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Wet wipes frustration

(66 Posts)
hamster58 Thu 25-Apr-24 11:58:18

I should start by saying this is not a discussion about the eco side of wet wipes, so I apologise if their use upsets some people. It’s really to see if I am unique in getting frustrated with the packaging….whether a face bottom or cleaning wipe, the slot to access them is invariably too small. You can rarely find the edge to pull-especially after the first one-and often end up pulling several out thereby needing to struggle to put the extras back neatly and close the tab properly. This is especially the case when on nappy changing duty using one hand!! Am I uniquely incompetent?!!!

welbeck Thu 25-Apr-24 12:16:16

why not pull 2 or 3 out and have them ready before you start.

Georgesgran Thu 25-Apr-24 12:21:26

I remember buying these for my Dad - he had poor eyesight and he’d actually cut the pack open, as he couldn’t work out how to open it ‘properly’.

Georgesgran Thu 25-Apr-24 12:22:03

Not baby wipes!!
Floor wipes for my Dad.

Pittcity Thu 25-Apr-24 12:34:13

There used to be flip top boxes that you could put them in. Can you still get them?

I have the Op's problem as well as trouble resealing sometimes.

Caleo Thu 25-Apr-24 12:37:26

There is no law that says you must put the unwanted ones back neatly.J just bundle them back in and hope the sticky door keeps shut.

Having said that, I often choose toiletries based on the packaging. If the package is nice and easy to open I am willing to pay a few pennies extra.
I have some Aldi shampoo for instance which I like because the simple screw top bottle does not harm my finger nails or blood pressure.

hamster58 Thu 25-Apr-24 13:57:35

Pittcity-yes I think you can get them still, but if you can’t close that original flap securely, they still dry out more quickly. Welbeck-I mean more about trying to put the excess back with one hand, and if the surface of the package gets wet from the wipes, the flap doesn’t stick well. Surely it would be better if they just made a bigger hole!!! Know what you mean Caleo, sometimes it’s as if the package designer never tried it with wet hands.

Wyllow3 Thu 25-Apr-24 14:02:55

Always store them face down so any gaps in the flap aren't exposed to air so much.

NotAGran55 Thu 25-Apr-24 14:07:20

If I used them I would probably transfer the packet to a Tupperware type box, and make the packet opening much bigger.

Granmarderby10 Thu 25-Apr-24 14:18:30

Yep indeed you are not alone on this hamster58

While I’m here I think the latest idea with plastic bottles and their caps (they are attached to the collar so they are inseparable for recycling) these are beyond annoying for my hands.
Just wonder who these innovations are tried out on before going on to the market?

MayBee70 Thu 25-Apr-24 14:47:28

I do hate using wipes but there are some jobs that I have to use them for ( I don’t understand why they clean so much better than everything else). I end up sticking the opening down with frog tape. I hadn’t thought to put them in a plastic container.

62Granny Thu 25-Apr-24 14:59:05

I feel your pain, I am exactly the same and I hate that they don't put the former plastic bit on on the opening any more. As I guarantee the flap bit won't stick down after a few times. I know people will say it cut down on plastic but I just wish they had found a more suitable alternative.

Bellasnana Thu 25-Apr-24 15:09:10

I thought it was just me! I’ve looked after my two year old twin grandsons since they were 9 months old while DD3 is at work and I still haven’t mastered the art of pulling out one wipe at a time!

maytime2 Thu 25-Apr-24 15:51:23

I have to put my glasses on to see where to "start" opening them. Inevitably 3 or 4 come out together, I have to stuff them back in. To keep them moist for longer I keep them in a ziplock bag. I can see then which ones they are at a glance.

hazel93 Thu 25-Apr-24 16:04:02

Pain in the arse isn't it . I keep them in an old plastic Chinese takeaway container and use tweezers rather than my fingers. Works most of the time !

Susie42 Thu 25-Apr-24 16:13:09

Wet wipes and disposable nappies are the invention of the devil.

MissInterpreted Thu 25-Apr-24 16:15:43

Susie42

Wet wipes and disposable nappies are the invention of the devil.

Only in your opinion...

Nell8 Thu 25-Apr-24 16:44:50

I defeat the packets of baby wet wipes by scratching at the top wipe with the corner of a nail kept trimmed specially for the purpose.

I remember the days when Wet Ones came in a tub with a hole on top that had sharp, pointy teeth round the edge. For some insane reason I decided to stick my finger in the hole to see if any wipes were left. OMG the pain when I tried to take my finger out again! I wonder if they've changed the design since then.

Cold Thu 25-Apr-24 17:37:57

Look around at different types/makes that are easier to open and close. For example some types come with a hard lid that clicks open and closed such as pampers coconut eco-wipes.

For floor wipes I use Swiffer wet that come in a plastic tub

lixy Thu 25-Apr-24 18:59:13

You are not alone Hamster58 - total pain. I just stuff them back in and close the packet up as well as I can. Tricky job with impatient toddler and wriggly 2 month old baby GChn.

The thought of putting them in a different plastic container is genius - so simple, so obvious - shame you can't patent that one!

MissAdventure Fri 26-Apr-24 02:20:17

You can buy wet wipe holders.
Boxes or pouches, ranging from plain and reasonably priced, (Ebay) to really pretty and quite expensive (etsy)

They'll pay for themselves, once you've used a few packs of wipes without losing half, because they've dried out.

Curtaintwitcher Fri 26-Apr-24 06:12:16

I use a lot of wet wipes because I have 'small furries' and they are the best way to clean the cages, otherwise there would be bits of hay clogging up the sink.
Getting the packet open is a pain, a little non-sticky tab would make a big difference. It makes you wonder whether the manufacturers actually use the things themselves!

hamster58 Fri 26-Apr-24 10:08:14

Thanks everyone for your input-and I didn’t realise it was possible to buy specific boxes for these things. The problem comes when there are so many different shapes! As someone said, who actually checked these packages work when they invented them!!

Nannipocci1 Sat 27-Apr-24 11:09:15

It is the eco side ! Horrified at the amount sold Household and baby plus botty !!!!so bad for eco system

Woodstock Sat 27-Apr-24 11:12:56

I take them out of the packaging, and then transfer the whole lot into a Tupperware-equivalent tub.