Top 10 Best Wipes, Washcloths, & Moist Towelettes for Incontinence Care 2024
Finding the right cleansing wipes is a key part of comfortably managing incontinence. Adult cleansing wipes provide a convenient way to gently and effectively clean skin and, if irritated, provide soothing relief.
There are a variety of wipes, washcloths, and towelettes available on the market today, and like most personal care items, personal preference will play a big part in your selection.
But how do you narrow down what type is right for your situation?
We’ve put together our roundup of top-rated wipes, washcloths, and towelettes for incontinence care to help you select the best product for your needs.
What to Look for in an Adult Cleansing Wipe
The staples of any adult cleansing wipe are:
Soothing ingredients. Most cleansing wipes are made with aloe, coconut oil, lanolin, or vitamin E to moisturize and soothe skin.
Size. Adult cleansing wipes are just that - for adults. Baby wipes may seem like an easy substitute, but adult wipes are made with adult needs in mind, including larger sizes.
Disposable. Adult cleansing wipes should be disposable, which reduces laundering and provides quick, convenient cleanup.
Scented or unscented. Cleansing wipes are available in both scented and unscented varieties. Most scented wipes have a subtle, neutral, fresh scent. Unscented wipes tend to be best for extra-sensitive skin or those sensitive to smell.
Dry or wet. Adult cleansing wipes come in two types - dry or wet. Wet wipes are pre-moistened and infused with moisturizing ingredients and sometimes antiseptic or antibacterial ingredients. Dry wipes are a disposable alternative to traditional fabric washcloths. They are more heavy-duty, quilted, and extra-large. Dry wipes are ideal for cleaning the sensitive perineal area and are often used with perineal creams, while wet wipes are usually more widely used for cleanup and hygiene.
How We Chose Our Top 10 Best Adult Cleansing Wipes
The wipes, washcloths, and towelettes on this list are top-rated by verified Carewell customers. We closely looked at reviews and customer feedback for each product to select items that fit the specific needs of caregivers and adults managing incontinence.
We also thoroughly researched each product, paying special attention to materials, ingredients, and best use cases.
Best Adult Cleansing Wipes Quick Roundup
Best Overall: Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths with Lotion
Best for Full Body Cleaning: Cleanlife No-Rinse Bathing Wipes
Best Ultra-Strong: MoliCare Personal Wipe
Best Flushable: DynaCare Flush Away Flushable Wipes
Best Dry Disposable Washcloths: TENA Dry Washcloths
Best Glove Wipe: TENA ProSkin Bathing Glove Wipes
Best Antibacterial: Medline ReadyBath Luxe Antibacterial Bathing Cloth
Best Scented: Prevail Personal Wipes with Lotion, Chamomile Scented
Best for the UTI Prone: Dynarex Castile Soap Towelettes
Best Barrier Wipe: Sage Barrier Wipes
Best Adult Cleansing Wipes for Incontinence Care
Best Overall: Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths with Lotion
Price: $9.81 - $39.99
With over 700 positive reviews, Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths are the gold standard for adult cleansing wipes. These wet wipes are ideal for adults who use underpads, adult diapers, or pull-ups and offer convenient and sanitary cleanup or full body cleansing while soothing and protecting skin.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients: lotion, aloe, & vitamin E
Size: 8” x 12”
Extra convenient single-hand dispensing - just press open the lid and dispense
Lightly scented
Number per pack: 48
Hear it from a caregiver
“The towels are soft and have a pleasant scent. I like the fact that they are sturdy enough to complete the job without tearing apart. Further, each cloth is just the right size, this minimizes my using more than is needed for the job.” - Otis S, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best for Full Body Cleaning: Cleanlife No-Rinse Bathing Wipes
Price: $11.64
Cleanlife No-Rinse Bathing Wipes are perfect for when the situation calls for a full-body cleanse, especially if you are caring for a loved one who is bed-bound or has limited mobility. Each pack contains a complete bath’s worth of wipes (8 wipes). The wipes leave no sticky residue and leave skin odor-free and refreshed.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients: aloe & lanolin
Can be warmed in the microwave for added comfort
No rinse cleansing
Size: 7.5” x 7.5”
Lightly scented
Number per pack: 8
Hear it from a caregiver
“ A good clean without irritation. Like the size and thickness for morning cleanup when briefs are changed. Very neutral scent and do not irritate his skin.” - Terry B, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best Ultra-Strong: MoliCare Personal Wipe
Price: $8.80 - $37.45
MoliCare Personal Wipes are extra-large cleansing wet wipes made from soft, extra-durable, puncture-resistant materials. These wipes are perfect for larger messes or full-body cleansing.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients: aloe & lanolin
Puncture resistant material
Resealable pop-up dispenser
Size: 9” x 13”
Lightly scented
Number in a pack: 50
Hear it from a caregiver
“Work great! These wipes are huge, and perfect for wiping all over the body for cleanliness. The quality wipes stretch and will not break or tear.” - Patty H, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best Flushable: DynaCare Flush Away Flushable Wipes
Price: $2.06 - $59.56
There are many flushable wipe options that aren’t quite as flushable as advertised. Most of these “flushable” wipes don’t disintegrate quickly and can end up clogging pipes, but Dynarex has created these Flush Away wipes with new technology making them biodegradable and safe for sewers and septic systems.
