths, cotton wipes, or reusable paper towels are all great options. I simply cut 5-in / 12-cm squares from an old t-shirt.
Remember that reusable wipes have to be washed after each use before you can reuse them in a new batch.
How to use DIY hand sanitizer wipes
Disinfectant wipes are useful when you don’t have access to soap and water. Here is how to use the homemade hand sanitizer wipes:
- Unfold the disinfecting hand wipe.
- Rub your hands vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
- Cover your palms, back of hands, between the fingers, and under your fingernails – just as you would if you were washing with soap and water.
- Don’t put used wipes back into the container.
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DIY Hand Sanitizer Wipes Label
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Over to you!
Thanks so much for visiting Country Hill Cottage – we’re so happy you’re here! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!
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Irena xx
Era
Sunday 12th of July 2020
I love this. I want to use reusable products as well. Question. How do you store your used wipe until you get back home? if they need to be washed before reusing I'm guessing you can't/don't/shouldn't put it back in the jar with other wipes.
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Sunday 12th of July 2020
Hi Era! Yes, you shouldn't put them back in the jar. Depending on the size of my bag, I either put use wipes in a second jar or a small zip-lock bag. I hope this helps!
Rebecca Dillon
Tuesday 24th of March 2020
Such a great idea. This perfect for upcycling old t-shirts too.
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
Thank you, Rebecca! Fabric hand wipes are also more durable, so it's a win-win.
Cari
Saturday 21st of March 2020
Thanks for the recipe! I love that these are reusable and ecofriendly.
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
Thank you, Cari! Yes, fabric holds up better too.
Katerina
Saturday 21st of March 2020
This such an informative and helpful post, thank you Irena! I'm looking forward to reading the castile soap version of these suitable for kids.
Irena | Country Hill Cottage
Saturday 21st of March 2020
Thank you so much, Katerina! I'm glad that you find this DIY useful.