How To Use Washable Baby Wipes and Make A Washable Baby Wipe Solution

This post about how to use washable baby wipes contains affiliate and brand partner links. If you buy a product using these links there is no extra cost to you, but I may make a few pennies from the sale to go towards the running of this blog.

I have been using washable baby wipes for 13 years now, ever since my eldest daughter was born. We used cloth nappies with her and it made sense to use washable wipes too. I was sold on how cheap they were and how much less waste they generated. At home we always use these washable wipes, smaller ones for nappy changes and bigger ones for cleaning faces and hands at mealtimes.

There are so many reasons why you shouldn't buy disposable baby wipes. Firstly they are full of plastic, are wasteful and bad for the environment. They are also so expensive and I for one am glad that is one monthly expense I am saving due to my homemade baby wipes! Homemade baby wipes using my washable baby wipe solution are also very natural and chemical free, unlike shop bought baby wipes which can contain...

• Benzoic Acid
• Butylene Glycol
• Ceteareth 12
• Citric Acid
• Parabens
• Phenoxyethanol
• Propylene Glycol
• Tartaric Acid

I hope that you are now sold on the idea of washable wipes!  They really are very easy to use, all you will need is...(affiliate links)

How to make washable baby wipe solution

I get the glass or plastic tub, add a camomile tea bag and fill it with hot water, leaving it to brew for an hour or until the water is cool. When it is cool take out the teabag and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and 2 drops of essential oil.

I get the glass or tupperware tub and fill it with hot water. Add a camomile tea bag and leave to brew for an hour or longer until cool. Remove the tea bag and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and 2 drops of essential oil.

Which essential oil to use for washable wipes

I'd recommend using either lavender or tea tree oil because they both smell divine and they also have great antiseptic properties. You do need to exercise a little caution when using essential oils though. Make sure that you don't use them undiluted on your baby and that you have tested for an allergic reaction by testing the wipe solution on a small area 48 hours before you first use it.

I then use this solution to dip the dry wipes into, squeezing it out to create a wet wipe to use. Then I use the other empty pot to store the dirty wipes. 

How to wash washable wipes

I know that the thought of washing dirty wipes is what puts a lot of people off using them but definitely don't let it, it is really easy and you won't have to touch anything disgusting at all! When the dirty wipe tub is full I throw the wipes in the washing machine (no need to touch them!). I wash them at 90 degrees using just a small amount of washing powder and no fabric conditioner. I try to dry them outside if the weather is fine as this will help to keep them white and free of stains. Every once in a while I will add some Napisan to the wash to disinfect and whiten them. I then wash out the tub and start again, filling it with the wipe solution again and using the other tub for dirty wipes.

If you are a more visual person I have made a YouTube video showing how to make the wipe solution ...