Key Benefits & Features:
Flushable
Moisturizing ingredients: aloe & lanolin
Resealable dispenser with anti-leak guard
Size: 9” x 13”
Lightly scented
Number in a pack: 24
Best Dry Disposable Washcloths: TENA Dry Washcloths
Price: $8.84 - $90.19
TENA dry washcloths are a great disposable option to replace traditional washcloths. They are made of soft embossed cloth-like material and designed specifically with perineal care, but they can be used on the entire body or for cleaning up surfaces. Use with perineal cream and/or cleansers and conveniently dispose of after use.
Key Benefits & Features:
Soft, cloth-like material
Made with perineal care in mind
Disposable, which reduces laundering
Size: 10” x 13.25”
Unscented
Number in a pack: 50
Hear it from a caregiver
“Wonderful and very useful. These towels are handy for hands, body, and sensitive areas. When wet, I can use them to wash my face. They even make great guest towels. I have used wet ones to clean pelvic areas as well.” - Shirley A, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best Glove Wipe: TENA ProSkin Bathing Glove Wipes
Price: $117.16
If you’re cleaning up a mess and want extra protection, glove wipes are a great alternative to traditional wipes. These wet wipes feature a two-sided pocket glove design and a no-rinse mild cleansing formula. They can also be warmed up in the microwave for extra comfort.
Key Benefits & Features:
Pocket glove design
No-rinse cleansing
Can be warmed in the microwave
Size: 6” x 9”
Unscented
Number in pack: 6
Best Antibacterial: Medline ReadyBath Luxe Antibacterial Bathing Cloth
Price: $4.30 - $57.93
If you’re looking for an antibacterial cloth that helps kill tough odors, the Medline ReadyBath Luxe bathing cloth is the best option. This bathing cloth is pre-moistened with a gentle, no-rinse pH-balanced antibacterial cleanser that kills germs and eliminates odors.
Key Benefits & Features:
Made with BZK (Benzalkonium Chloride) antibacterial formula
Infused with moisturizing lotions
No-rinse cleansing
Can be warmed in the microwave for added comfort
Size: 8” x 8”
Lightly scented
Number in pack: 8
Hear it from a caregiver
These wipes are AWESOME! They are lightly scented, large in size and get the job done. You won't regret purchasing them.” - Rosa T, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best Scented: Prevail Personal Wipes with Lotion, Chamomile Scented
Price: $9.81 - $39.99
Prevail Personal Wipes with Lotion, Chamomile ScentedIf you want a wipe that leaves a more noticeable scent, try these chamomile-scented Prevail Personal Wipes. These are the same wipes as our Best Overall pick, with the calming, herbal scent of chamomile added.
Key Benefits & Features:
Moisturizing ingredients -aloe, vitamin E, & chamomile
Extra convenient single-hand dispensing - just press open the lid and dispense
Size: 8” x 12”
Fresh, sweet chamomile scent
Number per pack: 96
Hear it from a caregiver
“Love them, love them! Strong, thick, large enough, with no burning and soft. I would definitely recommend them.” - Kathy C, Verified Carewell Purchase
Best for the UTI Prone: Dynarex Castile Soap Towelettes
Price: $4.89 - $45.79
If you or someone you care for is prone to UTIs, adding a wipe with a pH-balanced, single-use moist towelette can be an essential step to add to your toileting and incontinence care routine. These hospital-grade towelettes gently cleanse the genital and perineal area to reduce bacterial contamination that can lead to UTIs. These towelettes are also highly recommended for caregivers managing catheter care.
Key Benefits & Features:
helpful in UTI prevention
individually wrapped for easy use on-the-go
pH-balanced 2% Castile and coconut oil-based soap solution
Best Barrier Wipe: Sage Barrier Wipes
Price: $6.80 - $282.33
Barrier wipes contain special dimethicone barrier cream, which seals out wetness and protects skin from painful irritation due to incontinence. Sage Barrier Wipes are especially good for sensitive skin and help soothe and protect irritated skin. Use these wipes after cleanup or before changing a diaper for maximum comfort.
Key Benefits & Features:
Contains 3% dimethicone to provide a soothing barrier
Cleans, treats, and protects skin all in one
Size: 8.5” x 9”
Number in pack: 8
Hear it from a caregiver
I use these for my special needs daughter when she develops a rash. They're great on sensitive skin and treat and prevent diaper rash. Very durable and ultra soft.” - Verna S, Verified Carewell Purchase
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Right Adult Cleansing Wipe
Q: Should I choose a wet or dry wipe/washcloth?
A: Use a wet wipe or pre-moistened cleansing washcloth for wiping, diaper and incontinence cleanup, full body, and no-rinse bathing. Use a disposable dry washcloth with perineal cream, soap, and water, to dry after cleansing with a wet wipe or to clean up messes on surfaces.
Q: Why can’t I just use baby wipes?
A: Baby wipes can be helpful in a pinch or on the go, but adult cleansing wipes are designed with adult needs in mind. Baby wipes are much smaller and less durable than adult wipes and not formulated for the unique needs of elderly skin or skin irritated due to incontinence.
Q: Are adult cleansing wipes flushable?
A: Unless the package says “flushable” on it, you should not flush the wipes. Even then, caution is important, as many products listed as flushable products can still clog pipes. For answers about specific flushable wipes, reach out to the Carewell team and talk to a specialist. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Click “Need Help?” at the top of this page or click the circular chat button at the bottom of the page to talk to a caregiving specialist.
Summary
Choosing the right wipes, washcloths, and towelettes is essential in managing adult incontinence care effectively. You may have to try a few different wipes to find what matches your needs best.
If you have questions or need help choosing the right product, talk to a Carewell specialist! We’ve spoken with thousands of caregivers managing incontinence care and would love to help you find what you need. Call 855-855-1666. We’re here to support you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
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Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.