Since we use cloth diapers, it was a natural progression for us to start using cloth wipes. I needed to make some new ones recently, so I made a tutorial for you in case you want to make some as well! Cloth wipes are easy to use if you’re already using cloth diapers… just roll them up with the diaper and wash with the diapers! They save a ton of money over disposables wipes, since you can use them over and over again until they wear out.
I made mine using a flannel receiving blanket we were given at the hospital, but you could buy flannel if you don’t have any on hand. Using pinking shears means you don’t have to hem them – yay!
Cut the flannel into even squares, each approximately the size of a normal baby wipe. To make them all the same size, fold the fabric first to see how many you will get out of it. I cut my fabric into four strips lengthwise first.
Then I cut each strip into six squares.
Stack ’em up, and you’re done!
You can use warm water alone, but I like to make a wipes solution (I like these). You can make all different kinds of wipes solutions… just google around for one you like. Also, when my girls have had rashes in the past, I soaked their cloth wipes in water and apple cider vinegar before using them. It helps clear up the rash!
Aliesha, I made some cloth wipes out of an old flannel pillowcase and I found that after a while the flannel got really rough. I have some store bought flannel as well and they did the same. do you do anything specific to keep them soft? I have been using disposables for a while and would love to go back to cloth wipes, but I need to figure out bow to make them softer for my baby’s tushie or else make some with a different fabric. thanks!
Sarah, I’m sorry the flannel hasn’t worked too well for you! I know it helps when I tumble dry my wipes rather than air drying them, but other than that, I don’t know what to tell you to keep them soft. Even when I replace my cloth wipes every 6 months or so, it still is a huge savings monetarily, especially since I use “free” flannel (blankets I’m not using).
Maybe it’s just time for me to replace. Thanks!
Flannel and fleece are two fabrics I wash in the delicate arm & Hammer detergent. It is the only thing I have found that doesn’t eat up the material. And I have had a beautiful fleece blanket and my son has flannel sheets that feel brand new and the flannel sheets are 4 years old! The colors haven’t faded or anything. I know the response is very delayed being nearly 2 years but I do hope this finds you so you can try it. I still use baby wipes for my children (though I have a baby in home) I used them since I was little and they are perfect for lots of things!
How have the receiving blankets been holding up after washing? I bought some flannel from the fabric store and tried this. I just threw them away after the first wash. They frayed really badly… I think I am going to try again, but with some fleece. I know fleece doesn’t fray.
The cute, thin flannel at most fabric stores frays a lot. Washing in a lingerie bag helps, and so does hemming the edges.
Fleece isn’t as effective at clean up with a dirty diaper.
Great tips, Tori! Thanks!