Making the switch over to reusable wet wipes from the traditional variety is a game-changer for limiting waste and saving money. If you have a baby, you likely use two to three wet wipes with each diaper change. Add in all the wet wipes you use after mealtimes, for boogers, and for sticky hands… that’s a lot of wipes! By switching to reusable wet wipes, you can save anywhere from 2,000 – 7,000 disposable wipes.
Wet wipes are an absolute necessity for parenthood, so I’m sharing an easy reusable wet wipes DIY. Follow along, and you’ll be saving money and the planet!
What you’ll need to make wet wipes
For a super easy version, you can use flannels and water in a box. For something that feels closer to the plastic packaged version, you can try the following step-by-step.For the wipes themselves:
- Fabric – organic cotton flannel or bamboo are great. You can also use old (clean) flannel shirts or sheets, receiving blankets, or baby washcloths.
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
- Scissors
For the cleaning solution:
- 1 cup water, distilled or boiled
- 1 tbsp aloe vera
- 1 ½ tsp unscented castile soap
- 1 ½ tsp jojoba oil (coconut works as well)
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional essential oils for scent, such as lavender
How to make reusable wipes
- Start by making your cloths. If you have an excess of baby washcloths, you can use those and move on to creating the solution.
- If you are making your own cloths, cut the fabric down to 8-inch squares. You’ll likely need 35 – 55 wipes to avoid doing the washing too often. Round the corners of the wipes if desired, then sew along the edges of the wipe to avoid unravelling. You can also serge the edges or use pinking shears to finish them. If you have a sewing machine, use an overlock stitch to get a really sturdy edge. You may choose to go for a single ply, or double up the fabric and make 2-ply reusable wet wipes. It can be nice to have both on hand.
- Make the solution by adding all ingredients to a sealed jar or bowl with a lid, shaking to combine everything well.
- For true wet wipes, add 5-8 reusable wet wipes to a reuseable silicone bag and pour in enough solution to soak the fabric without excess liquid. Squeeze and squish the bag to get the wipes thoroughly wet. Be sure to remove any excess air before storing.
- Alternatively, you can keep the wipes dry and add the solution to a spray bottle, then just spray your wipe before use.
- For wipe storage, you can leave them in a silicone bag, or use a reusable wipe warmer to avoid any unnecessary cold shocks for the baby (or yourself!)
Tips for DIY Wet Wipes
- Add tea tree essential oil to avoid mildew if you live in a hot or humid climate.
- When using essential oils, be sure to get therapeutic grade oils to ensure they are safe for use on children.
- If you don’t have all these ingredients on hand, you can also make the solution out of 1 cup water, 1 tbsp baby oil, and 1 tbsp baby shampoo.
