Reusable Organic Cloth Handi Wipes (for Minimalist Travel and Living)
When I sold my eco-cabin to travel slowly, I didn’t think I should bring along my reusable organic cloth handi wipes—I assumed they were best for minimalists who live in one place.
So I gave them away.
Little did I realize just how much I’d need those reusable cloth wipes every single time I check into my long-term lodging.
I had assumed that I’d either find all the supplies I’d need, wherever I travel, or that I’d occasionally have to buy paper products to fill in the gaps.
But cloth supplies are often unavailable for the purposes I need and buying paper products in plastic was painful. I needed a more sustainable way to handle daily tasks.
We often think disposable paper products—packaged in plastic—are the only practical or sanitary cleaning option while traveling slowly or temporarily living somewhere.
Reminding myself that I mostly lodge and live in apartments with washing machines, I realized that my favorite reusable cloth handi wipes could have traveled with me all along.
They are small. They are thin. They are lightweight. They take up hardly any space.
To say that I was looking forward to buying a new stash of my favorite reusable organic cloth handi wipes is an understatement. I was thrilled.
Finding and Using Reusable Organic Cloth Handi Wipes
One can easily cut up old flannel fabric to make reusable cloth wipes. Since I’ve not had any flannel to spare, I initially searched online, years ago, for reusable cloth handi wipes.
At that time, I found a Swedish brand (featured in the photo above) that makes the most sustainable cloth wipes I could find. This brand is found in the USA and in over 50 countries.
The beauty of this is that I can purchase the same sustainable handi wipes while in my home country or while abroad. This makes it easier to replenish them, whenever needed.
With high environmental and work standards, OEKO-TEX® certification, and a 10-year warranty, this company is committed to making sustainable consumption a norm.
And, now, there are many more brands making similar reusable organic cloth handi wipes around the world (often found by searching for “organic flannel baby wipes”).
Importantly, the size and thickness of these reusable cloth handi wipes make them perfect for an endless variety of tasks. One product. Multiple uses. Anywhere.
As Hand Towels
I used to keep a cloth towel hung by the kitchen sink, wherever I was located. Yet, it would get wetter throughout the day and begin to smell sour quite quickly.
Instead, I now keep a stash of my reusable cloth handi wipes on the counter and after using one to dry my hands, I can hang it (or set it) anywhere and it dries quite quickly.
No sour odors accumulate.
And if the kitchen faucet handles are old, hard to turn on and off, or hard to keep clean, I can easily use that same little handi wipe to turn off the faucet.
As Kitchen Sponges and Dish Cloths
It’s difficult to find truly sustainable kitchen sponges and dish cloths. They also quickly become full of germs that spread around the kitchen.
And they take forever to dry.
Instead, it’s my goal to use my reusable cloth handi wipes as I would use a kitchen sponge or a dish cloth. Add soap and water, then clean the counters, dishes, etc.
When it is officially grimy, toss it into the washer, then simply hang it dry, or toss it in the dryer with all my other laundry.
As Paper Towels
Paper towels can dry or clean just about anything. They are sanitary (single-use). And I can use a ton of them. But that’s not ecological.
Instead, I can grab one of my little reusable handi wipes and use it for anything I’d use a paper towel.
Again, if I consider my reusable handi wipe still clean afterward, I can place it or hang it just about anywhere and it dries quite quickly to reuse again.
If I consider it dirty or contaminated, I can toss it in the wash, where it takes up little space.
Simple as pie.
As Pot Holders and Trivets
I also use my little reusable cloth handi wipes in the kitchen as potholders and trivets.
When lids, handles, or bases are hot to touch, I fold several of my reusable cloth wipes in half, then pick up the pot.
Or I place several of my reusable cloth wipes down on a safe surface and place the warm pot on top of it.
It’s so fun whenever I can find a new use for these little handi wipes (to avoid buying additional products).
As Napkins
Remember when our grandmothers placed cloth napkins next to our dinner plates? Then the next generation started using paper napkins that came wrapped in plastic?
Instead, I can grab one of my reusable cloth handi wipes and use it as a napkin.
I place one under my bowl (to absorb any moisture or food drippage), or on my lap, or even lay one on my shirt, where it stays quite nicely, as I eat.
I then wipe my hands, face, and clothing with these reusable cloth wipes. In fact, I didn’t actually realize how much we needed this help until we started using them for this purpose.
