With the recent surge in toilet paper hoarding and the uncertainty of venturing out for supplies, the inevitable moment is approaching: you will run out of toilet paper. Reports indicate that social distancing may persist for much of the year, leading to a TP shortage that could last until Halloween, so it’s high time to confront this reality. You must consider using reusable toilet paper, commonly referred to as family cloth.
First off, let’s clarify what family cloth is: it’s simply reusable toilet paper.
There’s no need to panic. Cloth diapers have been a staple for many families, and they’re routinely laundered without any issues. Your other clothes won’t end up contaminated. Instead of resorting to leaves or old catalogs, consider making your own reusable toilet paper.
When I transitioned to family cloth, I had an abundance of pre-sewn diaper wipes made from T-shirt fabric. I suggest cutting double layers of T-shirt fabric into roughly 5×7-inch pieces. While some recommend using T-shirt or flannel material, others suggest buying ready-made reusable baby wipes online. After all, if it’s safe enough for a baby’s bottom, it’s certainly good enough for yours!
According to Frugal Living NW, for a family of six washing every three to four days, about 100 wipes are ideal. If you have kids like mine, you might want to triple that number! Simply store them next to the toilet in an easily accessible spot. This isn’t rocket science, folks.
So, How Do You Use It?
Using family cloth is straightforward. You don’t need to wet them for urination—just use them dry. However, for number two situations, wetting them in the sink beforehand is a good idea. If you know a bowel movement is imminent, take a second to prepare a couple of wipes.
Once you’ve used them, you need to think about storage. While it may sound unappealing at first, there are several options. Purchasing a dedicated trash can is probably off the table since you’re in social distancing mode. Instead, you can use a disposable trash bag and tie it shut. With wash cycles every few days, unpleasant odors shouldn’t be an issue, and trust me, the pee smell tends to be more prominent.
If you’re running low on trash bags—because of shortages, of course—creative alternatives include repurposing plastic grocery bags or even an old flower pot covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Just don’t store them in water as that creates a drowning hazard for young children and invites bacteria, which defeats the purpose.
How to Wash Them
Your washing machine likely has a sanitary setting—use it. For best results, soak the wipes in the machine for 15-20 minutes, then run a sanitary cycle with bleach. If you don’t have that option, two hot cycles with bleach followed by an empty washer cycle with bleach will suffice. Your reusable toilet paper will come out clean and ready for use again.
You might also want to keep a spray bottle next to the toilet to dampen the wipes before using them. It’s efficient and helps maintain cleanliness. If you’re using the same garbage bag for storage, be mindful that it can begin to smell, so swapping it out each wash cycle is wise.
This transition may feel daunting, but remember, you’re not alone in this. If you’re interested in more tips on family cloth, check out this informative post on home insemination kit to keep your spirits up. For further insights on this topic, Intracervical Insemination can provide valuable information, and for those considering pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource.
Summary
In conclusion, family cloth is a practical solution for toilet paper shortages. By creating your own reusable wipes, you can navigate this challenge with ease. Remember to store, wash, and use them correctly to keep everything hygienic. With a little preparation, you can adapt to these changing times.