Here’s How to Revive Dried-Out Disinfecting Wipes

Many of us have a stockpile of cleaning supplies on hand. At some point, though, we’re all going to run out of the things we need, or our supply will just go bad. If you ever open your container of disinfecting wipes, only to find dry, useless sheets, though, here’s a quick fix.

If it’s been a minute since you reached for disinfecting wipes, when you do, you might realize they’re dried out. You can easily rehabilitate them using a home staple: alcohol.

Let’s say your canister of Lysol wipes has become difficult to use and just doesn’t have enough solution to try to make a difference on your countertops or other areas you need to sanitize. Grab some isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) and pour it over the remaining clothes in the canister.

Seal the container shut and allow it to sit for 20 or so minutes so that the alcohol can absorb. Once the wipes have soaked up all the alcohol, you’re good to use the disinfectant wipes again—just be sure to use them correctly.

If you’re wondering how to use Lysol wipes in your home, it’s best to only use them on hard, non-porous surfaces. These types of surfaces won’t stain or absorb the chemicals in the wipes, allowing the wipe to simply clean and sanitize a surface.

You should wipe down a surface and let it dry completely in order to fulfill what’s called contact time. This is the amount of time it takes compounds like alcohol to kill germs and bacteria. As long as your disinfectant doesn’t have specific instructions on wiping it away, a dry down is the best way to use these wipes.

When using Lysol wipes, expect a surface to stay wet anywhere from 10 seconds to several minutes. This is a necessary part of the sanitization or disinfecting process.

For anyone needing a way to sanitize their fabric or carpeted surfaces, it’s better to work with a product specifically designed for that. A fabric sanitization spray will keep all your fabrics in good shape while keeping them clean.

Keeping your home clean and the germs at bay can be accomplished with a few simple products. Whether you’re looking for a way to remove allergens in your home or you want to sanitize and disinfect surfaces, learning how to use Lysol wipes is your key to easy success.

The next time you reach for your disinfecting wipes only to find them dry, grab some alcohol, and you’ll be good to go.