As Tissues
It was never my intention to use my reusable cloth wipes as tissues because I’ve always been a little creeped out by used tissues and handkerchiefs.
However, in moments when allergies surprise me with tears or light nose drips, these wipes have been fantastic helpers while reducing needless waste.
So, for light allergy moments, it’s been absolutely fantastic to use my reusable organic cloth handi wipes as temporary tissues. This doesn’t creep me out at all.
For a significant illness, I’ll still use paper tissues to get through more severe symptoms, yet washers can sanitize reusables nowadays so I should really get comfier using them for this.
As Cotton Balls and Cotton Rounds
I also use these reusable organic handi wipes as I previously used cotton balls and cotton rounds. Their thin material makes this surprisingly easy to do.
I fold my reusable cloth wipe in half, or in half again, dab on whatever solution I need (witch hazel, etc.), and apply.
No more single-use cotton balls or cotton rounds to keep on hand. No more plastic packaging that single-use cotton products inevitably arrive in.
As well, my skincare products last longer because these thin wipes don’t soak up most of the product and hold it all hostage.
There is much less waste in my life.
As Washcloths
Washcloths are often non-existent in many countries. Fortunately, these reusable cloth wipes can also be used as washcloths.
I didn’t actually think they would work because they are thinner and smaller than a typical washcloth, but I find they glide along smoothly.
This is especially helpful for anyone who does not want to pack a wash mitt or a great backup for anyone who simply forgot to wash their dirty wash mitt.
I can also use these reusable cloth wipes for a quick sponge bath—especially since I’m trying not to use disposable handi wipes for sponge baths.
As Cotton Swabs
It’s hard to find organic cotton swabs in the States, it’s easier to find organic cotton swabs abroad, but they are still a single-use product and still sometimes packaged in plastic.
So when I ran out of cotton swabs abroad, I tried using my reusable handi wipes, instead, to see if they could work well enough to replace cotton swabs. And they did.
After a shower, I can wrap a reusable cloth handi wipe around my finger and gently wipe the water out of the inside of my ear. This reusable wipe quickly absorbs all the moisture.
Of course, cloth wipes cannot clean ears as deeply as cotton swabs, yet this makes my doctor happy (he discourages cotton swabs due to concerns of damage or infection).
I also fold my cloth wipes in half, then in half again, creating a corner “tip” where I can dab lotions and apply, just like I would from the tip of a cotton swab.
As Eyeglass Wipes
In the past, we typically cleaned our eyeglasses by blowing on them and quickly wiping them with whatever shirt we were wearing.
But that almost always left more streaks (and cloudiness) than not.
One day, I happened to have one of my reusable wipes near me and used it instead. This is when I saw the magic of cleaning our eyeglasses with cotton flannel.
Our eyeglasses come out far cleaner than our previous method ever did.
As Handi Wipes
Last but not least, handi wipes are indispensable while traveling or living anywhere (I may be addicted to using them).
But disposable handi wipes are typically expensive in the States, harder to find abroad, plus they take chemicals and plastic to manufacture and package. They’re rarely recyclable.
Of course, they are sometimes necessary for cleaning on planes, trains, and in other public scenarios.
However, I really want a more eco alternative whenever it’s possible to utilize one and this is when I can carry my reusable cloth handi wipes and a natural hand sanitizing spray.
After I use my reusable wipes, I can place them in a small reusable wet bag and later toss it all in the laundry, once I get back to wherever I’m currently lodging.
The more I do this—whenever it is possible—the better I feel.
Laundering Reusable Organic Cloth Handi Wipes
Initially, I couldn’t imagine how I’d possibly launder these reusable cloth handi wipes. I thought they’d bunch up into little balls in the washer and dryer, and be a hassle to (un)fold.
But that’s not what happened. Once I created a routine for laundering them, it all became quite easy to wash, dry, and fold my little handi wipes.
When my reusable cloth wipes are dirty, I place them on the edge of a bowl to air dry. I actually keep this bowl down on the floor, next to the trash bin (because they are dirty).
Once dry, I toss them in their own laundry pile, along with my dirtiest whites.
When it’s time to launder them, I don’t fill the washer too full (so they won’t bunch up).
After they wash clean (I use hot water; some washers have a sanitary cycle), I can either:
hang them on a laundry line (my stainless clothespins securely hold them), or
toss them into a dryer, where they dry beautifully flat
When it’s time to fold my clothes, these reusable cloth wipes are placed flat in their own pile, then they’re placed on the counter, where they look lovely.