This idea was sparked when I visited my sister-in-law, and I honestly can’t believe I was in the dark for all these years! While my own kids are in their twenties and I don’t need them for diaper changes anymore, I quickly realized that homemade wipes are invaluable for crafting. I use them constantly to clean my hands, especially when I’m working with clay. Whether you are using them for a baby, everyday cleanups, or in the craft studio, learning how to make your own wipes is a total game-changer.
My take on this super easy recipe relies on natural, skin-safe ingredients. Because I make my own soap, diluting some of my own handmade bars made perfect sense here. However, if you don’t make soap, you can easily swap it out for a gentle, organic baby wash. If your hands get dry easily like mine, you’ll definitely want to keep the extra moisturizers in the recipe, but you can always customize it to fit your needs!
Why These Natural Ingredients Work
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Witch Hazel Extract: Acts as a gentle, natural antibacterial agent.
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Coconut Oil: Provides deep moisture while offering natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
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Pure Aloe Vera: Calms the skin and adds a soothing, hydrating layer.
Ingredients (For 1/2 Roll)
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1 roll of heavy-duty paper towels (Viva brand works beautifully—avoid cheap, thin brands that will disintegrate)
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1 Rubbermaid container (#6 or #8 size)
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2 cups boiled or distilled water (cooled until it is warm, not hot)
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1 tablespoon pure aloe vera gel (check the label to ensure no harsh additives)
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1 tablespoon pure witch hazel extract
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2 tablespoons liquid soap (I grate and melt down a small amount of my handmade soap, but a natural or organic baby wash works perfectly too)
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2 tablespoons coconut oil
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Essential oils of choice (Optional: 6 drops each of lavender and spearmint create a lovely, calming scent)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the Paper Towels: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut your roll of heavy-duty paper towels completely in half.
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Place in Container: Insert one of the halves, cut-side down, into your Rubbermaid container.
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Mix the Liquid Base: In a separate bowl or a quart-sized glass jar, combine the warm water, aloe vera, witch hazel, soap, and coconut oil. Stir the mixture well. Tip: The water needs to be warm enough to completely melt and incorporate the coconut oil. If you choose to omit the oil, room-temperature water is fine.
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Scent (Optional): Add your chosen essential oils to the liquid mixture and give it one final stir.
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Soak the Wipes: Pour the liquid evenly over the paper towel half inside the container. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to absorb.
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Flip and Secure: Flip the container upside down for another 5 minutes to ensure the liquid completely and evenly saturates the top of the roll.
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Remove the Core: Open the container and gently pull the cardboard roll out from the center. This action should automatically pull the innermost wipe up along with it, making them ready to pull and use!
Sensitive Skin Note: If you are using these for a newborn or a child with extremely sensitive skin, it is safest to leave out the essential oils entirely, or opt for incredibly gentle alternatives like calendula or chamomile.
