So-called "flushable" wet wipes are bad news. If you’re anything like us, the images of a 130-tonne fatberg clogging up the sewage pipes of London were enough to have you gagging, then rushing to find eco-friendly alternatives.
It’s quite staggering how many of these non-biodegradable wet wipes we get through – and not only do they result in these grotesque fatbergs, they also contain plastic. Why spend all that money on them and hurt the planet when there are so many great alternatives?
Here are 5 eco-friendly alternatives to wet wipes:
#1: Reusable face rounds
Seriously, once you start using these, it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Made with 100% soft organic cotton, these face rounds do everything your wet wipes can and more. Use them with oil or a little cleanser to remove make up, with toner to tighten your pores, or even to remove nail polish (but keep this one separate from the others!).
Then simply throw them in with a load of washing and they’ll be ready to use again. The best part? The more you wash them, the softer they get!
Above: Ditch the disposables and switch to reusable make-up remover pads
#2: Konjac Facial Sponge
Not only one of the great alternatives to flushable wet wipes, but also to a natural sea sponge (which is technically a living creature). These cute little sponges made from plant root might look a bit rough, but once they’re moistened, they become soft and smooth, perfect for even the most sensitive of skin.
You can use it to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise. Then pop it on the side to dry out and it’ll be ready to use again the next day – no flushing required.
Above: An exfoliating Konjac Sponge softens when wet
#3: Organic Cotton Face Cloth
We don’t want to sound hopelessly old-fashioned, but what’s wrong with a good face cloth as a wet wipe alternative? This might bring back unpleasant childhood memories of your dirty face being scrubbed with a scratchy old piece of flannel – it doesn’t have to be like that!
Soft to the touch and attractive hanging up in the bathroom, face cloths are the perfect replacement to icky plasticky wet wipes leaving residue on your face. Plus, they’ll last for years.
Above: Treat yourself to a face spa with an organic cotton face cloth
#4: Organic Muslin Face Cloth
If you feel like something a bit finer for your morning cleanse or evening face mask, try an unbleached muslin face cloth. Soaked in hot water, these feel lovely over your face before or after a beauty treatment, and wipe away make-up and dirt to boot.
Wash them carefully and you’ll soon be on your way to a zero-waste bathroom.
Above: For a gentle but exfoliating clean, try a muslin cloth
#5: Old Towels
Perhaps our most basic of wet wipe alternatives, but also the cheapest, as this one doesn’t even require you to buy anything new! Why use wet wipes for household spills when you can simply cut up old towels (or even clothes!)?
Above: Old towels and clothes make perfect wet wipe alternatives!
Trust us, replacing your (un) flushable wet wipes these will leave not only your conscience, but your face, body and cabinets cleaner!