Baby wipes are an essential staple for modern parents – but how long do unopened packs of wipes actually last?
If you’re wondering do baby wipes expire I’ve checked with some of the biggest manufacturers to find out.
The good news is that you can stockpile baby wipes for quite a long time – and given how quickly I for one get through baby wipes it’s unlikely your baby wipes will spoil before you get to use them.
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Do wet wipes go bad?
The problem isn’t so much that the wipes expire, but they will start to lose their moisture over time. This loss of function can be sped up if they are kept in very warm conditions and the packaging is pierced.
There is also a possibility baby wipes can develop mold – so you should always check wipes before using them if you’re cracking open a pack that’s more than three years old.
So while baby wipes do not expire, they do have a shelf life – and some manufacturers provide clearer guidance than others.
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How long do baby wipes last unopened?
The big manufacturers who provide public guidance about their products’ shelf life say their wipes should be opened within 15 months to three years of purchase.
WaterWipes says its wipes should be opened within 15 months of the production date and used within one month of opening, according to an FAQ on its website. The brand prints the expiration date on the back of the pack.
Huggies says that its unopened wipes have a shelf life of two years.
Pampers wrote on its Facebook page that its wipes do not have an expiration date, but that the shelf life is 30 months after production.
How long do baby wipes last after the pack is open?
Looking at the advice from all manufacturers you get a long range of between one month and a year to use wipes after the pack is opened.
How long your wipes stay effective really depends a lot on how you store them. Once you have opened a pack of baby wipes they will dry out eventually and cease to be much good at wiping away poop.
They can also develop mold and mildew if exposed to the air and direct sunlight.
Huggies says its wipes remain fresh for up to a year, as long as the pack is sealed properly and kept out of direct sunlight and heat.
Water Wipes says to use its wipes within one month of opening.
Pampers says it cannot give a shelf life for opened wipes because it depends on “many different storage conditions”.
If wipes don’t have an expiry date why don’t they last?
There are a few things that can go wrong with baby wipes over time, even if they are kept sealed in their packaging:
Wipes dry out
The water and other ingredients such as oils and lotions in baby wipes are key to helping them wipe away poop and wee from your baby’s bottom, leaving them clean and fresh.
These wet ingredients in baby wipes also help to soothe your baby’s bottom so that wiping does not leave them sore.
Once the wipes lose that moisture then trying to use them when dry means you don’t have that liquid which is designed to take away the dirty residue from baby’s skin.
Wipes become less effective
Once wipes begin to lose the moisture – which contains those cleaning lotions and skin conditioning agents – then they will not clean baby’s skin in the same way.
The oils and moisture in the wipes is formulated to help dissolve the poop and wee so it comes away from the skin gently.
Mold can accumulate
Always check wipes for any marks that suggest mold is forming if you have had them open for a while.
When I leave a wipes pack open the top wipe may start to go yellow – this is not mold forming but just a reaction to the wipe being left over to the air.
Keeping your wipes out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, while ensuring the pack is resealed will help keep them good for longer.
I’ve noticed that when I forget to stick the seal back down on top of a pack of wipes the top wipe will be at least partially dried out if I leave it for a week.
So keeping those wipes sealed and in a cool, dry place is key to making them last!
I would also add that in my experience that although the packs of wipes with hard plastic seal lids are a lot more experience they are much easier and more reliable when it comes to sealing them.
I’ve found the stickers on other packs of wipes can sometimes slide out of place or lose their stick after multiple use.
Is it safe to use an old pack of wipes?
If you have an unopened pack of wipes that you bought several years ago it’s best to take a look at the contents before using on your baby.
As we’ve established, wipes do not have an expiry date however their quality can deteriorate and they can develop mold and bacteria over time.
If the wipes inside have any marks or discolouration then do not use them.
An alternative to disposable wipes
If you want to save money and help the environment you could consider switching to reusable wipes.
There are brands that sell reusable wipes, however you could also simply try using a stack of wash cloths. All you need to do is soak them in a little water before use.
Some people get a Tupperware box and fill that with damp cloths at the start of every day and use this is their pack of wipes.
Other reusable wipe fans get a spray bottle which they use to moisten wash cloths before wiping baby’s bottom.
Then you simply wash and reuse your wash cloths.
What can I do with old wipes?
So as we’ve established wipes do not expire, but they do have a shelf life when it comes to being efficient at cleaning up your baby.
There are a few great uses for baby wipes that are no longer any good for their intended purpose:
Baby wipes for cleaning
Baby wipes do not kill germs or viruses but they are great for various cleaning tasks around your home!
If your old wipes have dried out then you may want to soak them in a little water before using them for cleaning. You could add some dish soap (such as Fairy) to the water first.
- Getting mud off shoes
- Dust bannister
- Dust tables and furniture
- Wiping light switches
- Wipe dust off houseplants
- Getting into dusty corners of the floor
- Quickly mop up spills
- Quick wipe around the toilet seat
- Cleaning your leather sofa
- Stain removal. I’ve used baby wipes to tackle all kinds of stains, from pen on the walls and doors to marks on clothing. If you get to the stain early they can really do the trick.
- Wiping down the outside of your fridge
- As a air freshener. If the wipes are totally dry then try soaking them in a capful of Zoflora (this stuff smells great!) and then place the wipes inside your cushion covers or at the bottom of your bin. It gives off a fresh scent!
Baby wipes for beauty
- Wipe away excess nail polish
- Remove eye make-up. Whenever I go on holiday with my kids I don’t bother to bring a separate pack of makeup remover because I just use their wipes to remove my makeup at the end of every day. This is a great space saver!
- Tidying up hair dye. If you dye your hair at home you can use baby wipes to get rid of excess hair dye that ends up on the skin of your neck and around your face.
- Removing excess tanning lotion
