By: Kimberly Daun, Certified Aromatherapist
These wipes are not only a breeze to make but easy for my kids to apply as well. I sometimes pin one to our tent or picnic blanket and it works fabulously at keeping the area around us free and clear of outdoor annoyances. Be sure to checkout our DIY Outdoor Spray, DIY Outdoor Lotion Bars, DIY Outdoor Candles.
What you’ll need:
- 2.5-quart airtight container (or really any size they will fit snugly in)
- Select-a-size” paper towels
- 1 tbsp Almond Carrier Oil (added protection from annoyances)
- 1 tbsp Coconut Carrier Oil (added protection from annoyances)
- 40 drops Nature Shield or KidSafe Shield Me
- 2 cups Witch Hazel*
What you’ll do:
- Cut a roll of paper towels in half using an electric knife or serrated bread knife.
- Place paper towels into the container, if you have to “smash” it a bit to fit, that is ok, once wet we are taking out the core!
- In a separate bowl add witch hazel, carrier oils, and essential oils.
- Mix well and immediately pour mixture over paper towels.
- Once soaked, you can easily remove the core.
- Seal with lid and use as you would any other wipes.
*If you decide to replace the witch hazel with water you’ll either A. Need to use a preservative (Optiphen Plus is one I use) or B. Keep stored in the refrigerator. The reason for this is that bacteria growth naturally occurs with water based products and a preservative or storing in the fridge helps keep it to a minimum.
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If I wanted to use different EOs and made these wipes as wet wipes for a toddler during nappy changes, what would a safe dilution be? 1%?
How many total drops would I need?
And would PT recommend this?
Hi Jess! We, unfortunately, don’t suggest using EO’s on children under the age of 2. I would suggest trying a Lavender Hydrosol instead.
My son is over 2 but I’ve decided not to use EOs in the recipe anyway. 🙂
If I omit the EOs in this recipe, do I still need a preservative?
And would I be able to use Aloe Jelly as well as witch hazel, or only one or the other?
May I use polysorbate 20 as a perservative instead of Optiphen Plus. And if so, how much?
thanks
Nope, Polysorbate is not a preservative. It’s an emulsifier that helps mix the essential oils into water based products.
How much optiphen plus would you add? And how many drops shield me to make it 2% dilution?
0.7-1.5% of your total recipe should be Optiphen Plus. To get a 2% dilution, you’d need about 18 drops of EO.
Does this recipe have a shelf life??
If you add a preservative, it could last a couple of months. If you don’t, about a week if stored in the fridge.
Any thoughts on using avocado oil in place of one of the carriers? I have some of it I’d like to use up. So excited to make these!
You could if you wanted to. The problem with avocado is that it is SO thick, it’s often times too greasy for most. 🙂
This is such a great way to do it!! Love it! My kids are really going to enjoy being able to wipe on their own “bug stuff” as they call it. 🙂
Would it be less effective if I used Nature Shield in PT’s Aloe Jelly instead? I don’t have all the oils, nor the witch hazel (apparently not yet ) and it is Hurricane Season, so need to be prepared. What would be the proper dilution a 180 lb 12 yr old?
Hi Katie, you can use Aloe Vera Jelly to effectively dilute Nature Shield. For something that will be used frequently we would suggest a 2% dilution. To create this dilution add 18 drops of Nature Shield to 1 ounce of Aloe Vera Jelly and apply topically to exposed areas.
Could this mixture just be placed directly in a spray bottle and eliminate the need for the paper towels?
I don’t see why not! Another great option is to dilute Shield Me to 2% in an unscented lotion base. 🙂
Can I use 2tbsp of coconut OR almond or do they each add their own seperate benefits? This will be my first batch and I don’t have any of the ingredients yet.
Hi Stephanie! You can use either of the carriers and it won’t make a difference for this recipe.
Can any other oil be substituted for the almond oil? We have allergies to almond.
Ann, you can use any carrier oil for this DIY.
How long does this wipes last without getting dry??? Do you have an idea ??
I think it would depend on your container, I go through mine pretty quickly so I haven’t been able to test out how long they stay moist.
Wondering, 40 drops of whichever synergy of essential oils is used, doesn’t sound like enough to me. Is this correct? 40 drops of oils in 16oz witch hazel plus the 2 tablespoonsful of carrier oil? BTW, I found a great container to use. It is what once container 54oz organic Coconut oil. I had to squish to get the paper towels in, and they fit nice and snugly. Also, does anyone know if Nature Shield or Shield Me is effective against ticks?
You could certainly do more drops, up to a 2% dilution. When I made these I used enough so that I could smell it well, not necessary to a certain dilution, however as we begin spending more time outside I may need to increase my essential oils. That’s fabulous that you had a container that worked! I love being able to reuse old containers!
Are these safe to use on children under 1?
We recommend a maximum dilution of 0.5% on someone that young, using only when needed, and sticking with the KidSafe line of oils 🙂
Wondering what type of containers are being used, and where hey are being purchased/obtained? Will be going on vacation with my twin granddaughters, who are almost 5, and would love to bring these along.
Here is what I used. http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Canister-5-Quart-2-Liter/dp/B00ARR4UES/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1463653834&sr=8-13&keywords=2.1+quart+container+glass&tag=africaheorg-20
Thanks for the link, Kimberly. So to clarify, you are using the 1.6 quart size?
I actually used the 2.5 ounce because they seemed to fit a bit better.
And to further clarify, this is a glass container, right? Wondering if there is a plastic one, maybe PET plastic, that would be safe for essential oils. I am thinking that a large glass container might not be convenient or even safe (breakable) for camping.
Yes it is glass but feel free to choose the container that is best for your needs. I would just encourage you to find plastic (if that’s what you choose) containers that are marked PET or PETE 🙂
I bought a rectangular Pyrex. pre-tear the towels and lay them flat.
And if you don’t have the synergy Nature Shield or Shield Me? Is there a recipe for single oils?
What type of Witch Hazel do you recommend? There are too many options, with alcohol, without, and then different ones with aloe or rose water that are labeled toners.
I use 14% alcohol in mine 🙂
Love this idea! Could I get unscented baby wipes and do this and store them in the fridge (since they’ll probably have some type of water? I’m lazy and want to use the wipes container and wipes.
Wanted to add I just got the Shield Me and it smells just like (good smelling) bug spray and can’t wait to try it out! The mosquitos here in MidTN are crazy!
I love the scent as well!
Fabulous idea! It will be so convenient to grab one!
Thank you!!! I’m so making these!!!
That’s wonderful! Please come back and tell us how you like it!
What alcohol content percentage is required? I have witch hazel that is 14% would this suffice or does it have to be higher? Thanks.
That is the same kind that I used, 14% alcohol.
Thank you!