Homemade Baby Wipes: a review and "how to"

In the wake of needing to cut back on spending I decided to give homemade wipes a try. I have been using them on and off for about 4 months and really like them and I often wonder why I haven't been using these all along. I guess with the fourth baby you don't care so much about what you are wiping their bottom with! Here is my method, I know everyone does it different but this is what I have found works for us and is easy to make. Let me know what you think!

We are big fans of Bounty so naturally this is what I use. I did try cheap-o paper towels the last time I made wipes but they were awful! We have also tried the "select-a-size" towels and thought they were too small. You need one roll to make two containers of wipes. I spent $5.99 on 8 rolls which is about .75 per roll.

These are the containers I use, mostly because this is the brand of coffee we drink and I had a couple of these in the recycle bin when I was looking for a container. They just happen to be the perfect size! (Let me know if you want any.)

First you cut a roll of paper towels in half. This is the part I hate!! I read on another website to use a bread knife but I cannot stand the feeling of sawing through the towels, it's almost as bad a pulling a cotton ball apart. I usually make Pat do this but I was desperate for wipes and had to do it myself. If you know of an easier way let me know!

After cutting be sure to remove the cardboard tube in the center and pull up the first towel that was stuck to it in the middle. This will be your first "wipe".

Here are the two halves in each of the coffee containers.

For the wipe solution I use 2 1/2 to 3 cups of water 1T. of baby wash and 1T. of lotion. I just use what ever I have on hand and have not bought anything special for this but I know some recipes call for baby oil or other scented essential oils.

Pour half of the mixture into each container and let it sit for a few minutes to soak in and they are ready to use! Don't forget to keep them covered or they will dry out just like regular wipes. If you think they are too wet just leave the cover off for a few hours and let some of the liquid evaporate, or try and squeeze some out. I have found that a little less than 3 cups if perfect for this type of paper towels and this container. You may have to experiment if you are using something else.

The total price for one container of 56 wipes is only .38! I think that's great considering that a package of Huggies wipes is on sale 2 for $5 at CVS and it says the count in the box is 42-72.

Here are some other recipes for household wipes:

General Surface Cleaning:
1 1/2 cups white vinegar 1 1/2 cups water

Disinfectant Cleaning:
1/4 to 1/2 cup pine cleaning solution such as Pine-Sol brand 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cup water

Window and Glass Cleaning:
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol 2 1/2 cups water1 tablespoon white vinegar

Just had to snap a pic of Emmy who was "washing dishes" ( or making bubbles as she calls it)while I made these.