I used to love cleaning wipes. I thought they were easy for the kids to use, or me to use when I wanted to get it done fast.
And, for the most part, they are.
But I’ve divorced from them. I do have them in all our bathrooms, but when they’re gone I’m not going back. I’ve found a new love.
Things that weren’t right about antibacterial wipes:
- I don’t love antibacterial products. I think the bacteria around us, for the most part, helps us keep a healthy immune system. In the hospital, they actually recommend that we NOT use antibacterial soap at home for that very reason (but we totally use it in the hospital).
- The heat seemed to dry them up, even if the lid was closed well (as if that ever happens). I was left with a bundle of dry wipes that I would add a little water to and hope for the best. It left my counters streaky and not as clean as I’d like. I don’t clean my bathroom counters daily, so when they’re clean I want them REALLY clean.
- My kids tend to use 2 fingers when they wipe with those. I’m not sure if it’s the wetness that they don’t like their hand on or what… but it drives me insane that they have 2 fingers cleaning a counter instead of their whole hand.
- I didn’t love the waste they caused.
- I didn’t like the expense. I was buying the bulk package every 3-4 months at Costco.
One day while I was at Costco I found my new love.
Microfiber towels. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a Costco nearby/membership you can get them at Amazon, too (I believe they were cheaper at Costco though). Do you see all those little loops just made to trap dirt? Just made to wipe away streaks and grab up the toothpaste your child was too lazy to deal with at the time he dropped it on the counter?
YES, microfiber cloths have extended the life of my children! Let’s talk about how to use microfiber towels.
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I make my own cleaning solution. It’s 1/3 white vinegar (I get the BIG bottles at the grocery store, we use a lot of white vinegar), 2/3 hot water, and 2 drops of dish soap (whatever kind you have on hand). I have put in essential oils to try to get rid of the vinegar smell, but I don’t smell them and I feel like I’ve wasted my money with them. And they’re not cheap.
Looking for more natural recipes — check out Angie’s book with tons of awesome natural cleaners!
Then I just spray and go. I love the wide mouth spray bottles from Costco. They’re so easy to fill, and I love how well they spray.
AND with this cleaning solution there are a few benefits:
1. It’s cheap, dirt cheap
2. It’s safe for my kids to use, nothing in there will kill them if they guzzle it (besides the taste, I’m pretty sure that’s fairly off-putting)
3. It doesn’t streak on counters.
Anyway, I’ve made the change and I’m really happy about it. The microfiber cloths clean wonderfully (don’t use downy!) and have been a great investment. I give them five stars!
Check out my other cleaning posts for more great ideas, and don’t miss my cleaning Pinterest board or signing up for my newsletter!
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Sarah @ Seriously Lovely says
I recently started using microfiber cloths as well and I LOVE them! I’ve been using natural, store-bought cleaners, but now I want to switch over to a homemade vinegar-based cleaner like yours. I read that you can steep lemon peels in the vinegar for awhile to help cut the smell. It’s cheaper than buying essential oils and I can’t wait to try it!
Cherie says
I don’t like using antibacterial wipes because of the waste, however I like the fact I get to throw them away and not risk contaminating another surface. I used to clean my bathroom with a scouring sponge and start with the sink, then the bath/shower and lastly the toilet so I could just throw away the sponge at the end but how do you clean with the microfibre cloths? Do you have a separate one for each area or like I did top to bottom and then throw/wash – and how do you wash them?
Hilary says
I always go clean to dirty. Nurses do that by nature. I just just wash them afterwards. I am not a bacteria freak. So, that process works for me.
sharon says
I just cut up old towels. I cut them to a size that fits my Swiffer sweeper mop, and use them until they are thread bare. If I have a nasty mess to clean, I toss them, just like a disposable. I did go to a local thrift shop and buy some old towels to cut up for cleaning rags. I use white for kitchen, colors for the bath, and patterns for the floors and the rest of the house. They may not be the best, but they are good enough.
Hilary says
That’s a great idea! I still have a ton of old towels, but they don’t wipe as well as a microfiber. Just depends on your need. I love the idea of using them on your swiffer!
Angela says
I totally agree with you about the feel! That’s why I didn’t use them for so long either. I just started using them recently & do love the way they dust & don’t scatter the dirt the way regular cloths do. I’m getting used to the feel now lol.
Hilary says
Yes, I do think that the feel is worth it for how well it cleans! 🙂