How to Make Your Own Moist Towelettes

Moist towelettes come in handy when you need to solve sticky fingers in the car and the troubles of a dripping ice cream cone, or when you need to freshen up before a meeting. The disposable cloths have a mild soap solution that wipes away germs and messes without requiring a rinse with clear water afterward. They're useful at picnics and other outings, as well as around the home or office. Homemade versions are cost-effective and last longer than the small packs of premade moist towelettes available at stores.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee can
• Baby shampoo
• Baby oil
• Paper towels
• Knife

Instructions

1. Combine 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo and 1 tablespoon baby oil in a coffee can. Add 2 cups water to the shampoo mixture.

2. Cut a roll of heavy-duty paper towels in half with a sharp knife. Pull the cardboard tube from the center of the roll.

3. Set the half-roll of paper towels in the coffee can so that it is submerged in the mixture. Put the lid on the can.

4. Soak the paper towels for two to three hours, turning the can over every 30 minutes so the mixture fully penetrates the towels.

5. Remove the coffee can lid and pull the towels from the center of the roll to dispense. Fold a few homemade towelettes into squares and keep them in a plastic ziptop bag, to store in your purse or in the car to use when on-the-go. Return the rest of the towels to the can and replace the lid, so that the remaining moist towelettes don't dry out.

Tips & Warnings

• Any airtight container is suitable for making and storing towelettes, including food storage containers or old baby wipe containers.

References

• "The Complete Tightwad Gazette"; Amy Dacyczyn; 1998