How to Find Replacements for Toilet Paper

With the great Coronavirus toilet paper shortage of 2020, toilet paper alternatives are something you may just need.

What To Do When You Run Out of Toilet Paper

I have had 3 friends TONIGHT post on Facebook that they are out of tp, freaking out at the store shelves being empty. So, I thought let’s find what to do when you run out of toilet paper.

Filing this under another topic that I never thought I’d be writing about (see rats and lice for other topics – alas this is life!) and chat toilet paper alternatives!

Best Toilet Paper Alternatives

Here are 10 alternatives to toilet paper. Some of these are humorous, because you guys – you know I love to laugh. Others there are no way I personally would use, but I guess if times are desperate. Then yes, we offer practical advice for toilet paper alternatives.

#1 Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are a practical solution and toilet paper alternative. I mean, that’s what babies us!

I should note, if you continually flush baby wipes down the toilet as an alternative to toilet paper, you will most likely need a plumber. Throw them away, don’t flush.

#2 Washcloths

Filing under things I don’t think I personally could do – but people do this.

In regards to having no toilet paper, this is how a washcloth and bleach is suppose to go down.

Just add a bucket of water, add bleach. Other commenters said to soak in vinegar. Yeah, just don’t think this is for me.

You can get washcloths for around 50 cents each on Amazon if looking for bulk washcloths.

#3 Unmatched Socks

Finally a use for that huge pile of unmatched socks! (Don’t miss our laundry memes!)

#4 Paper Towels

Next on our list of toilet paper alternatives is paper towels.

Just cut the paper towel roll in half as an alternative to toilet paper. I recommend you use signature cloth Viva. These are the best paper towels, super soft and doesn’t rip easily (so carefully use a sharp knife!)

Again, if you flush you most likely will need a plumber, a toilet snake or something of the such. Throw away – don’t flush.

#5 CVS Receipt

Number 5 on our list of toilet paper alternatives gives you a solution on what to do with that insanely long CVS receipt!

That’s right, just wrap that CVS receipt around an empty toilet paper roll and wa-lah, you are recycling and have a solution for your toilet paper issue.

#6 Bidet

The bidet instead of toilet paper option should be an obvious, but America has not quite caught on to the bidet trend! Check out our fancy toilet seats post – we will show you the best affordable bidet options! Jump on the bidet trend and say goodbye to toilet paper!

Washing your bum instead of wiping just isn’t American, but this tp shortage may just change opinions on butt washing with a bidet!

Bidets offer a earth friendly and can be more affordable, and comforting than toilet paper.

Here is a fascinating article on why certain countries don’t use toilet paper and others do.

Then there is this Roto Wipe. Looks painful, messy and masculine. Could you imagine the infomercial for this? This is actually a prank gift box, not an actual product. Sorry, folks!

#7 Crochet Toilet Paper

For number 7 on our list of toilet paper alternatives, I present you with something a grandma obviously created.

Crochet toilet paper, how soft but another that is a hard pass on.

#8 Lota or Bucket of Water

A lota or bucket of water is how many countries cleanse the booty instead of using toilet paper.

Another hard pass, gosh – I really am no fun at a party.

#8 Facial Tissues

This should be a well duh, but number 9 on our toilet paper alternatives list is facial tissue.

Rather than for your nose, use for your booty.

#9 Newspaper of Magazines

I guess desperate times call for desperate measures and if you aren’t a bucket of water type wiper, perhaps use old newspapers or magazines.

Let’s just hope the ink doesn’t rub off. That would be (more) awkward.

#10 Corncob

I know what you are thinking “okay, you are not funny.” I am not even trying to be funny with this one!

In researching how other countries get by without toilet paper, because this American has no clue – I came across this. Yes, a dried corn cob as toilet paper (and you can buy in bulk on Amazon! Works great for feeding squirrels, too!)

I know, painful and gross and now at Thanksgiving when you see a cornucopia with a dried corncob the thought of someone using this as TP will now be stuck in your brain.

Here is what the Farmers Almanac has to say about using dried corncobs for tp.

In rural agrarian communities, handfuls of straw were frequently used, but one of the most popular items to use for clean-up was dried corncobs. They were plentiful and quite efficient at cleaning. They could be drawn in one direction or turned on an axis. They were also softer on tender areas then you might think. Even after toilet paper became available, some people in Western states still preferred corncobs when using the outhouse.

I Roll with Toilet Paper

While yes, I am sure there are many other earth friendly toilet paper options other than actual TP… I am sticking with regular toilet paper.

Common bathroom products, like toilet paper, cotton swabs and baby wipes, are a convenience for people around the world, but they come at a cost to the environment. These products take centuries to biodegrade and contribute to our growing problem of carbon emissions. Luckily, there are great eco-friendly alternatives to these common bathroom products that will not break your budget. Here is a quick list of the most common bathroom products and suggestions on how to find sustainable alternatives.

Toilet paper

The issue with toilet paper is that the majority of it is manufactured from boreal forests in Canada. These forests are crucial in absorbing carbon and cleaning the air. According to Quartzy, people in the United States use far more toilet paper per year than anywhere else in the world. This is creating a dangerous situation for trees, as the demand is reaching an unsustainable pace.

