How to go Toilet Paper Free
Are you considering going toilet-paper free? We've been a toilet paper free zone for the last 6 years here at Cheeky HQ and can guarantee that it's easier and much less gross than you think with our toilet paper alternative kit. And if you've got questions, we’re here to help!
Here's how to use reusable toilet paper:
choose some cloth wipes (we prefer cotton flannel) and store them by your loo
- dry wipes are fine for pee, but it's best to soak your wipes for cleaning after poo
- soak your wipes in tap water and essential oil wipes solution or wet and wipe spray
- storing them presoaked means that they're always convenient and ready to use
- once used, keep the mucky wipes in a storage box or lidded strucket until you have a wash going on
- wash in your washing machine at 40c with anti-bacterial laundry solution, or 60c hot water wash
- dry, then reuse
We understand that switching to reusable toilet paper might save like a REALLY extreme way to save money, or just for eco-warriors. But actually there's lots of benefits for ditching disposable toilet paper.
Using reusable wipes leaves you feeling cleaner. The comedian Chris Ramsey often talks about how he has to shower after a poo as otherwise he doesn't feel clean. He uses the example that if for example you got dog poo on your arm, you wouldn't just wipe it off with paper, you'd wash it off!
He's got a fair point, although who has got time to shower every time you poo? Tissue and toilet paper also has a tendency to leave little bits of toilet paper behind, which is just GROSS. Using reusable cloth wipes just leaves you feeling clean and fresh.
Cloth wipes are gentler on sensitive skin
Many women find that as they get older, vaginal dryness becomes an issue and toilet paper actually causes dragging and irritation. Fragrance free reusable wet wipes are the solution for this annoying problem.
It's more eco-friendly to use family cloth or reusable wipes
Water companies in the UK are very clear that preferably nothing should be flushed down the loo expect for toilet paper. Even 'flushable' or biodegradable wipes can take up to 12 weeks to break down in our sewers, which is one reason that MP Fleur Anderson is asking government is considering banning wipes containing plastic.
Obviously eco friendly toilet paper is absolutely fine to flush. But production and shipping of bulky toilet paper has an environmental impact. A set of reusable wipes is a brilliant eco friendly alternative as they can simply be washed over and over again as part of a mixed washload
'Arrived on time, exceptional quality! In love with my new wipes (as an adult!) - no more toilet paper!!!' Nada, Trustpilot
Our Top Eco Alternatives to Toilet Paper
There are other eco solutions to help you wipe without paper:
- Cloth Wipes / Reusable Wet wipes
- Bidet
- Bidet attachment for your toilet
- Wash & dry toilet
We've already talked about cloth wipes as a wet wipes alternative. However many European countries favour a bidet in their bathrooms. Whilst bidets are useful, we feel that you still need to wipe with something, even if only to dry yourself after washing.
Many asian and far eastern countries have a similar ideas with a bidet / shower attachment which goes on the wall beside the toilet. Also known as a 'bum gun', these are great for a quick rinse, although again you'd need to dry yourself after and it's a bit of a faff if you're just doing a wee!
Lastly, wash and dry toilets are also now an option in the UK. If you're changing your bathroom anyway and installing a new loo, then it's definitely something to consider although these are pretty pricey. Starting from £500 plus installation costs.
What other easy reusable alternatives can I try?
At Cheeky Wipes, we've been specialising in simple reusables since 2008. Take a look at our range which help save you money AND save the planet:
Reusable bamboo nappies - Got kids in nappies? Cloth nappies, also known as reusable nappies or 'real' nappies are easier to use than you think. They'll also save you money, especially if you're using them for more than one child or are buying pre-loved / will sell them on when finished with them.
Washable Makeup removing pads - this is the easiest eco swap you can make. Just use our reusable makeup removing pads with coconut oil or your favourite cleanser, wash and reuse
Reusable baby wipes - the original Cheeky kit, launched in 2008 to solve the problem of disposable baby wipes which were causing irritation. The best-selling reusable wipes in the UK for more than a decade!
Period Pants & Reusable Sanitary Pads - the comfy eco alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Did you know that just ONE pack of disposable maxi pads can contain as much plastic as FIVE plastic bags? Not only are period knickers and washable period pads more eco-friendly, but they're easy to use and way more comfortable too.
Bestselling Reusable Products:
Enjoy this post? Check out our ultimate guide to reusable nappies or our article about how much money you'll save by switching to reusable nappies.
And if you've got any questions, please do contact us. The team use the products themselves and love nothing more than chatting pee, poo and periods!
About the author: Helen Rankin is founder of Cheeky Wipes, the original environmentally sustainable baby wipes kit, founded in 2008. Cheeky Wipes were awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise for their sustainable development goals in 2021. Team Cheeky pride themselves on helping people make the switch to reusables EASY, with a range of eco friendly products including period pants and cloth sanitary pads. The Team LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods, providing advice to customers with helpful questionnaires.