The cloth wipes you use can make or break your diapering routine. If you have ever dealt with poop-smeared hands while trying to clean a wriggly baby, your wipes likely are not up to par. Disposable wipes often smear the mess, but the right cloth wipe grabs it and protects your hands.
After dealing with too many flimsy wipes, I researched the best fabrics and sizes to keep diaper changes clean and quick. I spent hours comparing product specs, reading reviews, and evaluating durability to find the best options. Here are my top picks to help you find the best fit for your budget and your baby’s needs.
How to Choose Cloth Wipes
There are two main factors to consider when shopping for wipes: size and material. These determine how well the wipe cleans and how long it lasts.
Size
Cloth wipes come in a wide range of sizes, so you want to pay attention to ensure you get the best fit for your hands and container.
The smallest cloth wipes are usually about 5 inches square. These work well for a quick wipe-up after your baby pees or for wiping hands and faces. However, they are often too small to protect your hands during a massive blowout.
I have found that the best cloth wipes are at least 8 inches square. This size is large enough to fold over for a clean side, meaning you use fewer wipes per change. They also fit perfectly into standard wipe warmers or repurposed disposable wipe containers.
Fabric
Fabric choice determines how soft, thick, and absorbent the wipe feels. You want something that grabs the mess without irritating sensitive skin.
- Cotton: This is the standard for baby wipes. Brushed cotton, like flannel, is soft and smooth but can sometimes push messes around. Cotton terry (like a towel) has loops that grab poop effectively, making it great for big messes.
- Bamboo: This is a favorite for eco-conscious parents because bamboo is a renewable resource. Bamboo fabrics, often rayon or viscose, are incredibly soft and naturally antimicrobial. They stay soft even after many washes.
- Hemp: Hemp is durable and thirsty. It holds a lot of liquid, which is great for cleaning, but it can feel slightly stiffer than bamboo or cotton until it has been washed a few times.
- Microfiber: This synthetic fabric is highly absorbent and has intense cleaning power. However, standard microfiber can be too drying for a baby’s sensitive skin. If you use it, ensure it is a high-quality blend or use a barrier oil to prevent irritation.
- Microfleece: These are stain-resistant and stay dry to the touch. While they are great at grabbing solids, they do not absorb liquid well. This makes them good for “grabbing” poop but less effective for wiping away urine unless they are very wet.
Many high-quality wipes feature a dual-sided design. They might have a smooth side for gentle cleaning and a textured side for scrubbing dried-on messes.
Product Reviews
We tested and reviewed the top cloth wipes to help you handle every mess your baby makes.
Charlie Banana Reusable Organic Cotton Wipes
Best Organic Wipes
The Charlie Banana wipes are a fantastic choice for parents who prioritize organic materials. Made with organically grown cotton yarn, they are free from pesticides and harsh chemicals, making them ideal for babies with reactive or eczema-prone skin.
These wipes are single-ply and roughly 6.5 inches square. While they are on the smaller side, their thin profile allows you to stack a large number of them in your wipes container or travel bag. Because they are soft and free of dyes, they are also excellent for face cleaning or removing makeup.
However, be aware that the single-layer cotton can bunch up during heavy cleaning. You might need to use two at a time for bigger messes. If you want a chemical-free, versatile wipe that doubles as a face cloth, this is a solid pick.
HipHop Panda Bamboo Washcloths
Best Alternative Material Wipes
If softness is your priority, HipHop Panda washcloths are hard to beat. While not marketed strictly as “diaper wipes,” their composition makes them perfect for the job. They feature a double-layer design made of organic bamboo, which offers natural hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties.
At 10 inches square, these are significantly larger than standard wipes. This extra surface area protects your hands completely and often allows you to clean an entire mess with a single wipe. The fabric is thick and plush (500 GSM), so it holds plenty of water or wipe solution.
The downside to this luxury thickness is storage. They take up considerable space in a diaper bag or warmer. However, for home use where you want a spa-like feel for your baby’s bottom, these are a top-tier choice.
GroVia Reusable Cloth Diaper Wipes
Best Terry Cloth Wipes
GroVia is a heavyweight in the cloth diaper world, and their wipes live up to the brand’s reputation. These are made from a baby terry blend (88% polyester, 12% cotton), which provides the “grip” needed to clean sticky messes that smoother fabrics might miss.
They measure 8 by 8 inches, which is the “Goldilocks” size for fitting into most wipe warmers without folding or stuffing. The synthetic blend ensures they stay durable and do not shrink significantly over time, unlike pure cotton options.
Some parents note that they can shed lint during the first few washes. We recommend washing and drying them separately two or three times before adding them to your main diaper laundry load. Once broken in, they are workhorses that last for years.
Buttons Flannel Reusable Wipes
Best Budget Buy
Building a cloth diaper stash can get expensive, but Buttons Flannel Wipes offer a way to save without sacrificing quality. These come in packs of 15, giving you more wipes for your money compared to many competitors.
