Reusable Natural Wetwipes

Plastic What You Preach
by Plastic What You Preach
4 Materials
$1
2 Minutes
Easy

Editor's note: These are not antibacterial wipes and are not intended to kill germs. They are intended for use in place of cleaning wipes.


Wetwipes have had A LOT of negative attention in the media quite recently. Quite rightly too. They are almost always full of plastic! I don't mean just the packaging either- the actual wipes are plastic!! Here is an eco friendly alternative that takes only a minute or so to prepare.

Here is everything you'll need. A tub big enough to hold as many wipes as you want to make (I wouldn't make ahead more than a day or 2), flannels/scraps of material, a jug with 600ml cool, boiled water, liquid castille soap and an essential oil of your choice (this is optional but adds a nice smell. I've chosen jasmine this time but lavender is lovely for this too). You can add a tbsp of olive oil too if you like. This gives a more moisturising feel to the wipes but I like to avoid the grease so have left it out.

First you'll need to fill your chosen container with your wipes. Pack them in as best you can. When liquid is added later they tend to compact a bit more so you will probably be able to fit a couple of extras in.

Add 2tbsp liquid castille soap to your boiled water.

Now add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil (if using).

Use a whisk or a fork to quickly mix the solution to combine all ingredients. You should end up with a pleasant smelling, slightly frothy liquid.

Your liquid is now ready to pour onto the wipes. You may have some left over. Start by pouring on slowly until the entire surface of the top wipe is covered and you can see some liquid seeping down into the bottom.

Make sure your hands are clean and press down on the wipes to try to distribute the liquid throughout all of the wipes. Tip the container too. The liquid will continue to soak for a while once these are made so the end result should still be reasonably even dampness. However doing this will make sure you've used approximately the right amount of liquid. Too dry and the wipes won't really work. Too wet and they'll make a mess. It doesn't have to be precise, don't worry, but all wipes should be damp. Add more liquid until you're happy with the wipes.

There you have it! A day's worth(hopefully 2 but that might be wishful thinking with 2 little ones around) of wetwipes. My eco conscience is clear, they go in the wash after use and I can whip up another batch tomorrow.

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3 of 21 questions
  • Lourde Lourde on Feb 04, 2021

    why the hot water - to distribute oil better?

  • Kathie Elia Kathie Elia on Feb 05, 2021

    Are these cleansing wipes for use on skin or cleaning wipes for counters?

  • BE Young BE Young on Feb 06, 2021

    You refer to flannel, but the fabric you've shown is known as turkish-towel, or terry cloth. So....flannel is a completely different item. Just in case viewer cannot recognize the fabric. Makes sense for environment. Wondering how polluting wet wipes are for the environment???

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4 of 67 comments
  • Cheryl Cheryl on Feb 06, 2021

    I'm all for reducing waste. I always have wipes in car because you never know when a spill or potty accident will happen.

    Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, so I would use that for cleanup in the kitchen.

    Thanks for posting your great idea.

  • Edie Zsuzsics Edie Zsuzsics on Feb 06, 2021

    Great idea! But, will look nicer on your counter if you remove the label on the container.


    • See 1 previous
    • Edie Zsuzsics Edie Zsuzsics on Feb 07, 2021

      I was referring to the photo of the container next to the sink. Not being critical_ just a suggestion. Pretty it up a bit. Of course the wipes are a good idea.

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