I used to love those disposable dusting wipes [1] you attach to a plastic mop. With just a few of these wipes, I could clean our floors quickly and quietly, using just one hand with the other free to juggle my daughter, my extra-needy Weimaraner, or even run a phone meeting.

But what seems harmless and oh-so-civilized — you don’t even have to touch the dirt — actually takes a pretty big toll on the environment. Consider that you could buy a disposable wipe product to clean, polish, and/or disinfect floors, counters, showers, toilets, furniture, leather, windows, cars, baby bottoms, faces, hands, pets and more. You can buy wipes for pain relief and even to relieve hot flashes. In just North America alone, we use 83 thousand tons [2] of disposable wipes a year. That’s a lot of trash and most are made of synthetic material and are not readily biodegradable.

It’s clear that for some jobs, like the kitchen counter, using a wipe is more a gimmick than truly a time saving device. A sponge with soap and water is just as quick. However, there are jobs like the baby’s bottom or sticky fingers at a picnic where a wipe really is convenient. Try these DIY solutions for the most wipe-friendly jobs:

Reusable baby wipes:
Combine 1-cup water with 1-teaspoon baking soda and stir until baking soda dissolves. Apply to clean soft flannel squares. You can buy organic cotton [3] or hemp cloths [4] that are specific for this or just cut up old clothing. Use and wash as needed. If you really want disposable wipes, use recycled, bleach-free paper towels [5] instead of cloth. Store in a reusable container.

Reusable cleaning or hand wipes:
Cut old t-shirts or thin towels into smaller squares. Dampen with water and a squirt of dish [6] or castile soap [7]. Store damp cloths in a sealed reusable container or used plastic bag so they’re ready when you need them to clean sticky hands while you're out or do a quick clean on doorknobs, staircase railings, etc.

For non-carpeted floors and dusting:
I’ve found that a washable and reusable microfiber mop [8] works just as well and is just as quick as a disposable wipe. Microfiber is not perfect when it comes to the environment because it is a petroleum product. However, for me it’s a good compromise that enables me to keep my floors clean in-between vacuums even with one hand tied around my back — or holding on to my daughter as is more usually the case.

If you’re not ready to abandon the disposable wipe, look for brands [9] that are nontoxic, fragrance-free [10] and compostable. The best kinds will be made from more sustainable resources like bamboo.

I'm not quite sure how to replace the wipes for pain relief and hot flashes, but I think checking into a spa for a weekend or at least getting your partner to give you a massage is a lot more appealing than a disposable wipe!