Running Out of Toilet Paper? Here Are Some Things You Can Do!

As we all know, the current COVID-19 pandemic has created some rather unusual things we just took for granted before. Such is the case of toilet paper. Hordes of people ran to the store and became one of the very first things to panic-buy.

It’s mind-boggling at the idea of how a respiratory illness can affect US stores, quickly running out of toilet paper in hours. Panic can really make people illogical, greedy, and selfish.

On an interesting note, there is an online website that will calculate how long your current supply of toilet paper will last. You can check it out here: https://howmuchtoiletpaper.com.

The only reasonable explanation for all the hoarding is that people fear that the pandemic will be lasting a lot longer than it appears and that they will run out of toilet paper.

While this is unlikely because there are no production issues and supply chains appear to remain strong, you may come across a situation where you cannot buy toilet paper because store shelves are empty.

You may be running low or completely run out, and now you really are in a difficult “sticky” situation.

Then what to do in this case?

Bidets

One of the hardest things to overcome has got to be a shift in your mindset. Luckily, this is also one of the easiest ways to deal with this situation. In case you didn’t know, many people in Europe, Asia, and other countries already use bidets to clean up their rears.

A stream of water is delivered directly to the “area” and cleanses it almost flawlessly. It is more hygienic than toilet paper, and it really doesn’t add any more hassle than it already does with the usual toilet paper way.

The heck with toilet paper when a nice spray of water becomes your best friend.

Let’s face it; most Americans are probably not used to this practice and cannot even understand the concept of using a “bum gun” to clean themselves will hesitate to try it.

But just try it out, you may find out it wasn’t as bad as you thought and perhaps never look back. Difficult times require improvisation and adaptation.

Instead of spending hours queuing or pushing each other just to get toilet paper, you can easily buy a bidet from Amazon and install it in your home. Problem solved.

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Wet wipes

This is another alternative to toilet paper. There are two issues here, though. First of all, these can also run out. Second, flushing the wet wipes down the toilet can clog the tubing, so that is a big no-no.

If your toilet gets clogged, you’re going to have to find a plumber to fix the problem, and during these times of self-isolation, it will be a bigger task than usual.

Some people may hoard wet wipes as a substitute for toilet paper. This is not the best thing to do, however, because babies NEED those wipes as their skin is softer and more sensitive. So please be considerate, especially when times are tough.

Napkins from fast food orders

There are other times when you just have to think about stuff out of the box. If you order food from a fast food place, you’ll find out there will be some napkins included with your meal, of course. So not only will you be getting yourself a happy meal, but now you’ll be a proud owner of some McToiletpaper.

Washable towels or cloth rags

This is a bit unpleasant and should only be done by those with a strong disposition. Lightness aside, cloth towels/rags were used in the old days as toilet paper, and nothing prevents you from doing the same once again. Just make sure to remember that when you’re done using the rags or towels, you will need to wash them in hot water to be reused later.

If the thought of doing this makes you cringe, just get yourself a bidet and call it a day.

Other paper products

There are many other types of paper that you could reuse as toilet paper. You can use old newspapers, or you can take the A4 paper out of your printer and use them too. Store receipts are another option.

The problem here is that you will first need to soften the paper with water. The last thing you want is paper cutouts on your rear.
Then there is also the issue of safety. You don’t know if the inks on paper or receipts will have any negative effect on your health if it is absorbed by your skin. You should also dispose of the used “toilet paper” in the trash and not flush it because your plumbing will clog.

Sanitary pads and/or sponges

Feminine hygiene products may run out, but if all you can get are sanitary pads, they can also be used as toilet paper.
Dishwashing sponges are another alternative. But like washable towels, you’ll need to reuse them, which means washing them and enduring the ordeal.

Again, none of these products should be flushed down the toilet because they will NOT decompose like toilet paper and will clog sewer lines.
In addition to the options mentioned above, hardcore survivors will recommend toilet paper alternatives such as leaves, rocks, corn husks, etc.

Some of these are extreme measures, and not like we have reached a situation where you live off the grid or in the desert. The truth is that many store shelves will be restocked, and many supermarkets have already set quotas for essential items to prevent hoarding.

If you’re not so sure about the alternatives, your best bet to overcome this difficult time will be to use a bidet and overcome the shortage until things get better, and the situation returns to a relative state of normality. Rest assured, it will happen soon.