Homemade Cloth Wipe Solutions

This is post #3 in our cloth wipes series, so here is a quick recap in case you have missed a post. In post #1 we gave you 4 great reasons for using cloth wipes instead of disposables, we even included a link that goes through manufacturing processes and ingredients in those disposable wipes. In post #2 we went through some of the different brands of wipe solutions available from our shops. Today we are going to share with you some info onmaking your own wipes solution. We've collected a few recipes for cloth wipe solutions from our friends for you to try out as well! But first lets take a look at what ingredients go into those solutions.

Common Cloth Wipe Solution Recipe Ingredients:

Most cloth wipe solution recipes contain similar main ingredients, which are used for the same reason in each recipe. These are the common ingredients and why they're included:

• Oil: Helps the wipe glide across baby's skin and keeps skin soft
  
• Soap: Cleanses by removing all traces of urine and feces
• EO: (Essential Oil) Added for antibacterial and/or aromatherapy purposes.
• Water: The main ingredient in each recipe, cleanses the diaper area and dilutes the other ingredients

The type and amounts of oil, soap, EO and water that goes into a recipe is what gives each cloth wipe solution its own distinct "personality". Have fun trying different recipes until you find the ones that you like best!

How to Use Cloth Wipe Solutions

When mixing solutions works best to start with water, then oil and finally soap. By starting with water you'll avoid making tons of bubbles, and the oil will coat your measuring tools so the soap slips right off.

There are many different ways to store and apply cloth wipe solutions, try a few of the following ideas to find the one that works best for your family. You may discover that one system works great at home and another works great away from home. Most of the time it's easiest to gently mix the cloth wipe solution in a bottle with a cover, then pour it into the storage container. Here's some ideas to get you started:

• Use a spray bottle to spritz baby's bottom or the cloth wipes.
  
• Use a bottle with a pull-up spout (like your old pericare bottle- a great re-use solution) to dribble solution onto the cloth wipes.
• Warm solution and place in an insulated container to provide warm wipes for baby.
• Place cloth wipes into your old disposable wipes container, an old margarine container or any plastic or waterproof tub you might have around the house- pour wipes solution over wipes so you are ready for any changes during the day.
  

Don't store solutions or wet wipes for longer than a week as they do not contain preservatives.

Cloth Wipe Solution Recipes

Anti-Fungal

Omit vinegar if baby has a raw rash.
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon calendula oil
A few drops lavender oil
A few drops tea tree oil
1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
1/2 cup water

Lanolin & Glycerine

Lanolin and glycerine moisturize without oil. Lansinoh can be found in many local stores.
1 tablespoon liquid glycerine
1/4 teaspoon liquid lanolin (100% pure)
1-3 drops EO
4 cups water

Soapless

This recipe relies on the EO to cleanse, instead of using soap.
1-2 drops tea tree oil
1-2 drops lavender oil
1 cup water
Use caution with this recipe as we've been told some children may develop a rash since the essential oils aren't dissolved in a carrier oil

Aloe Vera Recipe

• 1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
• 2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
• 2 Cups Hot Water

  Stir or shake until this recipe is well mixed. Don't use until the mixture cools. Spritz on wipe before using if in spray bottle. Swish solution around over wipes if using a wipes box.

Vitamin E and Essential Oils Recipe

• 2 Drops Tea Tree Oil
• 2 Drops Lavender Oil (Please be sure to use only pure essential oils - don't use synthetic oils.)
• 2 Drops Chamomile Oil
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 Vitamin E Cap

  Cut open vitamin E caplet and squeeze into the water, and add essential oil drops.
  

All of these recipes should be mixed well and then added to your spray bottle, your old pericare bottle or your wipes box. Spritz on, or wet wipe before use if you are using the spray or pericare bottle. You will pour the solution over your wipes if using a wipes box. These solutions do not have preservatives added. Discard any of the solutions left after a week and monitor them for changes in smell throughout use. If your solution begins to develop a musty smell discard right away. Solutions left too long can develop mold and mildew.