Each clean-up option trades convenience against control, waste and laundry. Pre-moistened adult wipes are quickest, dry disposable washcloths let you choose what touches the skin, and reusable cloths cut down on waste but add laundry. It can help to keep two types: wipes for quick changes and cloths for full wash-ups.
Three product types and how they differ
| Type | Moisture | What you add | Waste and laundry | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-moistened adult wipes | Already wet | Nothing | Garbage, no laundry | Quick changes, travel |
| Dry disposable washcloths | Dry | Water or a no-rinse cleanser | Garbage, no laundry | Wash-ups, larger clean-ups |
| Reusable cloths | Dry until wet | Water or a cleanser | Laundry, no garbage | Wash-ups at home |
Pre-moistened adult wipes
Wipes are the grab-and-go option, and they are already wet, so there is nothing to prepare. Sizes differ, so look at the dimensions in the product title. One option is Opteel Adult Body Wipes, 8 x 13 in, Unscented, 12 Packs of 60 (720 Wipes), and another listing, AllSett Health Adult Body Wipes, comes in an extra large 8 x 12 in size. Follow the pack's disposal directions. When in doubt, and especially with a septic system, put wipes in the garbage, not the toilet.
Dry disposable washcloths you wet yourself
Dry washcloths give you control. You add warm water, or a no-rinse cleanser used according to its label, and you choose what touches the skin. Sizes vary from one listing to the next, so compare the dimensions in the product titles if you want a larger cloth for a full wash-up. One option is Medline Deluxe Dry Disposable Washcloths, White, 10 x 13 in (Case of 500); it is sold by the case, so check that the quantity suits you. Another listing, TENA Dry Washcloths, comes in a pack of 50; check its product page for how it is meant to be used. Our adult wipes and skin care collection lists other washcloths in different sizes and pack counts. Store a dry pack where it stays dry.
Shop this guide
- WhyWorry Disposable Dry Wipes, Extra Large, 10 in x 12 in, 320 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Bumkins Waterproof Wet/Dry Bag with Zipper, Black Check (ships via Amazon)
- Medline Aloetouch Personal Cleansing Wipes, Pack of 600 (ships via Amazon)
- Nora's Nursery Wet Dry Bag, 2 Zippered Pockets, 11 x 15 in, Garden, 2-Pack (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Adult Wipes & Skin Care
- See all: Cloth Diaper Accessories
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Reusable cloths and the laundry they add
Reusable cloths, such as soft cotton washcloths, cut waste but add laundry. Have enough to last from one wash day to the next, plus a few spare. Keep soiled cloths in a lidded pail or a waterproof bag until wash day, wash them apart from towels and clothes and follow the care label on the cloths and the detergent. A waterproof bag keeps used cloths separate on the go; one option is Voccos Waterproof Wet Dry Bags, Black and Grey, 2 Pack. Our cloth diaper accessories collection has other wet bags and laundry detergents; check each product page for what the item is meant for.
Which suits changes, wash-ups and travel
- Daytime changes: pre-moistened wipes are fast, and a pack by the bed or in a bag takes no setup.
- Full wash-ups: dry washcloths with warm water, or reusable cloths, give a larger surface and let you control temperature and cleanser.
- Travel: wipes plus a few dry cloths and a disposal bag keep the kit small. Reusable cloths mean carrying used ones home.
- Night-time: keep a pack of wipes within reach of the bed so you do not have to find a basin at 3 a.m.
Think about the set-up as well as the product. For a wash-up in bed, put everything on a tray within reach before you start: dry cloths, a basin of warm water, a towel, a bag for waste and a fresh product. That way you do not have to leave the person partway through the task.
Scented or unscented: reading the ingredient list
Product titles use different words. Some say unscented, others say fragrance free, and some washcloth listings are labelled scented. The terms are not always used the same way from one maker to the next, so the title alone does not settle it. If your skin reacts easily, read the ingredient list on the pack or the product page and look for fragrance or parfum.
If skin becomes red, sore or itchy after you use a product, ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor before you use it again. Broken skin needs a professional's advice before anything else.
Storage and disposal
Keep wipe packs sealed between uses so they do not dry out, and store them away from direct sun and radiators. In winter, check the label before leaving a pack in a cold car. Dry washcloths stay in their dry wrap or box. At disposal time, bag used wipes and cloths and put them in the garbage, and keep used reusable cloths in a waterproof bag until laundry day.
Common questions
Can I flush wipes?
Follow the pack's directions. Even where a pack says flushable, the garbage is the cautious choice for a septic system or older plumbing.
How do I make a dry washcloth ready to use?
Wet it with warm water, or use a no-rinse cleanser according to its label. Wring it so it is damp, not dripping.
Do reusable cloths need special detergent?
Not necessarily. Follow the care label and choose a detergent that suits your skin. A fragrance-free one is a common choice for sensitive skin.
Is it worth keeping more than one type on hand?
Often, yes. A common set-up is a pack of wipes wherever changes happen and a stack of dry or reusable cloths beside the basin for wash-ups. Give each its own shelf or basket so anyone helping can find the right one.
For help picking clean-up supplies for daytime and night-time, write to us through our contact page; we reply within one business day.