How to Survive if You Don’t Have Toilet Paper
Original image from Markus Spiske on Unsplash.
1. Use a paper-based alternative.
Any other kind of paper will work, in a pinch (so to speak). Printer paper, phone books, coloring books, notebooks, envelopes, and of course paper towels, wipes, and tissues. Work through your available paper supplies using the softest first. Just don’t flush them—throw them away.
2. Use a cloth to wipe.
Any soft cloth rag will work fine—an old T-shirt, a towel, or a washcloth. Treat it like a reusable diaper—rinse it fully after use (and make sure to clean the sink after that), then place it in a sealed container until you have several days’ worth of rags you want to wash. Pre-rinse them in cold water before you fully wash—any stains will come out more fully. And use bleach.
3. Gather large leaves and use them to wipe.
Many large leafed trees and bushes will work just fine—pretty much any leaf that is large enough. Watch for leaves with tiny thorns, such as Devil’s Club—and test the leaves for skin irritation before using for wipes by rubbing them on your forearms to see if they cause irritation there. Dispose of these in the wastebasket, not the toilet.
4. Use vegetables to wipe.
Large leaves of lettuce work as well as plant leaves. Corn husks also work well (especially when green) and were utilized by the pioneers for this purpose, and can also be dried and softened with water again for use.
5. Bucket and Scoop Method
1. Place a bucket of water and a clean towel near the toilet.
2. Find something to use to scoop water out of the bucket. A measuring cup, a soup ladle, or even an empty plastic bottle will work fine. After you use the toilet, use the scoop to take water from the bucket and rinse well.
3. Use the clean towel to wipe yourself dry, and remove any remaining waste.
4. Be certain to wash your hands and the towel after every use.