The solution to the toilet paper problem is to use single-ply paper sourced from recycled wood pulp. The key here is to find brands that are using recycled pulp instead of just looking for single-ply products. Many companies that make single-ply options do not use recycled wood. There are also tree-free options, such as those made from bamboo.

Consider installing a bidet in your home. You can purchase a bidet lid that is easy to install and affordable to boot. This might not eliminate the need for toilet paper, but it will significantly reduce its use and save you money.

Feminine care products

Like other products on this list, tampons and sanitary pads clutter our landfills and can do a number on plumbing. The biggest problem is that these products are essential for daily living, but fortunately there are eco-friendly alternatives if you look carefully.

If you want to improve your impact on the environment, buy tampons that do not feature an applicator. In 2017, the Clean Ocean Action group cleaned up over 4,000 applicators from shores in New Jersey. Also, choose feminine care products made from unscented organic cotton.

You can look for underwear companies that make more absorbent products, such as Thinx, Luna and Knix. The downside to this alternative is that they can get pricey. If you are interested, try a menstrual cup, which can safely last for up to 10 years.

Dental products

Most dental floss is made from synthetic fibers, which makes it hard for these products to biodegrade within a reasonable time. This means that the floss either ends up in landfills or gets flushed down the toilet, where it can create problems for marine wildlife.

Fortunately, there are companies out there who make plastic-free dental floss. According to Household Wonders, Dental Lace’s dental floss is mostly made of silk and is free of plastics. The company also offers refillable floss.

Instead of plastic toothbrushes, find a bamboo option that will biodegrade. As far as toothpaste goes, try making your own or find a tooth powder or tooth tablets sold in glass jars for zero-waste alternatives.

Cotton swabs

Cotton swabs often end up in undesirable places after they are discarded. Some people flush them down the toilet, leaving them to end up in waterways and ultimately in the bellies of aquatic life. Because of these disposal problems, some countries have banned cotton swabs altogether, especially the ones that have plastic stems.

The good news is that you do not really need to use cotton swabs. In fact, doctors do not recommend using them to clean ears, as they are easily the biggest source of ear-related trauma. Instead, simply wash out your ears with warm water and let the wax do the rest.

If you cannot give up cotton swabs, consider purchasing ones that have paper or bamboo stems. These are better for the environment and break up more easily after they are thrown away.

Baby wipes

There are a lot of problems with baby wipes. Not only are they primarily made out of cotton — which is one of the worst crops for the environment — but they are also comprised of plastic polymers, which are added for extra strength. These wipes can lead to multiple plumbing issues and have been known to clog up water treatment facilities.

If you have to use baby wipes, avoid flushing them down the toilet, even if the packaging says they are safe to do so. Instead, try using burp cloths or washcloths for daily cleaning. Speaking of wipes, you should also avoid all types of disposable cleaning and makeup-removing wipes, just as a general rule of thumb.

For best practices, consider investing in reusable wipes. You can even use an old wipes container to house them. Make your own wipes out of old T-shirts or towels; all you need is something that is absorbent and soft.

Deodorant

Deodorant may be great at keeping smells at bay, but this product comes at a cost to the planet and your health. Most deodorant on the market is actually antiperspirant and contains chemicals, toxins, BPA and aluminum. This combination of chemicals usually leads to harmful reactions after extended use, not to mention that sourcing the material is hazardous to the environment.

The best eco-friendly alternative to conventional deodorant is purchasing products that are completely organic and free of those harmful toxins.

Are you one of the lucky millions that is left without a massive toilet paper stockpile during the Coronavirus crisis of 2020?

Well, we have you covered, or at least your undercarriage issues with these 10 Alternatives to Toilet Paper in a Crisis

Why is Toilet Paper Sold Out?

Why is toilet paper sold out and a hot commodity during Coronavirus COVID-19?

During the coronavirus outbreak of 2020, that originated in late 2019 (official name of COVID-19), there has been a mass run on toilet paper and a mass shortage of toilet paper in the United States.

At first glance, this is a baffling scenario. How does toilet paper help with preventing or protecting from Coronavirus? Even before the United States had been hit hard with the COVID-19 outbreak, people rushed to the stores (especially Costco) and raided the TP aisle and cleared the shelves in just a matter of a couple of days.

But why? WHY are people stocking up on toilet paper during a virus outbreak? It doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense, but let us break down why this is happening.

1. The hoarding started in China first. Before the US was hit, we were first hit with China’s example of hoarding toilet paper, already placing many Americans in a confused, but sheepish state where many just followed the example blindly…because, whelp, there must be a good reason why those in China were hoarding!

2. People are worried the stores will run out after, so why not stock up for a year?

3. People are worried the stores will be closed. Whether the store closes voluntarily or due to a required quarantine, running out of toilet paper is a basic hygiene nightmare.

4. People are quarantining themselves. If you aren’t planning to leave your home for a couple of weeks, toilet paper is the one thing you don’t want to run out of.

5. China manufacturers some of the world’s toilet paper supply and so many are worried that there will be a shortage due to the lack of manufacturing in China right now.

6. Monkey see – monkey do. This is perhaps the #1 reason. People in the prepper states like Utah started clearing shelves and then posting on social media, where it went viral and spread from there. So the scarcity and “fear of loss” set in with people nationwide and for some “in the back of their minds” nagging reason, had to get in on the action too.

