Reusable Cloth Wipes: The Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Choice
Whether you are a cloth nappy family or disposable family, reusable cloth wipes are one of the easiest ways to help save our environment and are so easy to integrate into your nappy change routine.
What are the benefits of washable cloth wipes?
Reusable cloth wipes offer numerous advantages over disposable wipes, including superior functionality, cost savings, and environmental benefits. We are focusing on using cloth wipes as an alternative for wet wipes in these examples, but remember these wipes aren’t just for little bottoms – they are awesome for dinner time, bath time, make up removal and so much more.
Enhanced Cleaning Efficiency
Reusable cloth wipes are larger and more absorbent than disposable wipes, making them more effective for cleaning up messes during nappy changes. Natural fibres like organic cotton provide better grip and coverage, reducing the number of wipes needed per change.
Cost Savings
Investing in reusable cloth wipes can lead to significant cost savings. A one-time purchase of cloth wipes can last from birth through toilet training, eliminating the recurring expense of buying disposable wet wipes. This not only saves money but also reduces the hassle of constantly restocking supplies – AND they will be used for years and years to come.
Environmental Impact
Choosing reusable cloth wipes contributes to environmental sustainability. Unlike disposable wipes, which contribute to landfill waste, cloth wipes are washable and reusable, leading to less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. By making this simple switch, you’re making a meaningful contribution to our planet’s well-being.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Reusable cloth wipes are gentle on delicate baby skin, as they lack the potentially harsh additives found in many disposable wipes. When paired with a gentle, natural wipe solution or even better just plain water, cloth wipes provide a hypoallergenic and chemical-free option, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergies.
How to use reusable wipes to wipe your baby’s bottom
Using reusable cloth wipes is simple and effective. Follow these easy steps to keep your baby clean and comfortable:
Step 1. Prepare Your Wipes – You can pre-wet cloth wipes each morning and leave next to your change table in a container OR simply wet as you go. It can be as simple as a spray bottle with plain water each nappy change or dunk/squeeze in fresh water as you go.
Step 2. Wipe Gently – Use a damp cloth wipe to gently clean your baby’s bottom using the terry side first to grip the mess. Start with the least messy areas and work your way to the dirtiest spots to avoid spreading bacteria. You can fold the cloth after each time you wipe to get up to 4 swipes with the one cloth before switching to a new one.
Step 3. Use Multiple Wipes if Needed – For bigger messes (up the back scenarios) use additional clean wipes, ensuring thorough cleaning. The soft velour side is the gentlest once the main soiling is removed with the terry side.
Step 4. Store Used Wipes – Place soiled wipes in a wet bag or designated ‘dirty’ container until laundry day. If needed, rinse off any solid waste before storing.
Step 5. Wash and Reuse – Wash your cloth wipes with your cloth nappies or clothes washes using your normal detergent. We do recommend a hand rinse or pre wash to remove any extra soiled matter before your main wash. Line Dry or tumble dry them thoroughly before reuse.
What about the cost savings compared to wet wipes?
When you add up the cost of disposable nappies ($4500+ per baby) and then add in the cost of wet wipes ($1500 over a two year period) – choosing reusable baby wipes is one of the best decisions you will make to save you money. For as little as $30 for 10 wipes, you will get years of savings. Lets take a look at wet wipes in Australia as a comparison. (prices taken from major retailers at time of article).
Wet Wipes – Based on 5 nappy changes per day/35 nappy changes per week/3 wet wipes per change – Cloth Wipes need 1-2 wipe per nappy change.
Huggies Thick Baby Wipes – Fragrance Free
Wipe Count: 80 per pack
Cost: $5 per pack / 6c per wipe / $0.18c per nappy change
Ingredients: Water, Butoxy PEG 4 PG Amodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Coco-Betain
80 Pack will last approx 26 nappy changes
Cost per week (based on 25 nappy changes per week): $6.3 per week
Cost per year: $327.60
Water Wipes Original Wet Wipes
Wipe Count: 60 per pack
Cost: $8 per pack / 13c per wipe / $0.39 per nappy change.
Ingredients: Water 99%, grape seed extract
60 Pack will last approx 20 nappy changes
Cost per week: $13.65
Cost per year: $709.80
Eco Originals Wet Wipes
Wipe count per pack: 70 per pack
Cost: $8.31 per pack / 11c per wipe / $0.35 per nappy change
Ingredients: NZ Purified Water 99.7%, Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Vitamin E, Japanese Soybean Amino Acid, Chamomile Essential Oil,
70 Pack will last approx 23 nappy changes.
Cost per week (based on 35 nappy changes per week): $12.25
Cost per year: $637
Baby BeeHinds Cloth Wipes
Wipe Count: 30 wipes
Cost: $81 / $2.70 per wipe if you used each wipe once BUT with unlimited nappy changes and usage over a lifetime the cost is becomes next to nothing.
Ingredients: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton + WATER
30 reusable wipes will last you almost every nappy change for the week (35 per week average)
Cost per year: $81 for unlimited nappy changes but they last a lifetime – literally!
