DIY: Reusable Wet Wipes

With the news of the UK Government banning plastic based wet wipes in 2024 and the ongoing ‘Bin The Wipe’ campaign to help put a stop to blocked sewers we thought we’d share this great method for making your own reusable wet wipes shared by Nancy Birtwhistle.

To make 20 wipes you’ll need:

20 squares of fabric approx 15-20cm- thin cotton fabric works best, think old t-shirt/shirt/pillowcases

20ml aloe vera gel

30ml surgical spirit (can leave out if you want an alcohol-free wipe, won’t have the anti-bacterial qualities)

120ml water

optional 2-3 drops lemon/tea tree or essential oil of choice

small tupperware or container to keep them in (if you can find one that has 2 compartments even better- one side for clean and one for used.

whisk/fork and bowl

Method:

Cut your fabric to shape and then wet thoroughly with cold water and fully wring them out.

In a bowl add your aloe vera and beat with whisk/fork with a few tablespoons of the water to emulsify to make into a runny solution. Add all of the remaining water and the surgical spirit and essential oil if using. Mix thoroughly.

Drop the dampened fabric squares into the solution, allowing them to absorb the solution and gently wring them out so not dripping. Fold each one separately into your container and they are ready to use! Any leftover liquid can be used at a later date to create your next batch.

Store in car or bag so they are ready to use when needed. Simply wash dirty used clothes and reuse to make your next batch!

Zero Waste Tips

Try to find aloe vera gel in glass or buy in a large plastic tub that can either be reused or easily recycled. Or to avoid packaging completely use an aloe vera plant - see this video for how to make aloe vera gel direct from your plant.

Use old fabric scraps rather than buying new- use what you have already or head to a charity shop to pick up some suitable fabric.

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