So if you are like any of the millions left without toilet paper, you may be wondering what your options are at this point. We actually sat down as a family and had a family meeting about rationing our toilet paper and what we are possibly going to need to do in order to make it through the The Great Toilet Paper Apocalypse.

Many of these ideas have come from our kids. But we have also heard from some readers as well and their great ideas! So check out the 12 Alternatives to Toilet Paper in a Crisis.

Quick summary of these ideas to share on social media and help your neighbors out!

12 Alternatives to Toilet Paper

We are here to give you 12 alternatives to the toilet paper shortage

1. Use any napkins or paper towels and practice what they already do in much of Europe and wipe and throw away. Don’t flush paper towels or napkins, but this is probably the easiest and most logical solution. So whether you rummage through your home and find a supply of unused paper products, or buy online or find in any stores, this is a great solution and do like the Europeans do = wipe and toss!

2. Get a supply of flushable wipes to last for 3 weeks. As of the writing of this article, there were still several sources of flushable wipes available on the store shelves and even on Amazon. One of the writers here at PreventCoronavirusInfo.com even ordered a case from Amazon last night, and they arrived at her door today.

3. Use baby wipes and wipe and toss! Similar to the paper towels/napkin option or even the flushable option. Just don’t flush them! We had a few packs left over from our diaper days that we can use to get through. If you don’t have any and you see any at the stores, please only grab one pack and what you will need temporarily. No need to hoard, toilet paper will be coming back soon!

4. Make reusable toilet paper. It sounds gross, but toilet paper wasn’t invented until 1857. So just what did people do for thousands of years before that? Perhaps they had resusable! Making your own is seriously a viable option in a crisis. What’s the alternative. If you don’t have toilet paper or paper towels or flushable wipes, this may be your next best step. Make them, use them, wash them, reuse them. Here’s a video we found on how to make them.

5. Use socks. Find all of those lone and alone socks and make a new match with the rear end! Seriously! Cut them in half, use them, wash them, reuse them and when this crisis is over, you will finally feel free to toss them once and for all because they completed their end of life duty. Socks are quite absorbent and soft. So it really could work well – but I haven’t tried it yet! This idea was direct from our 13 year old son! It was pretty smart thinking if you ask us!

6. Get on a subscription service with Amazon. Amazon is currently out. But if you add your TP to a Subscribe and Save list for the next available delivery, perhaps you can make it through with one of the above 5 ideas before they get there.

7. Get a bidet. Let’s finally do like the French (have they had a toilet paper shortage?) and use some water pressure to clean up! It’s a good time and excuse to finally come up to speed on this high tech hygiene option by installing a bidet.

8. Use old t-shirts and rags. Cut squares or strips and you can reuse them by washing or you can just toss them if you have enough to get you through.

9. Use that baby birthing squirt bottle = cheap, homemade-ish version of a bidet and if you have had a baby recently, you probably have one!

10. Forage for foliage – but be aware of what you should look for so you are not in more pain! In fact, here’s the guide on some of the best foliage to forage:

What ideas do you have as an alternative to toilet paper?

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on this topic!

Finally, as we are all trying to make the best out of a weird and crazy situation, consider commemorating your experience with the Toilet Paper crisis with a mug or a t-shirt!

Our handy guide to plumbing during a pandemic.

• The spread of the novel coronavirus has spurred panicked shoppers to hoard, of all things, toilet paper.
• If you’ve run out of toilet paper and you can’t get to the store, we have some ideas.
• Flushing anything else down your toilet can seriously impact your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities down the line.

The global spread of the novel coronavirus has upended daily life for millions of people around the world. In many communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred consumer panic buying; the bread and milk aisles at supermarkets, for example, are barren because people are understandably concerned about the health impacts of the virus.

But the hottest commodity in this strange new world (outside of hand sanitizer) may be toilet paper. We’ve seen a slew of viral videos showing shoppers hoarding packs of TP and getting into fist fights over the coveted remaining rolls. On Amazon, price gouging has run rampant, with some packs of toilet paper selling for as much as $60.

It’s important to note this kind of panic accumulation does not make sense—and President Trump has urged Americans to stop doing it. Not only does the average person use just 100 rolls of toilet paper per entire year, but almost all our toilet paper is still made domestically without any risk to the supply chain from travel bans.

Still, if other people’s hoarding has left you in a sudden toilet paper pinch, what else can you use when you need to wipe? Glad you asked. Here’s a comprehensive guide to treating your butt—and your plumbing—right.

I’m Out of Toilet Paper. What Now?

If you can’t make it to the grocery store or pay a premium for TP online, the following materials work just fine for cleaning your butt—as long as you don’t flush them down the toilet. (More on that in a minute.)

🚽 Wipes, paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet seat covers.

🚽 Rags and hand towels. Just make sure you wash them in hot water.

You should also consider buying a bidet, which is both environmentally and economically friendly. A bidet uses one eighth of a gallon of water each flush, according to Business Insider. (It takes about 37 gallons to produce a single roll of toilet paper.) Attaching a bidet to your toilet can cut the amount you spend on toilet paper by as much as 75 percent.