They are made from 100% unbleached cotton flannel. The surface is soft but has a slight nap that helps grab solids. At 7.5 inches square, they are large enough for most changes, though they are single-ply. This means they are very thin, so you will likely grab two or three for a poopy diaper.
I appreciate the serged edges, which prevent fraying over time. Unlike some budget brands that use scratchy polyester thread, Buttons uses soft thread that is gentle on the skin. These are perfect for parents who want a straightforward, no-frills wipe that gets the job done.
Birdseye Cotton Cloth Wipes
Best Cotton Wipes
Birdseye cotton is a classic fabric with a diamond-shaped weave that provides excellent durability and scrubbing power. These wipes utilize that traditional texture to help clean messes efficiently without being abrasive.
I love that these are 8 inches square and come in a large set, making it easy to build a full rotation quickly. The edges feature different colored stitching, which is helpful if you want to color-code your wipes (for example, blue for bums, pink for hands and face).
These are double-ply, which offers better protection for your fingers than single-layer flannel. The cotton is highly absorbent but releases stains easily in the wash. They will shrink slightly, but the tight weave ensures they remain square and easy to fold.
OsoCozy Organic Flannel Wipes
Best Flannel Wipes
If you prefer the feel of flannel but want something organic, OsoCozy is the answer. These are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring no harmful chemicals touch your baby.
These wipes start as generous 10-inch squares but are designed to shrink down to a manageable size after the first wash. This pre-planned shrinkage creates a denser, softer fabric that feels fuzzy and gentle. They are thin enough to clean crevices easily but durable enough to withstand hundreds of wash cycles.
Because they are unbleached, they have a natural ivory color that hides stains better than stark white wipes. They absorb water instantly, so you don’t have to wait for the solution to soak in before using them.
Babygoal Reusable Bamboo Cloth Wipes
Best On-The-Go Cloth Wipes
When you are out and about, bulky wipes can be a hassle. Babygoal bamboo wipes are sized perfectly for travel at just under 5 inches. They fit easily into the small pockets of diaper bags or clutch changers.
Despite their small size, they pack a punch in performance. They are dual-sided with a plush bamboo texture that is incredibly soft. I prefer these for quick changes or wiping sticky hands and faces at restaurants.
They are two-ply, which compensates for the smaller surface area by providing extra cushion. Just note that bamboo oils can sometimes cause minor repelling at first, so wash them a few times before use to maximize absorbency.
Caring for Your Cloth Wipes
Caring for cloth wipes is simple and fits right into your existing laundry routine. You do not need a complicated process to keep them sanitary and soft.
For breastfed babies, the poop is water-soluble. You can toss the dirty wipes directly into your diaper pail or wet bag. When laundry day comes, wash them along with your cloth diapers.
If your baby is on formula or solids, you need to remove the solid waste first. Shake off what you can into the toilet, or use a handheld diaper sprayer to rinse the wipe before storing it in your pail.
You can wash wipes in hot or cold water, though hot water is better for sanitizing messes. Avoid fabric softeners, as they coat the fibers and reduce absorbency.
Drying is flexible. You can tumble dry them to keep them soft and fluffy. Alternatively, hang them in the sun to naturally bleach out stains and save energy. If line-dried wipes feel stiff, just toss them in the dryer for 10 minutes to fluff them up.
Cloth Wipes FAQs
Are Cloth Wipes Worth It?
Yes, cloth wipes are worth it for most parents because they save money and reduce landfill waste. They clean more effectively than disposable wipes, often requiring just one wipe per diaper change.
Do Wipes Clean Better Than Toilet Paper?
Cloth wipes clean significantly better than toilet paper or disposable wipes. The texture of the fabric grabs solids rather than smearing them, and the added moisture helps clean skin thoroughly without irritation.
How Many Cloth Wipes Do I Need?
You generally need about 24 to 36 cloth wipes for full-time use. This ensures you have enough for a few days of diaper changes between laundry cycles without running out.
How Long Do Cloth Wipes Last?
High-quality cloth wipes can last through the diapering years of multiple children. Natural fibers like cotton and hemp tend to get softer and more absorbent with age.
How Do You Sanitize Cloth Wipes?
Regular washing with hot water and detergent is usually sufficient to sanitize wipes. For a deeper clean or to remove odors, you can add a rinse with vinegar or do an occasional bleach wash, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What are the Benefits of Cloth Wipes?
Cloth wipes are cheaper over time, eco-friendly, and chemical-free. They are also thicker than disposable wipes, keeping your hands cleaner during messy diaper changes.
How Do I Store Clean Cloth Wipes?
You can store them dry in a basket and wet them as needed with a spray bottle or under the tap. Alternatively, you can store them pre-moistened in a wipe container or warmer for immediate use.
Do I Need a Special Wipe Solution?
No, plain water works perfectly for most babies. However, you can make a simple solution using water, a drop of baby wash, and a little oil (like coconut or olive oil) to help glide over the skin and moisturize.
