DIY: Baby Wipes
It all started when…and/or
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Materials
6 qt. Round Food Storage Container with Lid (preferred) or old wipe container
1 Roll of Paper Towels (or squares of cloth for waste reduction)
2 cups Warm Distilled Water
1/4 cups Aloe Vera Gel
2 tsp. Baby Shampoo
1 tsp. Distilled White Vinegar
Optional: 3-4 drops Lavender and/or Tea Tree Essential Oils
Step 1: Cut the paper towels (or cloth)
Paper Towels: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll of paper towels in half across the width of the roll, resulting in two toilet paper-sized rolls of paper towels.
Cloth: Cut cloth from old cotton clothing such as t-shirts and blankets 8”x 8” squares.
step 2: place towels/cloth in the container
6 qt. Container + Paper Towels: If using paper towels in a 6 qt. container, place one half of the paper towel roll cut-side-down in the container, keeping the cardboard inside the roll, as it will be easier to remove when it is wet.
Wipe Container + Paper Towels: If using paper towels in an old baby wipe container, unspool the half-roll of paper towels from the cardboard, then accordion-fold the towels to fit in the container.
Cloth: Place the stack of cloth squares into the container.
Step 3: mix the liquid solution
In a separate bowl or quart-size jar, mix the following until homogeneous:
2 cups Warm Distilled Water
¼ cups Aloe Vera Gel
2 tsp. Baby Shampoo
1 tsp. Distilled White Vinegar
Optional: 3-4 drops Lavender and/or Tea Tree Essential Oils
Note that while the essential oils will improve the scent of the wipes and mask the scent of the vinegar, essential oils may irritate more sensitive skin.
step 4: add the solution
Pour the solution over the paper towels (or cloth squares), close the lid, and let it soak for 10 minutes.
step 5: flip the container
Ensure the lid is properly tightened, then flip the container and let it soak for an additional 10 minutes.
step 6: remove the cardboard
(Only for 6 qt. Container+Paper Towels)
Skip this step if you are not using paper towels in a 6 qt. container, since there should be no cardboard remaining. Otherwise, remove the lid and pull the cardboard roll from the center of the paper towel roll. This could also pull the innermost wipe out, which would start the roll, making it ready for use. If the innermost wipe remains in the center, simply pull it out to start the roll.
step 7: use your new baby wipes!
Use these as you would regular baby wipes! They also make for a great non-flushable alternative to toilet paper. If using the cloth wipes, launder after use, then start the process over.