While we haven’t personally tested any products (yet), you can easily attach the hardware to your toilet. You can find quality bidets at places like Home Depot and Lowe’s and on Amazon, where some go for as little as $30.

So What Can I Actually Flush?

Here’s the Golden Rule of Flushing: “If you wouldn’t put it down your garbage disposal, don’t flush it,” Jim Ervin, who worked as a compliance manager at the San Jose-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility for 27 years, tells Popular Mechanics.

Multiple experts agree the only things you should actually flush down your toilet are pee, poop, vomit, and toilet paper.

But what about paper towels or napkins?

No. Even though they’re a close substitute for toilet paper, experts don’t recommend flushing them.

How about rags or hand towels?

Socks or sponges?

Well, why not?

Because flushing all of these items “can clog the sewer lines going from [your] home or apartment and cause [the] sewer to back up into [your] home through sinks, showers, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines,” Jennie Loft, a public information officer for the San Jose-Santa Clara Wastewater Treatment Facility, tells Popular Mechanics via email.

Okay. Not that I’d ever wipe my butt with cooking oil or grease . but can I still flush it?

No way. Instead, let it cool and toss it in a trash can. “Anything that congeals at more or less room temperature, it’s going to do the same thing if you flush it down the toilet,” says Ervin.

Can I flush my medications down the toilet?

In almost all cases, no. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some medication is safe to flush—if there isn’t a readily available disposal alternative. But for anything not on the list in that link, the FDA recommends mixing the medication with coffee grounds, soil, or kitty litter and tossing it in a sealed plastic bag.

Hey, that reminds me! I need somewhere to dispose of my kitty litter. Can I flush that?

Nice try, but no. Especially if you have a newer, low-flow (or low-flush) toilet, which consumes no more than 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush, compared to the 3.5 to 7 gallons that older toilets use. The litter could get stuck in your pipes, expand, and lead to an explosive situation, according to the Washington Post.

Tampons? Condoms?

Don’t do it. Maintenance workers have to pull every condom and tampon out of the system. At wastewater treatments, catcher’s screens, which filter out the larger items that slide through our pipes, are covered in condoms and tampons. Someone has to pull them out by hand, says Ervin.

Dental floss?

Negative. “It’s a fiber, and ultimately, if you get thousands and thousands of them, they start wrapping themselves around pumps and things,” Ervin says.

What about hair?

Bad idea. It, too, can get tangled down the line.

At least I’m safe flushing flushable wipes . right?

You’d think so. But contrary to what their packaging says, flushable wipes are not, in fact, flushable. They’re often made with rayon, viscose, or other plastics, which aren’t biodegradable. (Fun fact: The flushable wipe industry is worth more than 300 million dollars, according to the New York Times.)

Remember: Wipes clog pipes. But it doesn’t stop there.

What to do in a crisis when no toilet paper is available? Here are 7 easy toilet paper alternatives to get you through if you can’t find toilet paper!

7 Toilet Paper Alternatives!

Toilet Paper Selling Out Of Stores! Don’t Worry!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread in the US. As the number of US cases rises, many people are panicking and buying out toilet paper in stores in case of quarantine.

If you’re worried, I say “Don’t worry!” You can make your own for just pennies with things you probably already have at home! It is very simple and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You can still be prepared even when the store shelves are empty!”

Here are 7 toilet paper alternatives to get you through!

Facial Tissues – Facial tissues are great! You may need to double the cheaper kind but facial tissues are still stocked on the shelves.

Do not put the items from #2-#5 in the toilet. Keep a stash of plastic bags or doggie doo bags in the bathroom so you can throw away these items instead of clogging up your toilet.

Paper kitchen napkins – Yes! If you can wipe your hands and face you can wipe your bum with them!

Paper towels – Cut into halves or quarters.

Baby wipes and flushable wipes

Newspaper, phone book pages, or any type of paper without shine (like in a magazine).

A bidet – Yep! They really work and are still in stock! These days, a bidet is just a small pipe with a sprayer that hooks onto your toilet. No plumber or extra space needed!

Reusable Toilet Paper, aka rags– Yes, this is the super old fashioned but it works great! You can do this in one of two ways:

Make the first soiled wipe with a paper towel or napkin and throw it away. Then finish the job with a rag. (Flannel works best, but any cut up t-shirt or old clothing or fabric will work.)

Click here to get our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks, with tasty recipes and great tips to make your life easier and save you money!

As Australia grapples with an ongoing toilet paper crisis, fears are growing of a worst-case scenario: Our supermarkets completely run out of rolls.

Given most of our toilet paper is made by reliable suppliers in South Australia, this outcome is very unlikely to happen.

But as the coronavirus claims more lives around the world, people are desperate to make sure they have enough back-up supply in case they get infected.

Before we panic even more, let’s all take a deep breath and remind ourselves that most people around the world manage just fine without it.

There is no doubt that Australians – along with most people in Western countries like the United Kingdom or Canada – are ride-or-die toilet paper users.

Going camping? Pack some toilet paper.

Music festival? Better take an emergency roll.

Backpacking? You never know when you’ll need to go.

Heated debates between scrunchers and folders, or fights over the correct way to hang the toilet roll, have long divided our great nation.

