DIY Bamboo Wet Wipes — Natural, Eco-Friendly & Gentle on Skin
There’s a good reason families are making their own wet wipes at home: store-bought wipes often contain plastic fibers, preservatives and perfumes that many parents prefer to avoid. DIY bamboo wet wipes are a gentle, low-waste alternative you can make from simple, skin-safe ingredients - and they’re perfect for cleaning baby bottoms, faces, hands and more with confidence.
Why Bamboo?
Bamboo fabric is soft, absorbent and naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for delicate skin. It’s also renewable and biodegradable when used without synthetic additives — a smarter choice for the planet compared with many single-use wipes.
What You’ll Need
Materials
- Bamboo nappy liners or large bamboo dry wipes (pre-cut cloth sheets) – these act as the wipe base.
- A sealed container (old wipes tub or clean plastic box)
Solution Ingredients
- Water (clean, boiled & cooled if using for newborns)
- Aloe vera gel – soothing and hydrating
- Witch hazel – gentle cleanser
- Castile soap (unscented) – mild, plant-based soap
- Vegetable oil (e.g., olive or sweet almond) – adds moisture
- Vitamin E or Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) – optional antioxidant
- Optional essential oils (e.g., calendula or chamomile for sensitive skin*)
*Avoid strong essential oils with newborns unless cleared by your health provider.
How to Make DIY Bamboo Wet Wipes
-
Prepare the wipes
Fold your bamboo liners or dry wipes and place them into your container with the cut edge down. -
Mix the wipe solution
In a clean bowl or jar, stir together water, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, castile soap, GSE/Vitamin E and oil until blended. -
Optional: add gentle botanicals
If you’d like a soothing touch, add a few drops of chamomile or calendula extract. Skip essential oils for ultra-sensitive skin. -
Soak the wipes
Pour the liquid over the wipes and let them absorb for 5–10 minutes. -
Redistribute
Flip the container to help the moisture spread evenly. -
Use as needed
Pull them out and wipe gently — just like you would with commercial wipes.
Tips for Safe, Effective Use
✨ Make small batches — homemade wet wipes don’t contain preservatives, so it’s best to use them within a few days.
✨ Store sealed to prevent drying out or bacterial growth.
✨ Wash reusable bamboo wipes regularly in warm water with a gentle detergent.
✨ Skip strong fragrances — babies with sensitive skin often do better with the simplest formulas.
Why This Works
Many commercial wipes are made from synthetic materials that don’t biodegrade quickly and contain additives that can irritate sensitive skin. Using bamboo cloth and a gentle solution lets you control what touches your child’s skin while also cutting down on single-use waste — a win for both baby and the planet.
Quick Ingredient Notes
- Aloe vera gel — Soothing and light.
- Witch hazel — Mild cleansing without strong detergents.
- Castile soap — A plant-based cleanser that doesn’t strip skin.
- Oils (e.g., olive, sweet almond) — Helps prevent dryness.
- GSE/Vitamin E — Natural antioxidant to support freshness.
Final Thought
DIY bamboo wet wipes are a safe, simple and sustainable swap for everyday baby care. With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep time, you’ve got natural wipes that feel great on skin and tread lighter on the Earth - exactly the kind of thoughtful care we love to share in the Kindy Ecobaby community.