[bj3000]

I apologize if this has been mentioned elsewhere, but I've done a search and can't find anyone else talking about it.

I was going to add a quantity of baby wipes to my stockpile, but (and parents might be the best ones to answer this) don't those packages go dry eventually, even if they're not opened?

I'm not a fan of wasting money on my preps, and if the SHTF and I found a bunch of dried-up baby wipes that needed my precious water to be useful for a hygiene situation, I might be slightly irate.

 

[Veloster]

They generally last 30 months after manufacture. I personally would not use wipes that were dried out. I am a spoiled person. I use the flushables for myself. No toilet paper for me lol.

 

[neo71665]

Get the individual packed ones, they last longer than the big container. Otherwise just stock up alcohol and scott towels.

(example from quick google search)
Amazon.com: PURELL Sanitizing Hand Wipes Individually Wrapped 100-ct. Box: Beauty

 

[Nucky]

I just checked my order history. I bought a box of moist wipes in May 2012. It has been sitting in a closet since. I'll check on them later when I get home to see if they're still squishy.

 

[bj3000]

I just checked my order history. I bought a box of moist wipes in May 2012. It has been sitting in a closet since. I'll check on them later when I get home to see if they're still squishy.

Oh please do! Thanks.

 

[queenof3]

Just add a bit of water. I have done this multiple times without an issue during a desperate diaper changing moment. Use clean water to prevent health risks.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Haha baby wipes are amazing! I gotta say stockpile those things. As mentioned just re wet them.

 

[mattmuttsmith]

I use and carry the individual packs. I also use the small packs that only have a few. They last much longer. When I was first using them I researched and researched trying to find the longest lasting. The ones I ended up with we're actually the cheapest ones. They are store brand, Food Lion, and they do not have an expiration date on them. It doesn't say anything about expiration on the package either. I've used them before when they were over a year old and they were still fine.

As far as the ones that go dry, just take a little bit of water and rehydrate them. They will work fine once again.

Good luck.

 

[dochudson]

I make my own dirt cheap. They do eventually dry out, but they last much longer that the expensive ones.

My formula (brain dead simple) is half baby oil and half baby lotion. Mix and soak paper towels (or 4x4 cotton gauzes*). You can add rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. The formula is great for making dried out wipes useable.

We use them for kids and personal use while traveling. My wife who is quite the world traveler (not the jet set kind) swears by them for hygiene needs. She much prefers them to TP even when there is some.

Do not flush the cotton wipes down septic system.

 

[Nucky]

Oh please do! Thanks.

I tried searching a little bit for it but other family members buried it in one of the closets. I'm taking the less stressful route and will buy a new supply rather than spending hours looking for it

 

[Nucky]

I found one in the bathroom cabinet that was still sealed in its plastic container. The plastic container was still shrink wrapped. It was still a little moist but not completely as a new one. Still very usable.

I don't know if the 2009 date was the best buy date or the mfr date. I bought these sames ones in the past from Amazon. The next time I am in Target, I will try to look at the same brand and see what it says. The last time I did buy some was in 2012 so these are at least 2 year. Most likely its from a previous order, over 5 years. The ones in the sealed plastic bags should hold the moister better I think.

Stock photo

My photo

 

[Raxx]

The refill's are sealed better and take up less room.
I've used them a year and they are fine. For the multi-purpose and smaller space qualities, they are a part of my preps.
I actually have the ones in the pics as I don't like lots of lotion and scents added.

 

[swamp locos]

I carry a pack about for hunting. I use the cheap store brand ones that are packed in re-sealable plastic pouches. I put these inside a ziplock bag as well for extra air tightness. Once opened they seem to last for months, infact I haven't had any dry out yet. I only need to use a couple to clean up after dressing out game and I get them out ready before I start while my hands are still clean, then bury them after use to let them compost. Before using them I used to waste so much of my drinking water washing my hands/arms it was a real PITA.

 

[Writer's Block]

I buy the refills and travel sizes (travel size are great for stuff like GHB, vests, etc).

If they dry out a little water gets them right back up.

As well, I am currently experimenting with the latest batch I acquired. I have vacc sealed them, in their original packages, inside Food Saver bags. I am testing to see if that makes a difference against the "control ones" of the same batch I am leaving out and not vacc bagged.

 

[Nucky]

I only need to use a couple to clean up after dressing out game and I get them out ready before I start while my hands are still clean

You need to pack some rubber gloves.

 

[Purdy Bear]

As a family carer who uses a lot of wipes here's a few things you may wish to know:

1. Go for the sensitive skin baby wipes, all the others have stuff in which will over time cause the skin to get sore.

2. Even if they are dried out you just add water and they come back like before. If washing a sensitive area put the one your using in warm water first to heat them up, as they are cold to the touch.

3. You SHOULD NOT flush them even the disposable ones down a toilet as they don't degrade quickly enough and cause blockages in the sewers.

4. You need more then you think so stock plenty.

5. For those in the UK Tesco's often do half price sales on their multi packs which cuts the cost from roughly £9 to £4.50.

6. Lastly the District/Community Nurses don't recommend long term use but to use good old soap and water.

 

[Veloster]

Do not re-wet wipes and use them. The preservatives are not the kind that can be re-wet. There is a 30 month best if used by with common preservatives. I highly recommend not re-wetting them for personal hygiene. You could keep them to use to clean up spills, or clean with after they are dry. These are personal care products. Not cleaning products. The preservatives cannot be strong enough to keep them in good quality after that time period and not irritate skin.

They may be good after the 30 month time period. But if it has any odor or discoloration DO NOT USE!

Re-wetting the wipes is not a good practice. If the wipes dry out that is a indicator of a breach in the seal. The wipes lotions are water based. Which many of you know water is one of the best mediums for bacteria and growth.

Wipes are perfectly fine for personal use. As long as you go by the 30 month rule. I use wipes exclusively for cleaning and personal hygiene. I have had no issues with regular flushables. I actually prefer flushables over regular wipes. My favorite are Equate brand.

 

[Veloster]

The 2009 date was a manufacture date. Specifically on the 211th day of 2009.

If it has a best by date they usually read as , Best If Used By, BIUB and followed by a date.

Example of a manufacture date LOT 12327 plus other numbers letters. Or even other numbers letters in like the ones above.

That denotes it was made in 2012 on the 327th day of that year.

 

[gallon]

Get the individual packed ones, they last longer than the big container. Otherwise just stock up alcohol and scott towels.

(example from quick google search)
Amazon.com: PURELL Sanitizing Hand Wipes Individually Wrapped 100-ct. Box: Beauty

Cosign to this approach, especially in cold weather. Water freezes, alcohol does not. And alcohol does not feel as cold as water.

This is the industrial solution and it works. First hand experience here in subzero weather. A roll of Brawnies and a bottle of isopropyl. The iso has other uses as well.

 

[swamp locos]

You need to pack some rubber gloves.

I have considered trying some of the elbow length diposable gloves like vets use. My only concern would be getting reduced 'feel' or grip on the knife through gloves. But I will try some.