In these uncertain times, people will bulk-panic-buy anything, especially toilet paper. But what if you're not one of those people stocking up? What do you do when the TP runs out? Luckily, we can take lessons from our ancestors. They had many toilet paper alternatives available, including corncobs and wood shavings. These 21 toilet paper alternatives will keep you clean when the real stuff runs out.
When we lived off the grid in Canada's far north, I learned pretty quickly that "running out" feels different when the nearest store isn't just around the corner. Toilet paper isn't the first thing people think about when they picture off-grid living, but it matters.
A lot. Between septic concerns, outhouse setups, winter weather and supply runs, you need a backup plan that won't wreck your plumbing or create a bigger mess than the one you started with.
Quick answer: What's the Best Toilet Paper Alternative?
The best toilet paper alternatives include a bidet or handheld sprayer, washable cloth wipes, old flannel sheets, soft leaves, newspaper, napkins, paper towels, coffee filters and snow in winter. Don't flush any of these except regular toilet paper. Store reusable cloth wipes in a covered pail, then wash them separately in hot water and dry them well.
Table of Contents
The History of Toilet Paper
The earliest known example of toilet paper as we know it today comes from China, about 1400 years ago. Experts debate the exact date, but there are records of Chinese Emperors and other wealthy individuals using paper to clean themselves in the 6th century. Unfortunately, it would take the rest of the world more than 1,000 years to follow the Chinese example.
In 1857, Joseph Gayetty developed the "Toilet Tissue" in New York. This medicated paper, made of hemp and aloe, represents the first example of modern-day toilet paper.
Toilet Paper on a Roll
By 1890, toilet paper was put on a roll, and the 20th century saw many improvements to the softness and quality of the product. One of the main concerns of early toilet paper was the occasional splinter found in the rolls, causing quite a painful surprise to many!
Thankfully, by the 1930s, the manufacturing process was fine-tuned to ensure there were no splinters in the paper. Fast forward to 2020, and there are dozens of varieties with different plys and designs to choose from.
What Cultures Do Not Use Toilet Paper?
Interestingly, toilet paper is mainly a Western product. And many countries around the world do not use toilet paper for various reasons. Majority-Muslim countries mainly use water due to the Islamic teachings of using water for cleaning. They will have jugs filled with water, bidets installed on toilets, or a shower.
India uses the same idea of a jug of water next to the toilet, rather than toilet paper. In fact, it's safe to say more than half of the world uses water for cleaning instead of a paper product. This might seem bizarre to Westerners, but many people believe using water is cleaner and safer than abrasive paper products. And if you think about it, they do have a good point.
What Can I Use Instead of Toilet Paper?
You will be surprised at how many toilet paper alternatives you can find around the house. Since you will need a paper alternative more than once, you want to find something you either have a large stockpile of or can reuse. These 21 toilet paper alternatives will keep you clean when you don't have access to the real stuff.
Safety First
Toilet paper alternatives can help in an emergency, but most don't belong in your toilet. Don't flush cloth, wipes, paper towels, napkins, coffee filters, newspaper or natural materials.
They can clog pipes, damage septic systems and create expensive repairs. Instead, keep a lined garbage can or covered pail nearby, and wash your hands well after handling used cloths.
Reusable vs Disposable Toilet Paper Alternatives
| Alternative | Reusable or disposable | Best for | Flush it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bidet or handheld sprayer | Reusable | Home bathrooms, cabins with running water | No paper needed |
| Cloth wipes or old flannel | Reusable | Families, off-grid homes, emergency kits | No |
| Napkins or paper towels | Disposable | Short-term emergencies | No |
| Coffee filters | Disposable | Last-resort household backup | No |
| Newspaper or catalog pages | Disposable | Emergency use only | No |
| Large soft leaves | Disposable | Outdoor emergencies | No |
| Snow | Disposable | Winter outdoor emergencies | No |
| Mullein leaves | Disposable | Foraging-based emergency use | No |
Important: Don't flush toilet paper alternatives. The EPA says septic systems should only handle human waste and toilet paper, not wipes, paper towels, cloth, feminine products or other household items.
