Face wipes are just so darn convenient. They also make my wallet cry. When I realized I was spending $6 on only two weeks’ worth of wipes, I decided to make my own homemade face wipes. Making my own DIY reusable face wipes allows me to save money, be a little more green, and continue to use a product that I love in a more convenient way, all while making it stretch further.
You’ll Need:
* 2 tablespoons of Clean & Clean Foaming Face Wash (Or your favorite foaming face wash)
* 3 cups of warmed, distilled water
* 7 wash cloths
* Large jar with lid
* Container to keep used cloths in
* Large bowl
* Whisk/fork
1. Measure distilled water into a microwave safe container. Microwave for about 2 minutes (should be warm to the touch, not burning hot).
2. Pour 1/2 of water into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the measured amount of foaming face wash. Whisk until bubbly.
3. Using clean hands, place your cloths in the bowl and massage them into the mixture in order to coat them. Add in the remaining water and massage the mixture into the cloths until they’re all saturated. If you see a mountain of bubbles forming, it’s totally normal.
4. Grab your bowl, squeeze the cloths and flip your bowl over a sink to let the liquid drain out. Squeeze some more until you’ve removed as much of the liquid from the cloths as possible.
5. Fold cloths into quarters and place them inside your jar. Stack them, rather than stuff them so you’ll easily be able to reach in for another day after day. Then place the lid on your jar and you’re done!
That was easy, wasn’t it? No chemist skills required.
To Use:
Fast method:
Gently rub wipe over face to cleanse. Run the cloth under water, wring out. Use clean wipe over face to remove any remaining cleanser. It can really be a 15 second process if you’re in a rush.
Relaxing Method (My preferred one):
Gently rub wipe over face to cleanse. Run the cloth under the hottest water you can handle and wring it out. Gently press clean wipe over face. Leave on until cool (about 20 seconds), then gently rub wipe over face to remove any remaining cleanser. This makes me feel like I’m at a spa and I do this when I have a few seconds to spare!
About the Cloths
The first time I did this, I used full sized cloths and only made 7 cloths to last a week. This was an inconvenience since I prefer to wash my face twice per day. Since then, I’ve cut the cloths in half to make 14 wipes, which is enough for 2 uses per day. The cloths do fray if you cut them. I’m okay with this. If you aren’t and have some sewing skills it should be pretty simple to sew the edges to prevent fraying.
Update: I no longer recommend cutting your cloths in half without sewing the edges. After a few washes, they’re ridiculously difficult to untangle from one another. I’m now back to using full-sized cloths.
Storing Used Face Wipes
I keep my already-used wipes in a lidded container (tupperware) on the bathroom counter. The lid isn’t a necessity. I just use it to hide the mess. In fact, I never fully close the lid on the container. I just rest the lid in an offset position which leaves about an inch of open space on one side. This is to allow air to circulate, which should prevent mold. I’ve now done this a few times and have not had any mold issues.
Speaking of mold, it’s important to use distilled water since that also works in preventing mold. Don’t ask me why or how (beats me), but for some reason it works. If you do not use distilled water, it’s at your own risk, and you are more likely to develop issues with mold.
Laundering Face Wipes
At the end of the week, I place the wipes in a lingerie bag (so I’m not hunting for them later), and simply throw them in with a load of towels, and my kitchen cloths. No extra fuss!
When I take them out of the dryer, I take a few minutes to make my own face wipes all over again. It is super simple and takes just a few minutes.
I’d love to know if you try them yourself!
Sounds like a great plan. I’m going to try this very soon!
Several years ago I bought reusable cotton rounds/pads online. 30 to a pack. They are wonderful. I use them for eye makeup remover and astringent. They came with a cotton drawstring bag for storing the used ones. Such a lifesaver. I was tired of literally throwing my money in the trash three or more times a day. They are still going strong. They could definitely be used for this as well. They sell nursing pads which are larger than what I bought but that would be another option if someone didnt want the fraying and didnt want to sew.
Awesome idea! LOVE IT. I used wash cloths and reusable nursing pads. I made one for my 13 yr old son’s bathroom (& ours)… Anything to get him to wash his face and make the task at hand simple, count us in. Thank you for sharing.
Also the cute ribbon that comes with the wash cloths (mine had polka dots) I tied around the container. Gave it a fun finished look. Thanks again!!
Love this idea. But I am thinking of buying the dollar tree baby wash clothes to use. You get the perfect size for your face and small enough to put a bunch in the jar and NO fraying and easy on the wallet.
I’m attempting to keep the liquid. It seems a waste to loose the liquid. Has anyone else attempted? I also used the leftover soap on the measuring spoon for a quick face and neck wash.
I have seen a ton of these ideas around as I am recently trying to make most of my stuff on my own rather than use a ton of harsh chemicals that are in most of the name brands. I have to say yours is my favorite idea so far I plan on trying this as soon as I get to the store to get some face cloths for it! Love your ideas thanks for sharing!!
This I a great Idea!!! Thanks for shareing!!!! As to the question of saving the liquid has anyone tried to add vinegar to act as a bacterialcide???
What a great idea, thank you.
A perfect solution to our Australian summer heat.
I’ve been looking for a recipe that uses my preferred cleanser, to make sure it actually works before I tried it, and I finally found it! Going to try these out with the dollar store baby washcloths. When I have wipes I actually remember to wash my face more and I’m tired of throwing money away.
Am wondering if anyone has tried cleansers other than foaming face wash.?
Am looking for a cheaper product to use
Well have just made up my second batch of face wipes.
They are a huge success that even when my girlfriends come to visit they head to the bathroom to grab a face wipe especially with out heat at present.
Once again thank you for this great DIY project.
I am going to try this using homemade face cloths that I crochet with cotton yarn! Thanks for the idea!