When it comes to baby wipes, there are a few different options on the market. You can buy disposable baby wipes, which come in a pack and you throw away after each use. Or, you can buy reusable baby wipes, which you wash after each use.
So, which is the better option? Here we will discuss how to wash reusable baby wipes so that you can decide what is best for your family!
Learn how to wash your baby wipes
Reusable baby wipes can be used for many uses. You can use reusable baby wipes for hands, face or bums.
We recommend that people have a set for use on hands and face and then a separate set for use on bums. Clearly what you use the reusable baby wipes for, would depend on how you wash them.
Wipes use for hands and face
Generally any cloth wipes used for cleaning hands and face can just be put in with your normal wash. There is no need to use any special detergent or to avoid using any ingredients. Treat these just like you would treat a flannel wash. A hot wash is great to kill any germs.
Drying wipes should be dried the same way you would dry your towels. If you have a child with sensitive skin or allergies then wash according to how you would wash their other clothes.
Always make sure reusable baby wipes are dried thoroughly before storing.
Wipes for bum
Now then, this is where the fun starts! If using washable nappies, then you can just wash your reusable baby wipes the same way you would wash your nappies. You can store them in the same wet bag or bucket and just throw them in with that wash.
It makes perfect sense to use washable wipes if you are using reusable nappies, there is no extra work and very little extra cost initially.
If you are not using cloth nappies but are using reusable baby wipes then you might need to take a few extra steps and purchase a few extra items to help you wash them.
- I recommend soaking dirty reusable baby wipes before washing. Using an essential oil like tea tree oil which is antibacterial will help with this. This will stop the poo setting and drying onto the wipes and make them much harder to wash off. Soaking the wipes will also prevent any stains from setting in. You can soak your wipes in a bucket or even just an old sandwich box, anything with a lid on to stop any spills.
- You don’t need any special washing powder. Once they are soaked just put them in with your normal wash loads like towels or sheets. Periodically hot wash at 60 degrees to ensure that any lurking bacteria is killed. If your child is sick or ill then wash on 60.
- A long wash is better, quick washes are not good for washable wipes. I like to use a pre-wash/rinse and then a full wash cycle.
- Line drying your wipes is a great way to let the sun bleach out any stains, like magic they will disappear!
How to Store you reusable Wipes
If you are using your wipes as wet wipes you can store them in a box with some washing liquid. I always used a nice solution of chamomile tea with a mild cleansing agent or essential oil included.
You may prefer to keep your wipes dry than wet as used. The benefits of this method, especially for a newborn is you can use mildly warm water and the cold might not shock them as much!
Key Take Aways
•Reusable baby wipes can be used for many purposes, such as hands, face or bums.
• It is recommended that people have a set of wipes for each use to avoid cross-contamination.
• Wipes used for cleaning hands and face can be treated like any other piece of cloth laundry.
• Reusable nappy users can wash their wipes the same way they wash their nappies.
• Non-nappy users should soak dirty reusable baby wipes before washing to prevent staining and set-in odors.
• Line drying your wipe is a great way to let the sun bleach out any stains
