Are Baby Wipes Antibacterial? Plus 12 Ways To Use Around Your Home
Baby wipes do not have an antibacterial solution in them. They are used to clean babies, and suitable for their soft skin. In this article, we are going to explain everything you need to know about baby wipes and its various use in the household.
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What are baby wipes?
Baby wipes are similar to wet wipes that are generally used to clean the sensitive skin of babies. These wipes are required for gentle use on the soft skin of a baby, so they are saturated with a non-chemical solution. The material of a baby wipe is soft as it is used to clean the dirt from a baby, they also help to keep the skin soft and free of red patches. Baby wipes are water-based so they can be soaked in water and often used to clean makeup from the face.
Are baby wipes antibacterial?
Baby wipes do not kill bacteria or germs; they are not designed for this task. To make the material soft and gentle on baby skin, the wipes do not consist of bacterial-killing disinfectants. If you compare the same with other types of cleansing wipes, you will find sodium hypochlorite in it and other bleach-based disinfectants. There is also a portion of an antimicrobial ingredient that is found in most house cleaning products.
Baby wipes are not antibacterial just because they are meant to use on the soft and sensitive skin of babies. These are to prevent sore patches or redness from the baby’s skin. So, it’s best not to use household cleaning wipes on your baby. If you want to kill the germs from your hands, you must not rely on baby wipes. You must use one that has an antibacterial solution in it.
What are baby wipes made of?
The material of baby wipes is similar to the one is used in diapers. This is made of dryer sheets and non-woven fabric. They are mostly cloth-based, so they feel soft and non-scratchy on the baby’s skin. Cotton is the common material for these wipes. However, material like polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene is used in the wipes. This also consists of mild detergent and moisturizing ingredients with preservatives.
The detergent types are found in baby shampoos. These chemicals do not irritate the baby’s skin. Just because the mild versions are used, they are soft and gentle when used to wipe babies clean. The wipes are specially made to provide softness around the anus and genital areas of a baby.
Other ingredients are generally added in baby wipe material, such as glycerine, propylene glycol to prevent the fast drying of the wet material. Also, these provide enough moisturization on the skin. Other than these, some formulas are used like lanolin, and mineral oils, that provides softness to baby skin. Other things added like preservatives such as propylparaben, methyl to make sure the material does not increase microbial growth. The fragrance is also added, but it’s best to use fragrance-free items. If you are looking for natural ingredients in baby wipes, there are aloe Vera and oatmeal extract wipes.
The packages of baby wipes are also made to ensure it stays free from contamination and allows proper and easy dispensing.
A bit of history on baby wipes:
The technology of a non-woven wipe material was first introduced in the 1970s. After that, the first baby wipes were marketed. Due to the cost of the special ingredients of baby wipes, major companies like Proctor and Gamble’s Pamper and Kimberly Clark’s Huggies dominated the industry. As the technology advanced, the wipes became affordable, and smaller companies appeared. By the 1990s supermarkets contracted with the manufacturing companies. They started to sell baby wipes at lower prices to enhance profits.
When to use baby wipes?
You can use baby wipes to clean your baby’s bottom and their hands too. Use it immediately after changing the diaper. After cleaning your baby’s bottom, dispense the diaper and the wipes in a proper place. You can also clean your baby’s hands and face with wipes so they stay clean. There are other usages of baby wipes too.
Different types of baby wipes and brands available in the market:
There are different types of baby wipes available in the market and based on your baby’s skin, you can use natural, water-based, environment-friendly, soft, and sustainable, plant-based wipes. Some popular brands reign in the market. Let’s have a look at the brands and the types of baby wipes.
- Natural wipes: These wipes are popular with parents as they provide effective cleaning and they are affordable. You will find natural care with Huggies wipes. They have triple filters and are made of purified water-based material. These wipes are infused with Vitamin E and aloe Vera. Huggies wipes are free from alcohol, fragrance, paraben, and other harsh ingredients.
- Water-based baby wipes: Pamper diapers and baby wipes are popular. If you are looking for water-based wipes, these are the best in the market. Water wipes are mild on baby skin, and they are fragrance-free. Some types also consist of citric acid, aloe Vera juice, castor oil, and more. These wipes are thicker than regular wipes, and they are used in several hospitals. It works well on the sensitive skin of the babies, and the wipes stay moist for a long time.
- Environment-friendly baby wipes: As there are cloth diapers, you will find baby wipes made of the same material. Using cloth wipes will save money, and they are reusable as well. There is no alternative to environment-friendly baby wipes, for that you can use Bambino Mio Cloth baby wipes. The wipes are made of cotton fibers that require a bit of warm water.
- Prevents diaper rash: There are diaper rash preventive baby wipes in the market and the best brand to get is the Mustela cleansing wipes. They work great on diaper rash, and best suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin. These wipes consist of 97% of plant-based ingredients such as aloe Vera extract that soothes the baby skin, avocado extract that protects the soft skin. Also, the wipes are alcohol and hypo allergen-free. Mustela wipes are not just for diaper rashes, these are perfect to clean your baby’s face and body too. It can clear up baby acne too.
