We’ve got a little secret about reusable baby wipes: they might just be the best-kept secret in sustainable parenting! They’re one of the simplest swaps you can make for a baby-care routine that’s more planet-friendly, non-toxic, and budget-conscious.

What Do You Mean Reusable Wipe??? Reusable baby wipes are washable cloth wipes — typically made from natural fibers like organic cotton or bamboo — used in place of disposable wipes for diaper changes, face cleaning, and more. They're gentler on sensitive baby skin, better for the environment, and far more cost-effective in the long run.

And here’s an even bigger secret – you don’t have to be a cloth-diapering family to love them! Reusable wipes are amazing no matter what kind of diapers you use – cloth, disposables, or a mix of both.

If you’ve been searching for the best organic wipes for your baby, this is it. Made from super soft organic cotton and carefully crafted by hand, our Esembly Wipe Ups are free from harsh additives and built to be reused wash after wash. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to the disposable kind.

Fun fact: even our co-founder Liz was once a cloth-wipe skeptic – until she tried them and never looked back! You can read her story here

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from why reusable wipes are such a game changer to how to use them day-to-day. You’ll also find a few of our favorite do’s and don’ts for keeping your Wipe Ups fresh, functional, and ready for any mess life with a little one brings.

Disposable baby wipes might look like cloth, but most are actually made from plastic-derived materials combined with preservatives like phenoxyethanol, alcohol, and artificial fragrance – none of which are particularly kind to sensitive baby skin (or our landfills)!

That’s where reusable wipes come in. Made from natural, soft fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp they can be washed and reused hundreds of times making them a cornerstone of any zero waste baby routine. When paired with a gentle, non-toxic wipe solution (we’ll get to that next!), you get full control over what touches your baby’s skin – and what doesn’t.

At Esembly, we’re big fans of organic cotton for cloth wipes, and it’s the only material we use for our Wipe Ups. It’s oh-so-soft for even the most sensitive skin, easy to wash, and super absorbent – perfect for tackling everything from diaper changes to sticky toddler fingers. Plus, it’s a natural, renewable fiber that gets softer with every wash, making it a long-lasting, planet-friendly choice for your daily routine.

And lastly, beyond all the environmental and skin-friendly perks, there’s another major bonus: cost savings. Disposable wipes add up fast – most parents spend $200 or more on wipes in their baby’s first year alone. For about $40, you can get all the wipes you’ll need for all your diapering years (and beyond!)

To make diaper changes simple, gentle, and effective, pair your Wipe Ups (or any reusable wipes) with a mild cleansing solution. Using a gentle cleanser instead of plain water helps keep your baby’s skin hydrated and healthy, while also discouraging mold and mildew more-so than plain water.

Our Wipe Up Wash is a soothing, no-rinse cleanser made with organic coconut, shea, and sunflower oils. Just mix the concentrated formula with water in our reusable Foamer Bottle and pump a few squirts directly onto your Wipe Up before cleaning.

In a pinch, you can make a quick DIY solution by adding a few drops of your baby’s wash or shampoo to a foamer bottle and filling the rest with water. It won’t be quite as hydrating as our Wipe Up Wash, so you may want to follow with our Everyday Balm to keep skin hydrated and healthy.

Step 1: Prep your wipe solution
Once your foamer bottle is filled and ready, keep it within easy reach of your changing area so you can pump the perfect amount of foam onto each wipe as needed.

Step 2: Moisten your wipes
Dampen each wipe as you go by pumping your solution directly onto it (we generally advise against pre-moistening them due to potential bacterial growth).

Step 3: Wipe as usual
You’ll likely use one to three reusable wipes for most diaper changes – they’re thicker, larger, and more absorbent than disposables, so a little goes a long way.

Step 4: Store until wash day
Toss used wipes into your wet bag till laundry day (every 2 - 3 days).

Step 5: Launder and reuse
If you’re a cloth diapering family, the best way to clean cloth wipes is by tossing them right in the washer with your diapers on laundry day. If you are not cloth diapering, your cloth wipes can be laundered right along with your baby’s clothing. Don’t stress if the wipes are a bit messy, we promise your washer will know what to do to get them clean and ready for reuse!

✅ Use a mild and natural wipe solution that will easily wash out of organic fibers

✅ Store wipes clean and dry until use to prevent mold and mildew

✅ Keep soiled reusable wipes in a breathable wet bag like our Ditty Bag or Pail Pouch

✅ Wash used wipes with your cloth diapers for easy cleanup

✅ Use a powerful clean-rinsing detergent like our Washing Powder to effectively cleanse soil away (and do a bang up job on all your other household laundry, too!)

✅ Keep a small stack in your diaper bag (our Snack + Sammy bags make perfect reusable pouches for the Wipe Ups!) along with your Wipe Up Wash for on-the-go changes or sticky hands

If you’re shopping for the best organic baby wipes, look for ones that are:

• Made from 100% organic cotton (like our Esembly Wipe Ups!)

• Free from dyes, fragrance, and synthetic fibers

• Durable enough to handle years of washing

• Soft, absorbent, and gentle enough for newborns

Pair them with a non-toxic wipe solution (like our Wipe Up Wash) for the cleanest, most sustainable diapering setup possible. The combo gives you total ingredient control and zero waste – a win-win for your baby and the planet.

Reusable wipes aren’t just for diaper duty! Parents and caregivers love using them for:

• Cleaning sticky toddler hands and faces

• Wiping down toys or highchairs

• Makeup removal and skincare (for parents!)

• Travel and picnics

Soft, cute, and made to replace countless disposables through every stage of babyhood — they're one of the easiest swaps in a zero waste baby routine.