How to Make Reusable Cloth Wipes
Cloth wipes are an inexpensive, green alternative to manufactured disposable baby wipes. Although containers of store-bought wipes cost only a few dollars, their cost can add up over time. However, not only will you save money by making your own cloth wipes, you will also be helping the environment by reducing paper waste. You can make your own cloth wipes simply with a few key ingredients and a reusable plastic container.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Soft absorbent cloth, such as sherpa or velour
- Baby soap
- Water
- Empty baby-wipe tub, or other small rectangular lidded plastic container
- Fabric scissors
- Tape measure
- Sewing machine
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose the type of cloth you want. Examples could include sherpa, hemp fleece, flannel or velour. Decide whether you will make one-layer or two-layer wipes, and what size you'll make them. Typically, wipes are either 4-by-8 inches or 8-by-8 inches.
-
2
Cut the fabric with scissors. Zigzag stitch around the edges of each piece with a sewing machine to prevent future frayed edges. This is all you need to do to the fabric for single-layer wipes. For double-layer wipes, place completed single wipes together with the right sides of the fabric facing each other, then zigzag stitch them together around the edges, leaving one corner unsewn. Turn the double wipes inside-out through this open space, and then zigzag the last corner shut. Fold completed wipes so they fit in a wipe tub or other plastic container.
-
-
3
Wash and dry an empty plastic wipe tub, or similar rectangular plastic lidded tub, thoroughly. Fold and store the cloth wipes dry until you need them. Moisten them just before using them with plain water of a solution of 1 part baby soap to 3 parts water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial baby wipe solution designed for use with cloth wipes.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