It’s no wonder, then, that as the coronavirus spreads, Australians are scrambling to stockpile enormous amounts of emergency toilet paper to last them through a period of self-quarantine.

But maybe it’s time to get out of our comfort zone and look for another way.

After all, about four billion people – more than 70 per cent of the world’s population – don’t use it.

So what are our alternatives?

Use a bidet

The French got this one right.

Bidets are common in parts of Europe. Photo: Getty

Believed to have been invented in France in the early 1700s, a bidet is a type of sink next to the toilet in the bathroom.

After you’ve done your business on the toilet, move over and sit on the bidet.

Turn on the tap, adjust the temperature and let the warm water jets gently blast your bum.

Delightful and a lot more effective than toilet paper.

The only problem is bidets haven’t exactly caught on in Australia yet.

Use a bidet shower

A bidet shower, affectionately dubbed a ‘bum gun’, is a hand-held triggered nozzle located near the toilet.

It delivers a steady spray of water that you can guide over your derrière while you’re still seated.

Genius – and cheaper to install than a full-blown bidet.

Use a tabo

The tabo (pronounced TAH-boh) is a traditional Filipino hygiene tool.

Like us and toilet paper, most Filipinos can’t imagine doing a Number Two without it.

Similar to ‘dippers’ used in other South-East Asian countries, the tabo is a small, plastic bucket-shaped scoop with a handle.

Are u really Filipino if you don’t have at least 1 tabo in your house 🤨

It usually comes with a ‘timba’, a large plastic bucket that is filled with water.

The tabo and timba are kept in the bathroom.

After you’ve used the toilet, scoop up some water with the tabo and slowly pour it over your backside again and again until you feel clean.

Some people use soap and water with their free hand to rub into those hard-to-reach places.

Use a lota

A lota is a small water vessel made of brass, copper or plastic.

It is mainly used in south Asia and Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Pakistan.

With your right hand, take the water-filled lota and point the spout near your bum.

Lean forward so the water starts to flow steadily.

Once the water is flowing, use your left hand to wash around until you’re nice and clean.

A lota is used as a substitute for toilet paper in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Photo: Getty

Use a gompf stick … if you dare

Long before toilet paper was invented in the 1850s, people used a nifty tool called a gompf stick.

Also called a sponge stick, gompf sticks are basically just a sponge on a stick that is used to clear away excess poo.

It is placed in a tub of salt water and is shared by multiple people.

Plenty of different versions were used throughout history.

It is believed the Vikings used gompf sticks made of sheep’s wool, while the wealthy French used a fancy version made of lace, wool and hemp.

In the Middle Ages, most of them were made from hay balls. Ouch.

The traditional gravity-flush toilet is pretty trouble-free plumbing fixtures, thanks in part to the fact that it has no high-tech parts. Although the water-supply valves, flush valves, and wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor all may fail and need to be replaced from time to time, the porcelain or china fixture itself can last for decades in perfect operating shape unless the bowl or tank become cracked. Nevertheless, you may want to replace your toilet, either for purely aesthetic reasons, such as when remodeling a bathroom or to take advantage of new water-saving features available on modern toilet designs.

Replacing a toilet yourself can seem like an intimidating job, but it’s really fairly easy with a little study and planning beforehand. But before you get to that point, you need to know something about how to measure for a new toilet, and what kind of options you have when purchasing a replacement toilet.

Taking Measurements

The first step is to measure carefully to ensure that the toilet you purchase will fit in the same location as the old one. Measuring is done with the old toilet still in place.

Start by measuring from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the bolts at the base of the toilet. If your existing toilet has four bolts, measure to the center of the back bolts. This measurement is known as the rough-in measurement. For a standard toilet, the rough-in measurement should be between 11 inches and 13 inches. Keep this measurement handy when you go to purchase the replacement toilet.

If the rough-in measurement is not between 11 inches and 13 inches, a standard toilet will not fit the space, and you will need to look for a toilet designed for that specific rough-in distance. Toilets designed for a 10-inch rough-in measurement are relatively common. They are often used in a very small bathroom where space is at a premium. For smaller bathrooms, it is also a good idea to measure the space surrounding the toilet. If you select a toilet with a different bowl shape, it may take up too much space and make it hard to move around the toilet.

Researching Your Options

With measurements in hand, it’s time to consider what options are available for your new toilet—and there are quite a few.

Toilet Type

The first option is between one-piece and two-piece models. With one-piece toilets, the tank and bowl are all one integral unit. These toilets look very sleek and have a low-profile, but they are generally more costly than the typical two-piece toilets. Since two-piece toilets are more common, they are also more competitively priced.

There are also now highly sophisticated “intelligent” toilets that include features like adjustable- temperature heated seats or even self-cleaning functions that eliminate the need for toilet paper.

Design

Toilets come in various configurations for different uses and needs. Among the considerations you can choose from:

Bowl Shape

When choosing a toilet, you can choose from those with bowls that are elongated, compact -elongated, or round-front. Elongated toilets offer deeper seating areas and will fit most residential applications. Compact-elongated toilets have a slightly shorter footprint and take up less space while still offering good comfort. Round-front toilets take up the least space and are a good choice where space is at a premium.

