Using resuable cloth wipes

Reusable cloth wipes are easy to use and gentle on the skin. A cloth wipe is a small fabric cloth, for cleaning baby’s bum, hands or face. Unlike disposable wipes, cloth wipes are washed and reused again and again. This saves thousands of disposable wipes from landfill and saves you money.

If you are already using cloth nappies, it is simple to switch to cloth wipes. You can wash cloth wipes with cloth nappies, or with regular laundry.

Comparing cloth wipes and disposable wipes

Disposable wipes are less effective than cloth wipes. You often require three or more disposable wipes to do the job of a single cloth wipe. 

Preservatives used in disposable wipes are common causes of skin sensitivities. The best brands of disposable wipes are brands with limited additives, and these are often the most expensive. 

If disposable wipes have poo on them they must be disposed of in landfill. They must never be flushed down the toilet (regardless of the claims on the pack), as they cause blockages in household plumbing and sewer systems.

Overall disposable wipes are more expensive, have higher incidences of skin sensitivities and contribute to landfill. Where possible, we suggest people use cloth wipes. 

Buying cloth wipes

There are several options for buying cloth wipes. Many members use cotton washcloths or small flannels. Some members make their own wipes by cutting up a bath towel and overlocking the edges to prevent it from fraying.

You can also buy specialist cloth wipes from a cloth nappy retailer.

I have around 40 white washcloths that we use for wipes. They get used for faces and bums and all sorts of other things! Adding a bit of bleach to my first wash helps keep them beautifully white.

~ Ainslie, Clean Cloth Nappies admin

Using cloth wipes

At home keep a pile of cloth wipes beside your changing area. You can store dry and add water as you use each wipe. Using plain water is best. 

If you store wet, make up small batches to reduce risk of mould.

Wiping is not needed after wet nappies, but is essential when changing soiled nappies. Apply barrier/ rash cream to your baby as needed. 

Using cloth wipes out of the house

Pack cloth wipes in your nappy bag. Some members find it helpful to carry a thermos of warm water to wet wipes on the go. Others use water from a drink bottle or tap. 

My kids are out of nappies, and I still pack cloth wipes when we are out of the house. They are so useful for wiping down hands and faces. I pack them in a small bag and wet them with water as needed.

~Katie, Clean Cloth Nappies admin

Using plain water is best

There is no need to add anything to your cloth wipe mix. Several commonly suggested additives (coconut oil, essential oils) can cause irritation. 

Do not add food-based products to cloth wipes

The most common products added to water when using cloth wipes are food-based products such as coconut oil. Yet, for infants, this means they are being exposed to food products on their skin before they eat them as food. 

Studies in animals show that applying food allergens to damaged skin is a powerful way of creating allergic reactions.

Very young children have relatively poor skin barrier, and children with the poorest skin barrier are at increased risk of developing eczema and food allergies. Exposing skin to moisturises (most commonly food-based products) as very young children increases the likelihood of children developing allergies to food and pollens by age 3.

Not adding anything else other than water with your cloth wipes is the best choice for your baby.

~ Laura, Clean Cloth Nappies admin and medical researcher.

Do not add essential oils to cloth wipes

We suggest you don’t use essential oils with cloth wipes, or anywhere near your baby. The potential for misuse and inadvertent injury is high.

Essential oils sold as cosmetic products are not regulated in the way medicines are. Several essential oils (such as eucalyptus) are not safe for use in infants or children at all.

The scientific evidence around the effectiveness and safety of complementary therapies is much smaller than for mainstream medicines. This means that there is much that is not known about how, when, how much, and in whom to use them. 

The combination of sparse, poor-quality research and lack of reliable regulation means that not using essential oils on your child is the best choice.

~ Anastasia, Clean Cloth Nappies admin and environmental scientist.

Essential oils should only be used under the supervision of a person with significant formal education and experience in the area, from a qualified, recognised and reputable institution. Comparing cloth wipes and disposable wipes.

Washing cloth wipes

Add cloth wipes to your nappy laundry or household laundry. Once baby is on solids it is best to rinse/ scrap off large amounts of poo before adding to the washing machine.

Increase your detergent amount if there is a large amount of poo or rash cream on the wipes.If you use large amounts of rash cream can build up and if not removed in users standard cycle it may need physical removal (like with soap and a soft bristle brush)

Cloth wipes are single layer, and only touch the skin for a short period of time. For this reason they do not always require a two-step wash routine.