5 alternatives to Clorox wipes

Due to the overwhelming demand for household disinfecting products amid the coronavirus outbreak, Clorox wipes are hard to come by. In fact, the company has announced that its shortage of cleaning wipes is expected to last well into next year.

The good news is that there are plenty of other equally effective cleaning solutions that you can use as an alternative to Clorox wipes if you can't find this popular brand on shelves any time soon.

Top 5 alternatives to Clorox wipes

1. Any disinfectant with an EPA registration number

Clorox is one of the most popular and trust brands in the cleaning industry, but it's not the only company that makes products to get the job done. If your go-to cleaning brand is out of stock, branch out to other brands that offer household disinfectants— but make sure the product has an EPA registration number. This ensures that the product meets the criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to qualify as an effective disinfectant.

You can find the EPA registration number on the product label.

2. Rubbing alcohol

"Rubbing alcohol" can refer to two types of alcohol: isopropyl and ethyl alcohols. These products deactivate viruses by destroying the lipid membrane that surrounds and protects the virus's DNA inside the cell.

The CDC recommends that you use rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 60–95%. Never use a product that contains methanol, as this type of alcohol is very toxic to humans and animals.

Rubbing alcohol comes in various sizes, as well as in spritzer and spray bottles, cleansing pads and as hand sanitizer gel. See our list of where to buy in-stock rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer if you're having trouble finding these items.

3. Diluted bleach

Bleach diluted with water can be an appropriate cleaning solution in some instances. Bleach can fade colors away and can also strip some surfaces of their finish, so always spot test in a small, inconspicuous area first before using on larger areas.

The CDC recommends mixing 1/3 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water to disinfect surfaces. Never combine bleach with other cleaning products or chemicals, and always keep out of reach of children and pets.

If you're having trouble finding bleach in stores, check these sites for in-stock bleach products.

4. DIY cleaning wipes

If you miss the convenience of grabbing a pre-soaked Clorox wipe from the tub under your kitchen sink, try making your own by following these steps:

1. Pour 1 gallon of water into the container where you'll keep your homemade wipes.
2. Carefully add 1/3 cup of bleach to the water. If you are using less-concentrated bleach, add 1/2 cup per 1 gallon of water.
3. Submerge paper towels into the bleach solution.
4. Let soak for five minutes before using.

5. Air purifiers

Air purifiers can be a good addition to your regular cleaning routine for indoor spaces. PECO, HEPA and other types of air filters may help to trap harmful particles from the air before they have a chance to land on and stick to surfaces.

Look for True HEPA filters rather than "HEPA-Type" or "HEPA-Like" filters, as only True HEPA filters have been tested and shown to filter out 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns from the air. Compare some of the best air purifiers to find the best fit for your space.

Where to buy wipes like Clorox wipes

Having a hard time finding cleaning wipes in stores? You might have better luck shopping online for hard-to-find items. Take a look at these lesser-known online stores that have cleaning wipes in stock.

Bottom line

When it comes to shopping for high-demand items like cleaning wipes, don't get hung up on the brand name. Clorox has become a household name in wipes and other disinfectant products, but other brands can work equally well. Remember to look for the EPA registration number on other disinfectants to make sure they'll be as effective as your favorite brands.