Items That You Can Use As an Alternative for Toilet Paper

One of the items that could surely disappear during a disaster is toilet paper. When TP runs out, what are you going to do? There are a lot of items out there that you can use as an alternative for toilet paper.  Some of these items might not be a good thing to use in wiping your butt, but when you’re in a long term disaster situation you might not have much choice.

Here’s a bit of an interesting fact about TP: Toilet paper was said to be invented by the Chinese people as early as 50 B.C. They mixed cotton linen rags and bamboo to make toilet paper.

The following are some suggested alternatives to toilet paper.

Baby Wipes – Baby wipes is just like toilet paper, but it is easier to use. Just one wipe and the job is done.

Clothing – You can use your old clothes and sheets; all you have to do is cut them into squares. You can also use bandana, socks or any clothing that you can use.

Coconut Husk – Coconut husk can also be used as an alternative for toilet paper, all you have to do is wipe with the husk shavings of coconuts.

Corn Cobs – Corn cobs were usually used in rural areas with outhouses. Many people prefer to use corn cobs as an alternative for toilet paper.

Gauze – Gauze can also be an alternative for toilet paper. Although this item can be expensive to be used as a toilet paper, it could be viable if needed.

Grass/Hay – Not a very good thing to use when they’re loose. Better to use when balled up.

Leaves – You can use some leaves like maple leaves as an alternative for toilet paper. Make sure that the leaves that you’re going to use are half dry and they are not slick or crumbly. And make sure they’re not poison ivy.

Moss – You can use moss, but check it for bugs first.

Paper (Books, catalogs, etc.) – One of the best items to use when there is no toilet paper.

Snow – Snow is just like water; although it’s cold it is still efficient.

Sponge on a stick – This method is known as the classic Roman method of undercarriage hygiene. This method can only be useful if you have a lot of water sources, wherein you can wash or sanitize the sponge after using it.

Water – If you really want to get the job done clean use water, especially if you have a lot of available water resources at hand. When it comes to proper hygiene, water is one of the best things to use.

Wool – Wool can be itchy when you use it, but it can get the job done nice and clean.

Other items you can use include:

• Hemp
• Dirt or Earth or Sand
• Bark of a tree
• Feather
• Stones
• Seaweed
• Frayed rope

Although there are a lot of items that you can use as an alternative for tissue paper, it is still important that you consider stock piling toilet paper. How many rolls of toilet paper is enough for you and your family? One roll of toilet per person per week can be enough.