- Organic baby wipes: There are so many brands that offer organic baby wipes. One of them is Doctor Butler’s Organic baby wipes. This baby wipe brand is very popular even pediatricians recommend this brand. These wipes are made of soft bamboo material cloth, and just because they are plant-based, they are sustainable. The manufacturer does not use any kind of chemical in the wipes so they are pure and organic. Ingredients included in these wipes are aloe Vera extract, Vitamin E, Lysine, Rosemary Oil Extract, Chamomilla, Calendula extracts, and more. You will find mild fragrance on the wipes, and they work best on the baby’s sensitive skin.
- Super durable baby wipes: If you do not want to use cloth-based baby wipes then Dyper has a solution for you. The brand makes super durable wipes that are made of viscose fiber. These wipes are sustainable and free from fragrance, paraben, alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, and chlorine. These wipes will not create irritation or rashes on your baby’s skin. You can also use the same cleaning your household.
Statistics of baby wipes:
According to recent reports on baby wipes, the global market of this item in 2019 was $14 billion. The market is expected to increase at an 8% rate of CAGR, and researchers are expecting it to increase to $24.3 billion by the end of 2026. Top market companies like Kimberly-Clark, Johnson & Johnson Services, Unilever Group, and other companies.
To get a better insight into the statistics of baby wipes, check out these links. 1.https://www.statista.com/statistics/876480/global-baby-wipes-market-size/.
2.https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/baby-cleaning-products-market.
12 alternative ways to use baby wipes in your household:
Other than wiping your baby’s bottom, you can use the wipes to clean so many things around your house. The wipes will clean any surface and add a shine to it. Let’s explore the options.
1.Removes stain:
Baby wipes are perfect for removing light stains. Dip the wipe in water and rub on the stain. If it’s a light one, it will come off. You can use baby wipes to clean dirt and stain from clothes, sofa, walls, blankets, and carpets. If the stain is strong, you might use soap water to remove it.
2.Clean walls:
If you have kids at home, they are prone to use crayons and pencils on walls. They will make sure the walls are filled with their artwork. So how to get rid of this nuisance? Use baby wipes to clean the walls. These wipes are capable of cleaning the walls without scrapping off the wallpapers and wall color. You cannot stop children from having fun, so use wipes to clean the walls.
3.Cleans dust:
Baby wipes clean dust like magic. If you attach some wipes to the mop it will make the floors squeaky clean. It works better than paper towels, and traditional wipes. Dirt and grimes stored in the cracks of tiles are harder to clean. But if you use baby wipes, they will come out and provide a clean floor. You won’t have to use harsh chemicals, or bristle brushes to clean the harder dirt, only a few baby wipes will do the work.
4.Makeup remover:
We often use different chemicals to remove makeup. But if you want to ensure irritation-free skin and gentle touch on your skin, use baby wipes. It will remove the makeup easier than any other solution you use. Just wash your face with a face wash afterward. Even if you forget to wash your face, cleaning with baby wipes will not allow any discomfort on your skin.
5.Adds shine:
To clean the furniture and countertops shiny and clean, use baby wipes. You can clean your sofa, tabletops, and countertops with wipes. It’s not always possible to clean the house items, so it’s easy to use baby wipes to add shine to the places that need a shine. If you are hosting a party, a clean and shiny countertop will bring you the praises of your guests.
6.Cleans leather:
Leather material is not easy to clean and water can damage it. So, it’s best to polish the leather sofa or other things with baby wipes. If you have a leather jacket or a couch, use a baby wipe to brush over it. This will clean and smooth the cracks, also bring the best shine to them.
7.Clean dog paws:
If you have pets at home, their paws are prone to get dirty all the time. If they dig holes in the mud and play in the garden, you must clean their paws before they step into the house. It’s better to use wipes than using any other chemicals to clean their paws.
8.Clean plants:
Plants in your house gather dust and if you do not clean them, they will spread germs inside the house. Use baby wipes to clean the plants. Keep cleaning the houseplants regularly with wipes so they won’t gather dust, and become shiny.
9.Cuts and scratches:
Children can get cuts and scratches easily while playing. For these small incidents, you must use baby wipes, it will clean the cuts and later you can apply disinfectants to the place.
10.Cooling off:
After a long cycle ride, or running at the playground, you can wipe the sweat with a wet baby wipe. It will provide a cool sensation and will never irritate your skin.
11.De-grease pans:
After cooking it gets hard to clean the grease out of pans and pots. If you don’t put scratches on the pans, it’s best to use baby wipes to clean the grease. Harsh scrubbing will shorten the life of kitchen utensils, while baby wipes will be gentle on the surface and clean the grease easily.
12.Freshen your car:
Car interiors often get dirty with coffee and food spills. Keep a pack of baby wipes in the car so whenever you need it, wipe the interior clean. The wipes will collect dirt faster, and clean the corners. You can clean the cup holder, steering wheels, air vents, and other places inside the car. Clean the windows, windshield to wipe the bird poop off the screen, and more.
The increasing demand for baby wipes is because of their usefulness and effectiveness. Baby wipes are not just for cleaning baby bottoms after changing diapers, but they can be used for various reasons. As the personal hygiene standard has been increased in people, they are carrying baby wipes with them. For this reason, the demand for wet wipes will increase in the upcoming years.