21 Toilet Paper Alternatives
Use these toilet paper alternatives when you don't have any other options left!
1. Maple Leaves
This Canadian symbol has many practical uses, including as a toilet paper alternative. The wide, thick leaves of the Maple tree can be found in most places in the northern United States and Canada.
2. Birch Bark
Another plentiful part of a tree, birch bark is a soft thin paper-like substance that can be peeled off of any birch tree.
3. Snow
If you live in one of the unlucky areas (like us) that still have snow at this time of year, use snow as an alternative. I swear it’s not as cold as you might think!
4. Sponges
The ancient Romans used sea sponges on the end of sticks to clean themselves. Why not use repurpose some of your sponges the same way?
5. Corncobs
This will be more relevant during harvest season, but using corncobs isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Colonial Americans used corncobs to clean themselves, and many still preferred corncobs even after toilet paper was invented.
6. Cotton Balls
If you happen to have a large supply of them, a handful of cotton balls will work as a toilet paper alternative. They have a high absorbency and a high enough density to work perfectly.
7. Catalogs
Before the invention of toilet paper, many American settlers used pages of widely circulated catalogs. These included the Sears Roebuck Catalog, the Old Farmers Almanac, and sometimes phonebooks. These catalogs came printed on soft newspaper-style pages with high absorbency. You likely have similar catalogs around the house you can repurpose.
8. Newspaper
In theme with catalogs, newspapers are still printed on the same soft and absorbent paper that doubles as a resourceful toilet paper alternative.
9. Mullein Leaves
Known as “Cowboy toilet paper” or “nature’s toilet paper”, Mullein leaves can be found all over the world. They have a soft, woolly texture while also being large and absorbent.
10. Bidets
If you didn’t already think of this, bidets can be installed on existing toilets or as a separate fixture. They clean with water and give you a renewable way of cleaning (assuming you have lots of water).
11. Dry Grass
This one should explain itself, but handfuls of dry grass provide a soft and efficient way to get the job done.
12. Rope
By fraying the end of an old length of rope, it turns into a sort of brush with soft ends. Plus, you can rinse the rope to use it again.
13. Paper Products
Baby wipes, wet naps, napkins, paper towels, coffee filters, or kleenex all perform the same function as traditional toilet paper.
14. Cotton Terry Cloths
These soft, small terry cloths provide a great alternative to toilet paper. To reuse them, wash them in a basin or outdoors.
15. Oyster or Clam Shells
This doesn’t sound very pleasant, but it works. Native Americans used to use shells to “scrape” themselves clean.
16. Hoses
Hoses, or “Bum Guns” are an Asian version of a bidet. You can buy these hoses for next to your toilet, and they come with a nozzle attachment. Simply point and spray to use. Alternatively, if you have an outhouse you could just use a regular gardening hose.
17. Coconut Husk
Coconut husks were used by natives and settlers in sub-tropical coastal regions. This fibrous husk is plentiful and absorbent.
18. Old Clothes
Repurpose old clothes by cutting or shredding them into usable squares. Use soft and absorbent fabrics, and clean the squares to reuse them.
19. Sticks
But not just any stick. Find a small flat stick with a smooth exterior to use the “scraping” method. These were commonly used in many ancient cultures.
20. Banana Leaves
If you live in a banana-producing region these large, thick leaves provide a perfect toilet paper alternative.
21. Old Flannel Sheets
Cutting up old flannel sheets into usable sizes will give you a soft, absorbent, and reusable toilet cloth.
Toilet Paper Alternative FAQs
We've had so many questions since this article was first published. Here are some of the most common.
Is it Safe to Flush Cloth Toilet Paper?
No! Don't flush cloth toilet paper - especially if you have a composting or another type of off-grid toilet. It will clog up your piping and be a nightmare to fix. Besides, you should be reusing your cloth toilet paper. Have a disposal bin near the toilet to collect soiled cloth toilet paper, and wash them all at once.
