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
DIY Flushable Wipes
What “flushable” really means, why most wipes
cause plumbing issues, and safer alternatives.
Homemade Feminine Wipes
Many commercial feminine wipes contain fragrances and ingredients that aren’t right for everyone. This guide covers how to make your own feminine wipes at home, what to include, what to skip, and the common mistakes that can cause irritation.
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.
→ Easier option: toilet paper spray (a lot of people prefer this once they try it)
Toilet Paper Spray: The Popular Alternative
Many people discover that the simplest alternative to wet wipes isn’t a wipe at all. Toilet paper spray lets you use regular toilet paper with a gentle moisturizing spray, helping reduce waste, save money, and avoid many of the plumbing problems associated with so-called flushable wipes. Learn how to make your own toilet paper spray and why so many readers switch to this option and never look back.
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.
Post-Workout Body Wipes
Whether you’re heading home from the gym, running between sports practices, or squeezing in a workout during a busy day, body wipes can help you feel clean and refreshed when a shower has to wait. Explore DIY body wipe recipes, ingredient options, and practical tips for staying comfortable after a workout.
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.
Sanitizing Hand Wipes
From sticky fingers after snacks to germy shopping carts and sports sidelines, hand sanitizing wipes can be useful when soap and water aren’t available. This guide covers homemade hand sanitizing wipes, ingredient options, and when traditional handwashing is still the better choice.
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
Homemade Cleaning Wipes
Store-bought cleaning wipes are convenient, but they can also be expensive and create a lot of waste. Discover how to make your own disposable cleaning wipes at home, customize them for different cleaning tasks, and keep a ready-to-use solution on hand for life’s everyday messes.
Homemade Reusable Cleaning Wipe
Looking for a simple way to reduce waste and save money on household cleaning supplies? Homemade reusable cleaning wipes can be washed and used again and again, making them a practical alternative to disposable products. Learn how to make your own reusable cleaning wipes, what materials work best, and tips for keeping them fresh and ready for everyday cleaning.
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
