Wipes are one of those household heroes you don’t think about until you desperately need them. Whether you’re cleaning up after a newborn, managing continence care, or just wiping down the bench after a spill, the right wipe can make life a whole lot easier (and more hygienic).

But with shelves packed full of options—fragrance-free, flushable, extra-large, baby-safe, barrier-forming—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks down the different types of wipes available, who they’re best for, and what to consider when stocking up. Because when it comes to mess, a little prep goes a long way.

What are the different types of wet wipes?

Wet wipes might all look similar, but they’re made with very different needs in mind. From delicate baby bottoms to sensitive aged care skin, there’s a wipe for just about every mess life throws your way. Here’s a breakdown of the main types you’ll come across and what they’re best suited for.

1. Baby Wipes

Soft, gentle, and usually fragrance-free, baby wipes are designed to care for sensitive skin during nappy changes. They’re also a go-to for quick hand wipes, face cleanups, or snack-time spills.

Look for options that are dermatologically tested and free from alcohol or harsh chemicals, especially for newborns.

Our Best Seller: Huggies Baby Wipes 99% Water

These dermatologist-tested wipes are made with 99% water and no added nasties. Safe for newborns, they’re thick, absorbent, and free from alcohol, fragrance, and soap.

Best for: Parents of babies or toddlers who want a gentle, everyday wipe they can trust.

2. Incontinence Wipes

These are larger and more durable than standard wipes, making them ideal for continence care. Many are enriched with soothing ingredients like aloe or barrier creams to prevent skin breakdown. They’re a game-changer in aged care settings or for anyone managing bladder or bowel conditions.

Some incontinence wipes are pre-moistened and can replace traditional washing, especially helpful when mobility is limited.

Our Best Seller: Reynard Incontinence Wipes

These ultra-soft wipes are extra-large for easier clean-up and are pH-balanced to help protect delicate or compromised skin.

Best for: Carers supporting someone with limited mobility, continence needs, or skin breakdown concerns.

3. Personal Hygiene Wipes

Need a quick freshen-up after the gym or before a doctor’s appointment? Hygiene wipes are designed for on-the-go cleansing. They’re great for daily use and usually come in resealable packs that fit in bags or gloveboxes.

Choose ones that are pH-balanced and non-irritating, especially if you’re using them frequently.

Our Best Seller: Reynard Skin Care Wet Soft Pack Wipes

These fragrance-free wipes are infused with aloe vera and lanolin to cleanse without drying out the skin.

Best for: Everyday personal hygiene—especially after surgery, exercise, or during travel.

4. Antibacterial or Surface Wipes

Not for the skin! These wipes are designed to kill germs on surfaces like benches, toilet seats, and mobility equipment. Make sure you don’t confuse them with personal wipes as they often contain strong disinfectants that can irritate skin.

Our Best Seller: Halyard 2-in-1 Surface Disinfectant Wipes

These hospital-grade wipes clean and disinfect in one step—ideal for wiping down overbed tables, wheelchairs, and commodes.

Best for: Hospitals, aged care homes, or anyone wanting to keep shared spaces safe and hygienic.

How to Choose the Right Wipe for Different Needs

With so many options on the shelf, choosing the right wipe can feel more complicated than it should be. But picking the wrong one can mean irritation, discomfort, or missing the mark entirely on hygiene or cleanliness. Here’s how to figure out what you actually need (and avoid wasting time and money in the process).

1. Who’s it for?

This is one of the most important questions to ask because wipes are designed with different users in mind. Babies, for example, have ultra-sensitive skin that’s still developing, so they need ultra-gentle wipes without alcohol or strong fragrances. On the other hand, adults with continence needs might require larger wipes that can clean effectively and support skin health over long-term use.

It also matters whether the person using the wipe is applying it themselves or receiving help from a carer. In aged care or disability support, users may have thinner, more delicate skin, making them more vulnerable to rashes or irritation if the wipe is too harsh or too wet/dry.

Tip: If the wipe will be used frequently or on delicate skin, look for “dermatologically tested,” “alcohol-free,” or “fragrance-free” on the label.

2. What are you using it for?

There’s a big difference between wiping hands after lunch and performing full-body hygiene for someone with limited mobility. Wipes that are too small or too thin may be fine for quick messes, but won’t cut it for continence care or daily bathing when you need reliable coverage and durability.

You also want to avoid using skin wipes for cleaning surfaces, or vice versa. Some surface wipes may contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation, while some skin wipes won’t actually disinfect a surface properly. Matching the wipe to the task will make the job faster, safer, and more hygienic.

