If you’ve been here before, you already know this but it bears repeating. I HATE flushing my money down the toilet. Some of you are here for the same reason. Some of you got to my site during the great toilet paper crisis of 2020 and I am grateful that you keep coming back!
Store bought wipes are the physical embodiment of my biggest pet peeve.
If you’ve ever run out of wipes at the worst possible time, you already know the problem.
They’re expensive, they disappear fast, and half the time they don’t even do what you need them to do. Whether it’s after a workout, in the bathroom, or just trying to clean up quickly, you end up reaching for something that doesn’t quite get the job done.
That’s usually the moment people start looking into DIY wipes.
Here’s where most people get stuck though… Not all DIY wipes work the same way. Some are great for the gym but terrible for the bathroom. Some are gentle enough for skin, others are really meant for cleaning only. And if you use the wrong type in the wrong situation, you’ll think the whole idea just doesn’t work. It does, you just have to start with the right one.
DIY Wipes for Personal Hygiene
This is where most people start, and honestly, it’s the easiest win.
If your goal is to replace store-bought wipes for everyday use, these are the ones you’ll actually keep using. They’re simple, customizable, and work for way more situations than people expect.
Think:
- cleaning sticky, snotty faces
- after workouts
- long days outside
- quick refresh before heading somewhere
- wiping down sweaty kids who refuse to slow down
→ Start here: DIY wet wipes for adults
→ Also useful: homemade feminine wipes
Flushable Wipe Alternatives (Read This First)
This is by far the most controversial topic on my blog. I shared my first wipes recipe over a decade ago. Times have changed, and new information has surfaced about the calamity known as “flushable wipes.”
“Flushable” doesn’t always mean what people think it means—and that applies to DIY versions too. If you get this wrong, it’s not just annoying… it can turn into a much bigger problem.
That’s why a lot of people end up switching to a different approach altogether once they understand how this actually works.
→ Read this first: DIY flushable wipes
→ Easier option: toilet paper spray (a lot of people prefer this once they try it)
DIY Body & Gym Wipes
If you’ve ever left the gym and thought, “I need a shower, but that’s not happening right now,” this is your solution.
These are made to handle sweat, odor, and that post-workout feeling without being harsh on your skin.
They’re also one of the most practical types because you’ll actually use them regularly.
→ Best option: body wipes for post-workout use
Camping & Travel Wipes
This is one of those situations where wipes go from “nice to have” to “absolutely necessary.”
When you don’t have easy access to water, having the right kind of wipe makes a huge difference. And if you’re packing light or trying to reduce waste, DIY versions give you a lot more control.
→ Try this: hand wipes for camping
→ Try this: biodegradable wipes for camping
Cleaning Wipes (Reusable & Disposable)
A lot of people actually start here. Not for hygiene, but because they’re tired of constantly buying cleaning wipes. Not everyone has the same visceral response to spending money on wipes that I do! The first ones I made were really the most basic type of wipes ever.
They didn’t even have a recipe. I would mix a store-bought cleaning solution in a bucket and throw in a bunch of rags. If I was cleaning something super dirty, I didn’t need to rinse and wring out my rag. I would toss it aside and grab a fresh rag from my bucket.
Once you realize how easy these are to make, it’s hard to go back.
You can:
- reuse them over and over
- customize them for different areas of your home
- keep containers in high-traffic spots for quick cleanup
→ Explore: reusable cleaning wipes
→ Also useful: DIY disinfecting wipes
So Which DIY Wipes Should You Start With?
This is where some people overthink it.
You don’t need every type—you just need the one that solves your biggest problem right now.
- If you want everyday use → start with personal hygiene wipes
- If you’re focused on bathroom use → learn the flushable options first
- If you need something for workouts → go with body wipes
- If you’re tired of buying cleaning wipes → start there
Once you make one type and see how well it works, the rest gets a lot easier.
Why People Actually Stick With DIY Wipes
Most people don’t start this because they’re trying to DIY everything.
They start because something about store-bought wipes isn’t working anymore.
Usually it’s:
- running out too fast
- spending more than they want to
- irritation or ingredient concerns
- wanting something that works better for their routine
And once they find the right setup, they don’t go back.
Before You Make Your First Batch
One quick thing that saves a lot of frustration:
The best DIY wipe isn’t a single recipe; it’s the one that fits how you actually use it.
Each one is built for a specific situation, and starting with the right one makes all the difference.
Want All the Recipes in One Place?
If you’re looking for every version—cleaning, hygiene, gym, camping, and more—you can browse them all here:
→ See all homemade wipes recipes