We finally decided to ditch regular toilet paper and switch to homemade TP, otherwise known as “family cloth.” (And we’re telling the whole internet!)
My husband and I moved away from toilet paper for a number of reasons:
(1) It’s dry.
(2) The chemicals it’s processed in are bad for those sensitive areas.
(3) It leaves particles. (Gross.)
Also, did you know that it takes 37 gallons of water, 1.3 kilowatt/hours (KWh) of electricity and some 1.5 pounds of wood to make a SINGLE roll of toilet paper? [1] Not to mention all the energy it takes to process it from our sewer system.
Chemical-laden baby wipes are no good either. They have things like methylisothiazolinone in them, which I can’t pronounce. As a general rule, if I can’t pronounce it (or eat it), then I don’t put it in or on my body.
For years now, I’ve been getting really thin tears “down there” that feel like paper cuts. I’ve now learned that these are called vaginal fissures and can be caused by certain soaps, artificial fragrances, tampons, scented or colored panty liners, and paper toilet paper. When I got married, these vaginal fissures became even more of a problem, as they made intercourse very painful.
Think about how MUCH bleached, processed plant material we put in that area! Tampons. Disposable pads. Toilet paper. It’s all highly processed and full of chemicals, and we put it RIGHT THERE all up in our most sensitive bits!
The solution? Eating a balanced diet (check!) and cloth toilet paper. (I also gave up tampons to use a Mooncup instead, but that’s a different post!)
Okay okay. So is giving up TP taking it too far? Maybe for some of you who are less sensitive than me, it seems absolutely nuts. But guess what?
After we switched to family cloth and cloth pads, MY PAPER-CUT TEARS DISAPPEARED.
For me, it’s life-changing. Living with those tears was terribly painful, and it made fun married-people stuff really hard. I’ve had zero tears since we switched. ZERO. Not even one. And to be honest ladies, I really feel like I’m pampering myself! It’s like when you go to a spa or fancy hotel and they don’t have paper towels, they have fluffy white washcloths that you throw in a woven basket. You know, THOSE? It’s like that, 3-5 times a day. :)
How to make family cloth
First, get some organic flannel patterns that you just adore. (I am seriously in love with these little birds!) Then, I suggest you get a cute little fabric bin to put the finished squares in. Simply cut, double layer, and sew into squares. Then you’re done!
Some of you might be thinking that this is going a little too far or that this is gross, but it makes so much sense to me. For you cloth diaper users, this may not be too much of a stretch. And if you’re really concerned about bacteria, instead of throwing the used cloths into a dry bin, you can throw them into a vinegar and water solution, and perhaps add a little tea tree oil, as well. Voilà!
Many people around the world prefer to rinse first, using bidets, some sort of water bottle or vessel, or even spray bottles. We use this bidet from Amazon, and we love it. It leaves us feeling so clean that the cloth is more just to dry than anything. We only ever need to use one square at a time; and overall, it seems much more hygienic than regular paper toilet paper, which sometimes doesn’t get everything and can leave paper particles. (Ew.)
Also, if you’re wondering if they smell. They don’t. At least ours don’t. Using water and cloth is so much cleaner than paper….I can’t even describe it to you non-water/cloth using folks. Pooping shouldn’t be that messy. If you’re having that much stink and mess…well…I think maybe you might want to evaluate more than just what you’re wiping with.
For me, family cloth has made my bathroom time just *that* much more luxurious, AND it’s helped to heal my body. Go on! Try it! ;)
Also, if you’re wondering about the squatty potty, you can learn more HERE.
Cloth diapers were just a gateway to family cloth for me, but I still use TP for number 2, even though it doesn’t matter as it’s going in with my daughter’s anyway. I just can’t quite get over that one.
What do you do about the #2 you are wiping all over the cloth when you wipe after a bowel moment? That is the one thing holding me back!
There’s almost none. Or literally none. It’s because we use a Squatty Potty!! A bidet would help, too. :)
So, how do you wash them? I’d feel kind of gross washing them in the washing machine. How do you ensure they remain sterile use after use?
Well, they’re cleaner than cloth diapers, and people wash those in the washer all the time. We wash on hot.
A lot of modern washing machines have a sanitary cycle which will destroy any bacteria and pathogens. I wash my whites on this cycle so I don’t have to use bleach. To boost washing power I add a little washing soda. If you’re concerned about odors, add some baking soda, but it will most likely not be necessary.
This is so awesome. I have been using a really pretty hanky type thing for TP when I go hiking and I love it! I have never really thought of having the little squares. This is a great idea. Hallelujah for environmentally conscious people and the strides we are making. :) Kudos.
Nice post~ I thought since this was circulated to FB, I might add the method I’ve been using for many years if anyone wanted to try switching away from TP but would prefer a different method with (potentially) less laundry.
My current method is a carafe (with a pointed spout for precise aim, holds 8oz or more) I fill with warm water to rinse the front end and towel dry (a quick drying sort is best if reusing) and use a hand-fan if needed. GoBidet works well for the back end. xD That’s about as delicately put as possible.
Using some sort of carafe with plain, clean water is common in many places of the world is especially effective for after urination. I would not go back to drying with dusty, chemical-laden TP ever again ~ too itchy and icky!
Oh, this is great! I’ve been wondering about alternatives to TP for a while, but had no idea other people were doing it! We use cloth napkins, diapers, baby wipes, etc. . . TP is the only paper product left in the house! Thanks for the tips!
Funny about the squatty potty. . . I actually (okay, I’m admitting this in public) squat on the toilet by putting my feet on the seat! I can’t stand to go #2 in a sitting position. My husband always gets a good laugh at me! Hah! Now I know I’m totally normal.
I also really wish the diaper sprayer had warm water, b/c I would totally use that instead. That was the best part of the postpartum misery down there – that warm squirt bottle. It is just a pain to get it to the right temp every time and I gave it up a while after I healed.
Awesome post! Thanks so much!
The cloths in your photo look so perfect! Almost like they’ve never been used! Do they come out of the wash looking like that?! I’ve used flannel wipes when cloth diapering my babies, but they always tended to rumple and shrink. And over time, they would also pill and become quite rough to the touch. Have you experienced this with your flannel? Or is there a certain type of flannel you purchase to avoid this? Or any special way you prepare or care for them that perhaps I didn’t do?
Ours have shrunk a little and they are a little bit more furry now, but no pills yet. I wash them in the hottest water and dry them on hot, too.
Sounds like the paper products were ‘drying’ you out, almost like a ‘chapped skin’ I am wondering if you used a dab of olive oil on the TP before you wiped, if that would have helped. Cannot wish such sensitive skin on anyone!!! But bless you for addressing it and I commend you for going the distance and making the change!!! I may have to think about this and implement it maybe just for ‘number one’ until I can stomach it further…baby steps, right?!!
Do you just use each one once before washing? Or reuse multiple times first?
Just once, but sometimes I’ll fold it once or twice on the same go.