How Do I Sanitize Cloth Toilet Paper?
To clean your cloth toilet paper, simply put it in your washing machine on a small hot cycle. Dry on a hot cycle as well to kill any extra germs. You can also add vinegar as an added rinse agent. If you live off the grid and have limited washing options, try one of our favorite off-grid washing machines.
How Do I Store Used Toilet Cloths?
Use a diaper pail for your used toilet cloths. These pails are specially made to be easily cleanable, and many have storage spots for clean cloths as well. However, take note that the CDC says contaminated textiles can carry high levels of microorganisms, so clean them regularly.
During these toilet-paper-hoarding times, it can be difficult to find any TP. Luckily, there are many toilet paper alternatives for your family to use.
Modern-day toilet paper has been available for only about 150 years, so our ancestors' alternatives offer some interesting insight into what they used. Take some lessons from them, and get creative. You will find many ways to solve problems caused by world shortages.
Can you use coffee filters as emergency toilet paper?
Yes, you can use coffee filters as an emergency toilet paper alternative, but don't flush them. Coffee filters don't break down like toilet paper and may clog your toilet, pipes or septic system. Use them only as a last resort and throw them in a lined garbage can.
Do bidets save money compared to toilet paper?
A bidet may save money over time because it reduces the amount of toilet paper your family uses. A basic attachment costs more upfront, but it can help stretch your toilet paper supply during shortages or off-grid living. You'll still need a way to dry off, such as a small amount of toilet paper or washable cloths.
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Just a thought…… while looking at alternatives for this I realized that I could help contribute a little. When tissue was scarce during the 2020 pandemic I did use the fabric alternative you’ve suggested above. However, I did go a step further. I sought out ways to be sure I have supplies for that monthly issue most of us women face. (My apologies men). I came across a couple wonderful tutorials on how to make reusable mensural pads. They are wonderful from a health perspective (chemical free) It was one of the best things I’ve stumbled across while researching how to be less dependent on the things city life has to offer.
Great to keep in mind 🙂 Hopefully we won't have to use them, but I'd rather have ideas in my head if needed. Thanks
Good to know. After all that we all have been through in the last year, you never know when this knowledge will come in handy. Thank you for sharing on the Classy Flamingos blog party.
Interesting post! I've read that some of those countries where they use bidets think we Americans are nasty for not having one in our bathrooms.
Hi Deborah - Thanks for your comment! One of my sons researched and wrote this post and believe me, there were a few "lively discussions" in our home as well!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Sarita,
I visited from Homestead Blog Hop to read about toilet paper alternatives. Your comprehensive list has stimulated a lively discussion in our home. With toilet paper supplies limited during COVID19, these alternatives really may come in handy. I'm sharing on social media.
Very timely! I figure if the toilet paper runs out, I'll have a purpose for all the fabric scraps I've been hoarding for years 🙂
Great list. So interesting to hear how the rest of the world does it. Funny how different cultures do things.
I installed a bidet seat attachment before this all started. We love it. It is so much cleaner than toilet paper. In fact, we plan on getting bidet attachments for the other bathroom in our house
Great list..
Wow! This is highly educational! I’ve leaved in different countries and yes, cleaning yourself with water is very common. Growing up we always had bidets in our bathrooms.
Been using cloth (I cut up diaper flannel - it feels downright luxurious, compared to tp!) & a portable bidet (for #2, then just dry with the cloth) for a year and a half. I keep the dirty ones in a coffee can by the toilet, filled about 3/4 full, with a 1:1 vinegar water solution, then dump the whole thing in the wash, with the towels. It's MUCH better for the septic system, uses way less water than just a bidet. I'll never voluntarily go back to tp, and it's horrible impact on the environment, not to mention how nice it is not to have to 'flush' so much money, every year.
A very timely post! We are ready to switch to cloth toilet paper if we should run out and are unable to get more.