How to Make Your Own Reusable Baby Wipes

May 24 2012, by Hello Charlie Blogs, 3 min reading time

Reusable baby wipes can be as simple as soft cloths and warm water. They reduce single-use waste, cost little once established and let you control what touches your baby’s skin. The key is a hygienic wash routine—not a complicated homemade solution.

Quick answer: keep clean dry cloths beside the change area, wet one with fresh water when needed, wipe front to back, and place the used cloth in a secure washable container before laundering. Plain water is often enough.

What cloth works best?

Soft cotton, bamboo-blend or purpose-made terry wipes are common. Cut-up flannel towels or T-shirts can work if the edges are finished and the fabric stays soft after repeated washing. Choose a size that folds into a clean surface several times.

Wash new cloth before use to remove loose dye, dust and manufacturing residues. Avoid fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency and add fragrance.

The simplest setup

a stack of clean, dry wipes;
fresh water in a bottle or access to a tap;
a waterproof wet bag or lidded container inaccessible to children;
a separate clean wipe for hands if needed; and
an effective laundry detergent.

Wet wipes as you use them rather than storing a warm batch in water. Pre-wetted homemade wipes can grow bacteria or mould because water, cloth and botanical ingredients are not a validated preservation system.

Do you need a wipe solution?

Usually not. Warm water is a good starting point, especially for newborn, eczema-prone or irritated skin. Oil, soap, aloe, essential oils and herbal tea can leave residue or trigger irritation, and homemade water-based blends have an uncertain shelf life.

For stubborn poo, use water and a small amount of fragrance-free baby cleanser if needed, then rinse. Do not add essential oils; dispersed scent is still exposure, and droplets may contact skin at a concentrated level.

How to clean during a nappy change

Prepare everything before placing baby on the change surface.
Use the clean front of the nappy to remove excess poo.
Wipe gently from front to back.
Use a fresh part of the cloth with each pass.
Pat dry before applying barrier cream and a clean nappy.
Place the used wipe in the wet bag and wash your hands.

Washing reusable wipes

Remove solid poo into the toilet. Follow the detergent, machine and fabric instructions, using a wash program that removes soil completely. Heavily soiled wipes may be washed with cloth nappies under a proven nappy routine. Dry thoroughly before storage.

Do not leave an open soaking bucket near children. If using a lidded dry-pail system, keep it locked or completely out of reach. Clean the container regularly.

Using reusable wipes away from home

Carry dry wipes and a small bottle of fresh water, plus two labelled wet bags—one for clean items and one for used. Do not rinse a soiled wipe in a public hand basin. A disposable wipe can be a practical backup; put it in the bin, never the toilet unless it is specifically certified to AS/NZS 5328:2022.

When to use something else

During infectious illness, childcare or travel without safe storage and washing, disposable options may be more practical. For severe nappy rash, blisters, broken skin or a rash that does not improve, follow a clinician’s advice rather than experimenting with wipe recipes.

Compare reusable and disposable options in Hello Charlie’s Eco Baby Wipes collection.