It can be easy to grab a packet of wipes from the shops to have on hand when you are out and about or for a convenient alternative to sprays and cloths - Or baby wipes for those MILLIONS of nappy changes. Not only can store bought wipes be very costly, they can also contain some questionable and concerning ingredients ingredients.
Let's look at just a couple of ingredients often used in wipes:
Phenoxyethanol:
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that also kills bacteria. There are warnings that phenoxyethanol can cause shut down of the central nervous system, vomiting and contact dermatitis.
Potassium Sorbate:
Potassium Sorbate is used as a preservative and is antimicrobial and a mould and yeast inhibitor. Although considered a relatively "safe" chemical, it is known as an eye and skin irritant. Reactions include a burning or itching rash that appears within minutes to one hour after exposure and localised, red swelling can occur.
Parabens:
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products to help stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in, especially in the moist, warm environments. They allow a product to be stored on the bench for months or even years.
Parabens are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Too much oestrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumours, which is why paraben use has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
Many people will say these ingredients are "generally recognised as safe" so there is no problem using them... Just reading the possible effects from these 3 ingredients bring up concerns about their safety! Let's not forget, safety is usually tested for the individual exposure but not for the cumulative impact of many products used over many years.
These are only a few ingredients that are commonly used in wipes, there are many more!
What if you could make your own wipes, it was simple and effective and avoided exposure to harmful ingredients? We will share 2 types of wipes you can make yourself - Cleaning Wipes and Baby Wipes. They both have the same technique, just slightly different ingredients.
You can make a disposable or reusable option for both. Simply substitute the paper towel in the recipes with cloths that can be washed and reused, thinner ones can be better. You may like to roll or fold the cloths in a way that makes them easier to get out of your container each time. We have used bamboo cloths previously and they work well. You could even cut up an old towel or some well used T'shirts as a re-purposing idea.
CLEANING WIPES
What You Need:
1 roll premium paper towels (We found Viva the best ones)
2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons Vinegar
10 drops Essential Oils
2 Tablespoons Castile Soap
What You Do:
Cut the paper towel in half width wise with serrated or electric knife. You can use half the roll now and half later or make up 2 lots.
Combine water, essential oils, vinegar and Castile Soap in a small bowl.
Pour mixture over paper towels and cover with airtight lid. Let mixture absorb for 10 minutes.
Turn container over and let sit for another 10 minutes.
Remove and discard cardboard tube. Pull wipes from center of the roll when ready to use.
TIP: You can also store these in an old baby wipe travel container so you can use them when out and about!
NATURAL BABY WIPES
We used these baby wipes for our 2nd child, when we found out you could make your own. They were FANTASTIC to use and so simple to make. We NEVER had issues with nappy rash!
What You Need:
1 roll premium paper towels (We found Viva the best ones)
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon Fractionated Coconut Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
What You Do:
Cut the paper towel in half width wise with serrated or electric knife. You can use half the roll now and half later or make up 1 for home and one for the nappy bag.
Combine water, essential oils and FCO in a small bowl.
Pour mixture over paper towels and cover with airtight lid. Let mixture absorb for 10 minutes.
Turn container over and let sit for another 10 minutes.
Remove and discard cardboard tube. Pull wipes from center of the roll when ready to use.
Store in an airtight storage container/empty wipe container/wet bag. If making reusable ones, remember to take a zip lock bag to place any used, rinsed wipes in to bring home to wash!
Give these a try as you may find they save you heaps of money, are lovely to use and help you cut out toxins in another area of your life!
