Cloth wipes: the easiest eco swap you didn’t expect

Making the switch to cloth wipes is one of the simplest, lowest-effort changes you can make to your routine, yet it delivers a massive payoff. Not only does it dramatically boost your savings, reduce waste, but it also makes your overall cloth nappy routine more effective.

Here’s everything you need to know about why, where and how to use them.

Why switch to cloth wipes

Ask any cloth-wipe convert why they made the switch, and they’ll give you a variation of three main reasons: cost, practicality and the environment.

I don’t know why it took me so long to start using cloth wipes. They’re super easy if you’re already washing nappies. And if you’ve got a small stash you can just save them for messy poops.

~ Angela

Stop throwing money away 💸

If you’re currently using disposable wipes, you might go through a pack a week. At $2–5 a pop, that quickly adds up to hundreds of dollars a year – money that is literally being thrown straight into the bin.

Cloth wipes are a one-time purchase that will last for years, even past the nappy-wearing days, saving you a small fortune.

Superior wiping power 💩

Have you ever had to peel out three (or eight!) disposable wipes just to tackle one nappy change? They’re often too thin and too flimsy to handle serious clean-up. They struggle to grip, and sometimes it feels like all they do is move the muck around. 

This is where cloth wipes excel; they have a natural grip and bulk that disposable wipes simply can’t match.

My partner was happy to do cloth nappies, but what really won him over was cloth wipes. He went from using what seemed like half a packet of disposable wipes during a change to one or two cloth wipes. I even overheard him telling his friends how much easier they were to use.

~ Katie

Say bye to single-use wipes 🔁

Needless to say, cloth wipes are reusable and can last thousands of washes. If your wipes are made from 100% natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo, they can even be composted at the end of their life. Cloth wipes are truly an easy way to swap out a single-use item for a more sustainable option.

Where to buy cloth wipes

Specialist cloth nappy retailers sell their own beautiful cloth wipes, often in prints that match their nappies. If you want a perfectly coordinated set, this is the way to go.

However, if cost is a factor, it doesn’t hurt to look at other options.

The budget-friendly solution

A cloth wipe doesn’t need to be anything fancy. All you need is a simple piece of fabric with enough absorbency to mop up messes.

Check discount department stores, IKEA, Etsy or Amazon for small cotton face washes or flannels. They are often sold in packs of four or ten for around $1 per piece. These make excellent cloth wipes and can also work as boosters for your cloth nappies.

I brought a heap of ones that were two-layer bamboo cotton and then another lot that were cotton with overlocked edges.

The double-layer ones served as boosters in the nappies as well.

~ Jes

Making your own cloth wipes

If you have spare muslins, towels or flannel sheets, consider giving them a new life as cloth wipes. Cut the fabric into squares (15–25cm is a good size) and use an overlocker or a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine to secure the raw edge. You might find that you already have everything you need without spending a cent.

I bought mine off Etsy. They’re simple, single-layer cotton wipes with overlocked edges. Even so, now I feel like I could have not bought any at all and just cut up our unused receiving blankets (flannel blankets). We have sooo many of them and they’re too small to be useful as swaddles.

~ Aurelia

The simple routine: using & storing cloth wipes

Using cloth wipes is not a big adjustment to your routine. In fact, it’s often easier!

Just add water

Cloth wipes don’t require any special solutions, plain water is all you need. It is the gentlest, purest choice for your baby’s sensitive skin, reducing the risk of sensitivities or allergies.

At-home routine

Keep a pile of dry cloth wipes and a small spray bottle or jug of water beside your changing area. Spray or dab the wipe with water just before use. You can also store your wipes damp in a container, but be sure to check for mould if they sit for longer than a few days.

Out of the house

You probably already carry a reusable drink bottle in your bag or car, and that’s all you need!

• When changing a nappy: Pour some water from your drink bottle onto your cloth wipe, or wet it with tap water if you’re in a family restroom.
• Storing dirty wipes: Place used wipes into your wet bag, just like you would a soiled cloth nappy.

How to wash cloth wipes

Washing cloth wipes is incredibly easy – you simply treat them exactly like a cloth nappy.

1. Prep: It’s best practice to rinse or scrape off large amounts of poo before washing.
2. Storage: Place the used wipes into your wet bag or airy basket with your soiled nappies.
3. Washing: Add the cloth wipes to your standard nappy washes. If there is a large amount of poo or rash cream on the wipes, increase your detergent amount slightly.
4. Drying (this one is optional!): If you use a high spin speed, wipes will come out of the washing machine damp, not wet. If you need clean wipes, there’s no need to wait for them to dry. 

My mind was blown when someone pointed out you don’t need to wait for all of them to dry before using them. 😂 Utter light-bulb moment for me lol!

~ Eloise

If you are no longer using cloth nappies, you can simply wash the cloth wipes in a long Cottons cycle with your regular family laundry.

Life after nappies

The best part about cloth wipes? They are built to last!

The wipes you buy today will see you through every single nappy change, for every child you have. And once you are out of nappies, they can live on to tackle the next set of challenges, becoming your go-to for:

• Wiping snotty noses
• Cleaning sticky hands and food-covered faces after a meal
• Wiping down benches and tabletops after spills

I bought several sets of cotton face washers from Target when my son was born. He’s 6 now and long out of nappies. The original wipes I bought are still in use to clean hands and faces. I keep some in my backpack, stashed inside a mini wetbag, so they are always on hand. 

~ Katie

If you were unsure before, we hope this reassures you how much easier (and cheaper) life can be with cloth wipes! 😊