If you've ever left a pack of baby wipes open for too long or stored one on your shelf for ages, you might've noticed they're not as effective. Wet ones can lose their moisture and expire, so it's good to know how long baby wipes last. 

So, how long do baby wipes last unopened and do wipes expire? We’re here to help. We're answering all of your baby wipe questions in this post, from determining a pack of baby wipes' shelf life to how to moisten dried out wipes. Read on for the details! 

Do Baby Wipes Expire?

From what we can see on the internet, many parents have trouble locating the expiration date on their baby wipes. Surprise! Baby wipes do expire. 

Wipes are made of materials such as cotton and polyester, and natural wipes are normally made from wood pulp or cotton. Our natural wipes are made from unbleached bamboo and soften skin with soothing aloe, chamomile, and cooling cucumber extract. 

Since wipes are soaked in a combination of wet ingredients and tightly packed textiles/wipes , they can grow bacteria and mold. Wipes have an expiration date based on the preservation system’s ability to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. In the presence of bacteria or mold, the wipes would be ineffective or even harmful.

How Long Do Baby Wipes Last? 

So, how long are baby wipes good for?

Baby wipes can last weeks, months, or years depending on how you store them. If your wipes develop any sign of mold (sliminess, stench, black or gray dots), you may have to toss them after a couple of weeks or months of use.

If your wipes remain fresh, they can last more than a year, but they will most likely dry out before then.  

How Long Do Baby Wipes Last Unopened? 

Baby wipes that remain untouched in their package last 2-3 years. After that, they may lose their effectiveness. 

If baby wipes come into contact with excessive heat, they can dry out quickly, even if they're unopened.

Do Baby Wipes Have An Expiration Date? 

Many brands do not include an expiration date on their packaging. Only some do on the edges or underneath folds, so be sure to scope out all the nooks and crannies! 

For brands that don't have an expiry date on their packaging, it's safe to assume that the wipes are good to use within 30 months after opening. 

Tips for Expired Baby Wipes

Want to make your baby wipes last longer? Here are our top tips for keeping them moist and mold-free: 

• Close each pack of wipes tightly 
• Only open one package at a time to prevent wipes from drying out
• Separate your wipes into airtight containers
• Look for a wipe warmer with a moistening feature
• Do not leave wet wipes in warm, enclosed environments or near the sun
• If your wipes are dry, add some filtered water to the package
• Do not use wipes on broken or irritated skin
• Let your baby's skin dry thoroughly after using wipes
• Check the ingredients list on every label before using wipes, especially if your baby has sensitive skin or allergies

Key Takeaways

Baby wipes can expire, so always check the expiration date. They can also degrade depending on how you store them, so follow our tips and tricks to extend their shelf life and eliminate the need to buy more.

FAQ

Can I use expired baby wipes?

It’s not recommended to use expired baby wipes as they can harbor bacteria and mold. Baby wipes are made with wet ingredients like aloe and chamomile that help soothe sensitive skin, and that moisture inside the package can promote the growth of mold, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Expired baby wipes can be especially harmful to babies with sensitive skin and skin conditions. If you only have expired baby wipes at home, you can use a soft cloth with warm water to clean your baby’s face and hands. Avoid using facial cleansers or products that contain harmful chemicals and are designed for adults.

How do I tell if baby wipes have gone bad?

Signs that your baby wipes have gone bad include dryness, bad odors, discoloration, and mold and mildew spots. Before using baby wipes, inspect them to make sure there are no signs of mold and bacterial growth. If you notice any discoloration or dark spots on your baby wipes, it’s time to throw them out. If you’re not sure whether your baby wipes are still safe to use, we recommend throwing them out to be safe. In the meantime, you can use a soft cloth with warm water to clean your baby.

Do biodegradable baby wipes have a different shelf life than regular baby wipes?

Most baby wipes expire within 1–3 years of the purchase date. Biodegradable baby wipes expire like any other baby wipes do, but the expiration date can vary from regular baby wipes because they’re made with natural ingredients. EcoPeaCo. baby wipes are made with natural ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, but they also contain ingredients like sodium benzoate which act as preservatives. If you notice any signs that your baby wipes might be expired, we recommend throwing them out and using a fresh pack.

What does it mean if baby wipes turn yellow?

There are several reasons baby wipes can turn yellow, including oxidization, exposure to air, and contamination. If you notice your baby wipes have turned yellow, you should throw them out and open a new pack. While baby wipes often turn yellow due to exposure from air, you don’t want to risk using contaminated baby wipes to clean your baby’s face or hands.