Tip: Store different wipes in separate locations and label them clearly. It keeps things hygienic and stops the wrong ones from being used.

3. How sensitive is the skin involved?

Skin sensitivity can change with age, medication, or health conditions. Babies often develop nappy rash from wipes with alcohol or added scents, and older adults may have dry or fragile skin that breaks easily. Using the wrong wipe can worsen existing irritation or even damage skin barriers, especially with frequent use.

Some wipes go beyond just cleaning. They help protect the skin, too. Look out for added moisturisers like aloe vera, lanolin, or vitamin E, which soothe the skin and reduce friction. These types of wipes are especially helpful if someone is experiencing repeated wiping due to incontinence or personal care routines.

Tip: Wipes with aloe vera, lanolin, or vitamin E can add a layer of comfort, especially if used multiple times a day.

4. How easy is it to use (especially for carers)?

Carers have enough to juggle without wrestling with tricky packaging or flimsy wipes. If you're managing someone’s hygiene daily, the wipe’s size, material, and ease of access can make a massive difference in comfort and efficiency. A larger wipe means fewer passes and better coverage, which helps protect skin and reduce waste.

One-handed dispensing, resealable packaging, and strong, lint-free materials are features that can make wipes more user-friendly, especially when you’re short on time or dealing with limited mobility. These small details often go unnoticed, but they’re key to a smoother, more dignified care experience.

Tip: Soft packs with flip-top lids are great for on-the-go. And the fewer wipes you need to do the job, the better.

5. Are you after eco-friendly or flushable options?

Today, more people are thinking about sustainability when it comes to everyday products and wet wipes are no exception. But not all eco claims are equal. Flushable wipes, for example, may break down more easily than traditional ones, but that doesn’t always mean they’re safe for plumbing systems (or the environment).

It’s also worth thinking about how many wipes you’re going through. Choosing higher-quality wipes that do more with less can reduce waste overall. And if you’re looking for biodegradable options, double-check the labelling—many “natural” wipes still contain plastic fibres.

Tip: Even many “flushable” wipes aren’t sewer-safe. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to toss them in the bin instead of taking your chances.

Wipe Care & Storage Tips You Might Be Overlooking

Once you've stocked up on the right wipes, don’t just toss them in a drawer and forget about them. How you store and handle your wipes can affect their shelf life, hygiene, and even how effective they are when you need them most.

1. Keep the Pack Sealed Tight

This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most common mistakes people make. Leaving a wipe pack slightly open—even for a few hours—can dry out the top layers, making them less effective and harder to use.

Tip: Always press the seal or click the lid firmly shut after every use, especially in hot or dry environments like cars or bathrooms.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Wipes hate heat and humidity. Storing them near windows, heaters, or in damp rooms can encourage bacteria growth or affect the texture of the wipes. If you’re using wipes for skin care or hygiene, that’s the last thing you want.

Tip: A bathroom cupboard, linen closet, or a wipe caddy near the bed (for aged care) works well. Avoid direct sunlight and moist areas like under-sink storage.

3. Don’t Mix Wipes Between Packs

It might seem thrifty to top up a nearly empty pack with wipes from another one, but it’s not a great idea. You risk contaminating the whole batch and compromising the moisture level of both packs.

Tip: Use each pack individually and only open a new one when needed. If you decant wipes into smaller containers, make sure your hands are clean and the container is sanitised.

4. Keep Wipes Where You’ll Actually Use Them

You’re more likely to use wipes if they’re within arm’s reach, especially during emergencies or care routines. Whether it’s beside a change table, the toilet, the bed, or in a mobility aid basket, positioning is key.

Tip: If you have different types of wipes for different needs, keep them clearly labelled or colour-coded to avoid mix-ups.

Take the Wipe Worry Out of Your Day

With so many options tailored to skin care, hygiene, and surface cleaning, there's no need to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.

And remember: how you store and use your wipes matters just as much as what kind you choose. A little attention to care and placement can go a long way in making sure they’re ready when life gets messy (and it always does!).

Need help choosing the right wipes for your family or care environment?

Our team at the Platinum Health showroom in Epping is here to help. We’ve stocked a wide range of wipes for babies, aged care, disability support, and everyday use—so you can test options in person, ask questions, and get guidance from a team who understands real-life care.

Visit us:

Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Road, Epping VIC

Weekdays, 9am–5pm

We’ll help you find wipes (and more) that truly fit your life.