Using cloth wipes is a great way to make your household and baby more eco-friendly. They go hand in hand with using cloth diapers, but there are still a few things you should know about using cloth wipes. If you have questions about how to use cloth wipes, you’ve come to the right place!
Cloth wipes definitely go hand in hand when cloth diapering. If you’re open to using cloth diapers, you’re probably open to using reusable wipes. But just like using cloth diapers, using these wipes doesn’t have to be a full-time commitment – some people decide to use disposable wipes at nighttime or when traveling. In fact, you don’t have to use cloth diapers at all to use cloth wipes.
Cloth wipes can be used full or part-time as well – and still be better for the environment, your baby, and your wallet!
Bumkins Reusable Flannel Wipes, 12 Count
Thirsties Organic Baby Wipes – 6 packButtons Flannel Wipes – 15 PackUnbleached Organic Flannel Wipes 12 Pack
Below I’m covering the Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to Cloth Baby Wipes.
Why Should I Use Cloth Wipes?
Most people choose to use cloth wipes simply because they’re pretty easy. They’ll save you money and save you from accidentally washing disposable wipes with your cloth diapers. The wipes can be put right into your cloth diaper laundry, so there are really no extra steps. They’re relatively cheap to purchase and you can even make them yourself! It’s a completely personal choice, but the pros are about the same as with the pros to using cloth diapers, which is why I think they’re probably one of the easiest cloth diaper accessories to use.
How Do I Wash Them?
You can simply wash your cloth wipes right in your regular cloth diaper laundry – no need wash separately!
How Do I Store Cloth Diaper Wipes?
There are a couple of different ways to store your reusable baby wipes.
First, let’s talk about physical storage – one of the most popular places to keep the wipes is in a disposable wipes box. There’s even a way to fold your cloth wipes so they’ll pop up, just like disposables do. All you have to do is fold them over one another in a zig zag type pattern like this:
There is also the choice as to whether you’ll store your wipes dry or pre-moistened:
Dry Cloth Wipes can still be kept in a disposable wipe box, or a drawer, or basket – whatever works for you! When you’re storing your wipes dry, you’ll use a spray bottle or maybe even the bathroom sink to wet your wipes before each use.
Pre-Moistened Wipes will obviously need to be stored in a closed container. Some people even use Wipe Warmers. If you’re storing wet, you’ll simply pour your cloth wipe solution over your dry wipes and then store them. You will need to use the wipes quicker [within 2-3 days] so mildew doesn’t occur.
I used dry wipes [squirted cloth wipe solution on each one before use] for over a year. Once I finally tried pre-
moistening the wipes, I realized just how easy it was and I’ll never go back to storing them dry again!
There are a few different cloth wipe solutions that most people use. Water is very popular – by itself. I use to use only water, but felt like I wanted a little extra something in there. You can add just a tiny couple of drops of baby soap, some essential oils are popular as well.
How Many Cloth Wipes Do You Need?
This depends on if you’re using cloth wipes full time or part-time, but a good relative number to have is about 24. This should get you through a couple days of diaper changes. You can start with less and add more if you find you need more.
What can I do with all these cloth wipes when I’m done with cloth diapers?
Actually you can do a lot! I wrote a post on 16 other other uses for cloth wipes.
Tips to Make Cloth Wipes Easy to Use on the Go.
Planet Wise Wipe Pouch, Take Aim Print
Using cloth wipes when you’re away from home is an option. Some people actually prefer it because you can simply throw the wipe right in the travel wet bag with the diaper. If you plan on traveling with cloth wipes, you can store them dry or wet, once again, but I find it’s MUCH easier to have them already moistened.
Cloth Wipe Fabric and Size Choices.
Cloth Wipes are made from a variety of materials. The first cloth wipes that I ever used were some that I made from hubby’s old t-shirts and soft, terry cloth towels. My personal favorites are bamboo velour cloth wipes are from the Two Sweet Potatoes Etsy Shop. I’ve had some for over a year now and I love them just as much today as I did when they were brand new!
Size is a complete user preference. I like the smaller size of these because I don’t need to fold them to fit them in a disposable wipe box, but some prefer a larger wipe with more surface to clean with and to be able to do the pop-up wipe box.
Charlie Banana 10 Reusable Wipes
Planet Wise Wipe Pouch, Jewel WoodsSoft Bamboo Reusable Cloth Baby Wipes, 8 packBaby Bits Wipes Solution – 1,000 Natural Wipes