Seat Height

Standard-height toilets have a seat that is roughly 17 inches above the floor. Chair-height toilets are slightly taller at about 19 inches above the floor, making them much easier to use for older people or those with mobility limitations. There are also custom-height toilets that mount on the wall and can be set at heights ranging from about 15 inches to 28 inches above the floor.

Toilet Trap

Toilets can have trap configurations that are exposed—where the integral trap in the fixture is visible from the side—or the trap configuration can be hidden by the design of the fixture so that the side view of the toilet offers a flat surface. This is really a matter of aesthetics. Visible-trap toilets are a good choice for classic-style bathrooms with pedestal sinks and free-standing tubs, while hidden-trap toilets may look better in more modern bathrooms.

Flush-Handle Locations

Toilet handles that operate the flush mechanism can be either on the left or right side of the tank or may be placed on the top lid. There are also touchless flush models, in which a simple touch anywhere on the tank initiates the flush. And today, there are even toilets with electronic remote-control flushing systems.

Flushing Technology

Most toilets you buy today will be water-saving models when compared to older toilets, but there are several options to choose from.

Single Flush

These toilets deliver the same consistent flush with every use. Most use about 1 to 1.5 gallons per flush, though models that use even less are available. Because it is the most common, this type offers the widest range of designs, shapes, and colors.

Dual Flush

These have a two-stage lever mechanism that offers either a light flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste. LIght flushes use as little as .6 gallons of water, while the heavy flush uses around 1.5 or more gallons.

Touchless Flush

These toilets have a battery-powered electronic sensor that initiates the flush just by a wave of the hand over the sensor eye. Because there is no physical contact, there is little chance of spreading germs.

Costs

New toilets can vary widely in price, ranging from less than $100 for basic economy models to upwards of $5,000 or more for intelligent toilets using electronic technology. Once you have selected a replacement toilet, make sure that you also purchase any components that are not included, such as a wax gasket and closet bolts. Many toilets today come with the water-supply (ballcock) valve already installed in the tank to make installation easy, but it’s possible you may need to buy this part separately, too. Whenever replacing a toilet, it’s also a good idea to replace the water supply tube and a shutoff valve.

Use caution when transporting and installing your toilet. Nearly all are made from vitreous china or porcelain, and they will crack or shatter if dropped. More than one DIYer has shattered a toilet when it was accidentally dropped. Having a helper on hand when transporting and installing a toilet is always a good idea.

Is the ‘family cloth’ a worthy investment?

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There’s a rising trend of families opting to use reusable cloths instead of regular toilet paper and many people on the internet are horrified.

It’s previously been noted that using toilet paper to clean ourselves after going to the bathroom isn’t the most effective method, as wiping excessively could lead to health issues such as urinary tract infections.

Some people choose to use a ‘family cloth’ instead as a more eco-friendly option.

Read more

However, a number of individuals on the internet can’t deal with the idea of wiping themselves with a cloth, popping it in the washing machine and then using it again on multiple occasions.

A woman anonymously spoke to BuzzFeed about her positive experience of using a family cloth with her husband and two young children.

“In my mind, buying and using disposable toilet paper was literally flushing money down the toilet!” she said.

“Let’s also set the record straight: Individuals who use family cloth do not only have a single piece of cloth. We have dozens of smallish strips of cloth.”

She also made the point that reusing a product that you’ve used clean yourself with after going to the toilet shouldn’t be seen as that strange, asking: “Do you throw away your underpants after each use?”

While the woman may profess that using a family cloth has its benefits, such as being better for the environment and more affordable than expendable toilet paper, other individuals have confessed their disdain for the trend on social media.

Model Chrissy Teigen responded to a tweet about the family cloth on Twitter, simply writing: “AHHHH.”

Another person commented on the fact that washing the cloth so frequently may not be that cost-effective, tweeting: “Like how are you really saving if you’re having to wash them in a wash machine?

“That’s like extra soap, water, so it doesn’t end up being same cost or more for toilet paper and wipes??”

A plethora of family cloths are available to purchase in the UK from Etsy.

One variety, produced by a company called CreeksideKid, offers a set of 20 for £12.52 in addition to shipping costs from the US.

“Naturally, we all want our world to be the best it can be for ourselves and our children, but where to start?” the product description reads.

“How about with our cloth wipes! What better way to start, than with the product you use every day with your littles.”

Several people on social media have pointed out that it would be more sanitary and practical to invest in a bidet for the bathroom.

According to analysis conducted by Justin Thomas, editor of MetaEfficient, Americans use approximately 36.5 billion rolls of toilet paper a year, destroying around 15 million trees.

1 /1 Reusable ‘family cloth’ horrifies internet as toilet roll alternative

Reusable ‘family cloth’ horrifies internet as toilet roll alternative

Is the ‘family cloth’ a worthy investment?

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The whole world is concerned with toilet paper this month. If you have it, you feel smug. If you don’t, you’re in search of it. People are hoarding hundreds of rolls for no good reason and they’re responsible for the shortage. However, if you’re caught without, some plants make a natural alternative.

