Can You Put Reusable Wipes in a Wipe Warmer?

Here at Team Cheeky we've been all about 'Simple Reusables' since we launched our bestselling reusable baby wipes kit way back in 2008.

We love cloth wipes because:

• they're better for your baby as you know exactly what you're putting on their delicate skin
• they're WAY better for the planet because you'll create way less waste
• they'll save you a lot of money, in and around £500 over two years

Inspiration for our blog posts comes from many areas and often from customer questions via email or our social media channels.

However this particular article was inspired by a Reddit post 'Prince Lionheart & Cloth Wipes: Bacteria Concerns'

So, 'can you put reusable wipes in a wipes warmer?'

Yes you can, but you need to take precautions to prevent the growth of mould, fungi and bacteria which could be harmful for your baby. Generally here at Cheeky, we'd advise keeping your wipes at room temperature. Instead if your room is very chilly (overnight for example), keep your wipes dry and add an insulated cup of hot water to warm up your wipes.

With all that being said, using a wipe warmer can make nappy changing more comfortable for your baby, especially in chilly conditions.  Here’s a few hints and tips to consider if you want to use a baby wipe warmer with your reusable wipes.

What is a Wipe Warmer?

A wipe warmer is a small, electric appliance designed to gently heat baby wipes. This makes the wipes more soothing on a baby’s skin, particularly useful during late-night changes or in colder weather.

Wipe warmers work because they feature a heating element which can be top and bottom warmers, and can accommodate a stack of wipes keeping the wipes warm and moist, ready for use.

They’re made to maintain a consistent temperature and avoiding the risk of overheating, which could dry out the wipes or harm the skin.

Some wipes warmers feature an integrated night light, making the nappy changing experience easier overnight.

Benefits of a Wipe Warmer

The benefits of a wipes warmer are:

More Comfortable Nappy Changes for your Baby

Warm wipes can be more comforting for babies than cold wipes, making nappy changes a more pleasant experience. Generally your baby will get used to room temperature wipes pretty quickly and they'll more likely squawk from colder air touching their little bottoms.

Convenience

With wipes ready and warmed, nappy changes can be quicker and smoother, which is great if you're handling overnight nappy changes or chilly days.

Versatile

Modern wipe warmers can be used with both disposable and reusable wipes, making them a versatile addition to your nursery.

How to Use Reusable Wipes in a Wipe Warmer

As we said at the start, it's REALLY important to be safety conscious when using a wipe warmer to prevent creating an environment for bacteria and mould to grow. Here's how to use reusable wipes in a wipe warmer:

• choose the right materials
• prevent bacteria and mould
• load the wipes warmer carefully
• soak one days worth of wipes at a time
• clean the warmer daily
• replace the antimicrobial pad when necessary
• dry your wipes between uses

Choose the Right Materials

Ensure the reusable wipes are made from materials that can safely be warmed, such as cotton or bamboo. We'd recommend our Cheeky bamboo wipes or organic cotton wipes if you're considering a wipes warmer. Avoid manmade wipes such as microfibre wipes.

Prevent Bacteria and Mould

Moist and warm environments can breed bacteria and mould. To prevent this, add enough water to make the wipes properly wet through, rather than just damp. Use a soaking solution with mild antiseptic properties such as Cheeky Fresh Wipes Oil (Lavender & Chamomile). Don't use anything harsher such as teatree oil for soaking your wipes as it is too much for baby's skin.

Load the Wipes Warmer Carefully

Roll or fold your wipes neatly and place them inside the warmer. Avoid overstuffing to ensure even warming of each wipe.

Soak One Day's Worth of Wipes At a Time

Keeping the wipes warm and wet for a long period of time is literally the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That's why we would recommend only soaking one days worth of reusable wipes (10 or 15 wipes) at a time. If you make them fresh each morning, discard and wash any from the previous day.

Clean the Warmer Daily

When you make up fresh wipes, give your wipes warmer and dispenser a clean out. Cheeky Mucky Wipes Oil (Teatree & Teatree Lemon) is perfect for this as it's antibacterial and smells great!

If Your Wipes Warmer Has an Antimicrobial Pad, Replace It When Necessary

Some wipes warmers contain an integral antimicrobial pad. It's there for a reason, so replace in line with manufacturers guidelines.

Dry Your Wipes Between Uses

The lady in the Reddit post at the start wasn't drying her wipes between uses which is a BIG no-no. Constantly damp wipes are a breeding ground for bacteria and can actually make your wipes rot through really quickly! Dry your wipes between uses to prevent mould and increase the longevity of your wipes.

Conclusion

Embracing reusable wipes doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort for your little one. Using a wipe warmer carefully, you can still have warm wipes for your little one's nappy changes.

Have you tried using a wipe warmer with your reusable wipes? Share your experiences or tips below, or if you've got more questions about reusable wipes and ditching disposables, drop us a line! The team all use the products themselves and LOVE to help you make the switch.  Alternatively, explore our blogs on eco-friendly and cost-effective living:

• The Best Baby Wipe Containers
• Are Reusable Wipes Actually Convenient?
• How Bad Are Wet Wipes for the Environment?
• What Solution Should I Use With Reusable Wipes?

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable nappies and reusable sanitary pads.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.