Wipes and washcloths are used for the management of incontinence, for personal cleaning, and for cleaning surfaces. Moreover, wipes are generally disposable while washcloths are reusable. These can be found in both scented and unscented varieties.
The feeling of being fresh and clean is something we all aspire to and is especially important to people who experience incontinence. Carrying wipes or washcloths with you helps you maintain that hygienic feeling without being a big disruption to your day.
Types of Wipes and Washcloths
There are a few varieties of wipes and washcloths available in the market. Each is designed to cater to a different need. Baby wipes, for example, which are the most common and familiar at retail stores, are usually the hypoallergenic, latex-free variants that are premoistened typically used in caring for babies.
Adult wipes, or sometimes called disposable washcloths, are a bigger and longer version of baby wipes. Many people still use baby wipes as their go-to item but you may be able to save more money if you use adult wipes instead.
Dry wipes, on the other hand, are adult-sized wipes that are packaged dry. These are like toilet paper only softer. Some people use a combination of the dry wipe as part of the initial cleanup then move on to a moist wipe for the final freshening.
Apart from these variants, there are also reusable washcloths available. These tend to be made of cotton and are sold dry. It can be moistened to clean not only the groin and perianal area but is versatile enough to be used to clean most parts of the body.
3 Tips on How to Choose Wipes and Washcloths
Choose an appropriate size
Whether you end up getting wipes, washcloths, or both, choosing the proper size makes the whole process of cleaning, especially of waste, more effective. Having a few inches of allowance will help make the process as spotless as possible, and even safer for the user.
Take note of the material
Skin can be quite sensitive to wiping and rubbing motions. Wipes and washcloths also often contain cleaning agents that can cause irritation with prolonged exposure. It is important to learn about the brands before buying your wipes and washcloths to figure out which ones will not upset or irritate your skin. Look for wipes or washcloths that have hypoallergenic properties (e.g. alcohol-free, unscented, soft material, etc) to prevent aggravating sensitive skin. Alternatively, if your skin is not easily irritated, there are options with infused oils such as aloe vera and green tea, and scents to keep the skin soft and refreshed. You can browse through the different products to see if they can work for your skin type.
Durability is important
How you will be using your wipes and washcloth will determine the specific durability you need for it. Wipes for infants need to be more sensitive and soft to avoid abrasions, while wipes for cleaning surfaces need to be more thick and tough so that it does not break easily as you are scrubbing with it. Also, consider the volume of what you will be cleaning to determine what kind of wipe or washcloth you will be needing.
It’s no wonder why most households stock up on wipes and washcloths given their multiple uses. Using these products, you’re able to clean and disinfect almost anything; they truly offer versatility. With the right size, material, and durability that suits you, you’ll be finished cleaning in no time!