Toilet paper in history

Leaves have been used for thousands of years in place of the modern invention of toilet paper. The first mention of using paper for cleaning oneself after defecation was in 6 th Century China, however the familiar rolls we have now were introduced by the Scott Paper Company in 1890. Before that, humans utilized a number of things, leaves, sticks, smooth stones, dry corncobs, pieces of pottery or even their own hands. Several of these items seem quite bizarre, however when faced with the end of the last roll in the house, some start to look much more appealing. Outdoors folks have known about safe leaves to use in place of paper and hikers and campers in the back country rely on them instead of packing a roll, so pay attention. A bit of knowledge may get you out of a tight spot.

Great mullein is an excellent toilet paper alternative

One of the best toilet paper alternatives is great mullein (Verbascum thapsus). It has been used for this purpose for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The leaves are soft, large and have no toxic properties. The fuzzy leaves beg folks to touch them and will rival the most premium and expensive toilet paper offerings. Great mullein is a native plant to Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. It was introduced to North America where the native peoples embraced it and utilized it in a number of ways. They used the soft leaves not only for toilet paper, but comfy linings for their moccasins, insulation in their homes and even medicine. Just remember that if your are substituting them for toilet paper, dried leaves are crumbly and can make the situation even worse. Fresh leaves are what you need.

Broadleaf plantain has multiple uses

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is another plant that has been used for toilet paper and the wide, smooth leaves are strong and supple. Unlike the large leaves of the mullein, you’ll need several to accomplish the task at hand (pun intended.) It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but has naturalized worldwide. It is quite common in vacant lots, gravel driveways and along the edges of fields. The plant grows in a low rosette and sends up slender bloom stalks in mid summer. The good thing about broadleaf plantain is that it has astringent and antiseptic properties and so would be ideal for someone suffering from hemorrhoids. Again, while not quite as crumbly as the mullein, fresh leaves are preferable to dry.

Curly dock can be toilet paper or food

Curly dock (Rumex crispus) makes great toilet paper. The leaves are large, have a nice texture suitable for wiping and are plentiful in many parts of the world. Again, this native of Europe and Asia has naturalized in just about everywhere and is a common weed. It is also edible and contains a number of nutrients. Personally, I would use several leaves at one time. They are more narrow than the mullein, so the more material between your hands and the area to be cleaned is always a good idea. You will find curly dock along roadsides and at the edges of agricultural fields. It likes disturbed ground and seems plentiful in those areas.

Lamb’s ear, toilet paper in your perennial garden

Instead of a weed that grows wild, a good toilet paper alternative might be growing in your own garden. Lambs ear (Stachys byzantina) is a common perennial that millions of gardeners grow. It has soft, fuzzy leaves that are very strong. They are non-toxic and safe to use and there are even cultivars that have larger leaves. Use several of the smaller leaves or maybe just a couple of the larger ones. Lamb’s ears are hardy perennials and have the added feature of attractive blooms in the summer. They can be grown from seed and there are a number of commercial sources that sell both seeds and plants.

Cottonwood, shade tree and toilet paper all in one

Cottonwood leaves (Populus deltoides) make wonderful alternative toilet paper. The trees are native to North America and they are large with a soft underside. Cottonwoods are a species of poplar, so it is probably safe to assume that poplars with large enough leaves would be suitable. They make excellent trees for folks who have a larger yard, since they can grow over 100 feet tall over a number of decades. The only down side of this tree is that the cottony fluff that is attached to the seeds can accumulate on patios and on porches when the tree is in bloom. The up side is that you have an unlimited amount of excellent toilet paper material just outside the door and the leaves are conveniently the size of an adult’s hand.

Make a 100% identification of any leaf you use

While this article was written for a bit of fun, it contains information that can be useful in certain situations. Never, EVER, use any leaf to wipe your behind that you are not 100% sure of its identity. Some leaves even have thorns, besides being toxic and there’s some innocent appearing plants that can cause untold grief if they come in contact with sensitive areas. Fresh is best. Dried leaves crumble and leave behind even more material on your behind. Pay attention to both sides of the leaves and make sure there’s no insects or dirt on them. There are also other plants that are suitable and moss is nice as well, however these are the best ones that I’ve been able to research. If you catch yourself in need while on a hike, or your local store has been stripped clean by the hoarders, these are options that you can explore. Personally, I think a bidet would be a wise choice instead.

About Melody Rose

About Melody Rose

I come from a long line of Kentuckians who love the Good Earth. I love to learn about every living thing, and love to share what I’ve learned. Photography is one of my passions, and all of the images in my articles are my own, except where credited.

Recreational vehicle living or camping is fun and rewarding and allows you to get closer to nature. You can also relax, rejuvenate your senses and forget about the stress even for a while.

However, RV camping must also be made convenient just like you’re home. One of the best ways to achieve that is using an RV toilet paper. Learn more what this toilet paper is and why it’s necessary if you have a mobile home.

Read more: Best RV toilet paper Eco-Friendly, Septic Safe and Clog

Can you use regular toilet paper in an RV?

Yes, you can use it, but it is at your own risk and inconvenience.

The reason is that ordinary toilet papers are not made of soft and fast-dissolving materials. It simply means that they can take long to sit at the bottom of the RV holding tank.

They can also slow down the movement of waste material in and cause the clogging of the RV sewer hose when you need to empty the holding tank. But had you chosen a specific RV tissue paper, you wouldn’t have to take care of this mess.

It is a hassle and messy. You can only imagine that you have to deal with solid waste. Just that thought can cause an upset stomach.

And if you want to get rid of the clogging fast, you might also have to spend on toilet paper dissolvers.

The ordinary toilet paper is NOT advised for the mobile and fast pace living conditions in the recreational vehicle. For this reason, you should use a mobile home toilet paper.

What’s an RV toilet paper?

Commonly, you’ll find it labeled and marketed as septic safe, and indeed the best ones are. An RV toilet paper is specifically for recreational vehicles, campers and travel trailers, among other mobile homes.

These toilet papers are not clogging for the black water tank and are of fast-dissolving materials. They’re also recommended for use in marine environments. RV toilet papers are also proven safe for either sewer systems or septic systems.

As they’re tested safe for marine and RV, you can also have peace of mind that they won’t be sitting at your black tank’s bottom, eliminating your worries of clogging your toilet.

With specific toilet paper for the camper, you don’t need to spend on chemical cleaners, too. As the toilet paper dissolves at a fast rate, you don’t also need to worry about insects and flies.

Do You Really Have To Use Toilet Paper RV?

Yes, if you want to protect your RV sewer and septic systems from clogging, you should use toilet paper designed and made for recreational vehicles and marine environments.

Using it, you can also save money in the end because you do not have to buy additional cleansers and chemical tissue dissolvers.

Such toilet paper is unlike the traditional home tissue paper, which can cause clogging on your mobile home’s black tank.

The reason is that a typical tissue paper isn’t rated for quick dissolving. So if you’d use it on your mobile home, you might have to deal with unclogging the RV toilet. In this case, you might have to resort to using harmful chemical cleaners and digesters.

To prevent clogging, you should use RV tissue papers because they’re biodegradable and with quick dissolving rate. It just means that they also won’t be adding waste to the environment.

How To Dissolve Toilet Paper In RV?

For the most part, you don’t need to do it if you’d use RV specific toilet paper, which is tested and rated to dissolve quickly. It passed specific tests that make it ideal for different mobile home applications, too.

In addition, the tissue paper is compatible for use in marine environments, cabins, boats and motorhomes. It is also soft and comfortable to use that it can be used in other places where it is needed like in homes.

But if you don’t use RV tissue papers, you might have to unclog the toilet or dissolve the tissue paper. You might have to use chemical digesters, toilet paper digesters or toilet chemical treatments.

There are also tank cleaners containing bacteria cultures to eat and digest solid wastes, turning them into liquid. Once they’re turned into liquid, they can flow out quickly and smoothly.

Septic Safe Toilet Paper

It simply means that the toilet paper is safe for septic systems because it can rapidly dissolve without the aid of chemical digesters. Such implies that it won’t sit long at the bottom of your septic because it can break down with bacteria and water in the septic quickly.

RV Safe Toilet Paper

As the name suggests, it is proven-tested safe for mobile homes, campers and recreational vehicles. It is soft to the touch and comfortable to use and is made of biodegradable materials. It can dissolve quickly and won’t clog the toilet or sit at the bottom of the black water tank.

In order to find the right one, you must be able to compare your options well, read reviews, and go for trusted brands. You might also want to go for online marketplaces like Amazon to find a wide range of options and the best deals.

Is Septic Safe The Same As RV Safe?

Yes, if the product is septic safe, it is also mobile home safe. This feature just means that it can break down rapidly even without using chemical treatments.

Final Thoughts

An RV toilet paper is septic safe and fast dissolving, so it’s commonly preferred by RV owners who want to eliminate the need to use RV toilet treatments, toilet cleaners and toilet paper digesters.

While its cost can be pricier than an ordinary tissue paper is, it might still be the better option. At the end of the day, it can be worth the extra penny because it saves you money and prevents clogging.

And to answer the question, “Can you use regular toilet paper in an RV?” Yes, you can, but it is not recommended. Instead, use a specific RV toilet paper for your mobile home to reap the above-mentioned benefits starting today!

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People find the idea of going without toilet paper a bit shocking, but lots of people around the world do it, and there are good technologies available now to replace your toilet or add on to it. It is cleaner and healthier, and counterintuitively, saves a lot of water. Making a roll of toilet paper uses 1.5 pounds of wood, 37 gallons of water and 1.3 KWh of of electricity.

A lot of these bidet style toilets are expensive, as are may of the toilet seat add-ons. The Blue Bidet is only US$ 69, C$79 when I saw it at the local Home Show in Toronto.

Peter Gallos tells me that it can be installed in under half an hour. They make a cold water model that just uses the line that supplies the toilet, and a version that uses hot and cold water but needs a more elaborate installation. I wondered if our 40 degree F water would not be a bit of a jolt to the butt, but he says it is such a short blast that it isn’t a problem. TreeHugger Justin tried one earlier and wrote in his post Bidets: Eliminate Toilet Paper, Increase Your Hygiene:

After using a bidet, most people find cold water is fine, and not particularly shocking on one’s rear. Occasionally, a few sheets of paper are needed to dry oneself. To avoid this, you could get a air-drying bidet that would eliminate toilet paper entirely.

Interestingly, Blue Bidet does not say that they are eliminating toilet paper, just cutting its use by 75% and using the remainder to dry yourself off. Perhaps it is too hard a sell to say you don’t need any. I will give the thing a try and let you know.