Family Cloth?! Yup, Reusable Toilet Paper is a Real Thing. Get the lowdown here on how to get started, tips, and FAQs.
Originally published February 2014 || Last updated March 2020 to reflect the fact that I no longer use family cloth in my current day-to-day, but wouldn’t mind starting up again if necessary. Thanks to our current global state of affairs, this post started heavily trending, and I wanted it to be as accurate and helpful as possible. That, or provide you with something to mock on the internet instead of succumbing to despair. 😉
When I stop to think about it, I realize that I have peed in quite a few places over the course of my life thus far. Let’s see: if I’m counting by country, we’ve got Canada, USA, Bolivia, England, France, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda.
I’ve used the fancy, shiny facilities in a very expensive hotel in Banff, and I’ve squatted precariously over a disgusting hole surrounded by falling-apart wooden walls in the middle of a dusty African village.
I’ve bought a roll of purple toilet paper from the woman on the side of an African road, and I’ve used luxurious quilted 6-ply TP at homes where I had to check twice to make sure I hadn’t accidentally grabbed the hand towel.
I’ve awkwardly squatted behind a three-foot pile of bricks while the rest of my tour bus waited their turn in the hot African sun after we broke down on the side of the road.
Some people use bidets. Some use squatty potties. Some people wipe their butts with one hundred dollar bills.
I’ve used my own bathroom eleventy bajillion times in each of my third trimesters of pregnancy. I have, no doubt, peed in the woods a time or two, and maybe, just maybe, a lake. Definitely the ocean.
I’ve also gone tent-camping with a group at 37 weeks pregnant where the only “toilet” was a rickety wooden chair with a hole cut out, perched over a dug-out hole in the ground, surrounded by a tarp on only two sides. I’ve peed in quite a number of teeny-tiny airplane toilets while hurtling through the sky…
(If that’s not an odd string of memories to recall, well gosh, I don’t know what is.)
What exactly is the point I’m making here, you might ask? Well there are a few things:
- Everybody in the entire world has these bodily functions. All 7 billion or so of us.
- There are many (so many!) variations in toileting style and setting depending on location, preference, and cultural norms.
- SO. MANY. VARIATIONS.
With that in mind, I’d like to finally talk about one of my crazy crunchy hippie ways that often elicits a strong reaction: family cloth. I mean – I’ve tried more crazy things than most people, and if you’ve been around here for long you know that I’m a contrarian by nature. I don’t like to follow the crowd, and I enjoy going against the grain just to see what it’s like.
I cook from scratch nearly every day, use cloth napkins, reusable snack bags, and cloth towels, tried the no-poo method (baking soda and vinegar instead of shampoo), do a ton of natural DIY body care products (dry shampoo, eyeliner, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and I hard-core LOVE my reusable menstrual supplies and sea sponge tampons. I also love homeschooling our four kids here on our 4.5 acres out in the country.
(Yes, I acknowledge that most folks think I’m totally nuts, but hey – I love my life. What can I tell ya?)
Most people call me crazy based on a partial list of these things alone, so telling you that I previously used cloth toilet paper shouldn’t be all that shocking, really.
Want the lowdown? Here we go:
Family cloth is a phrase used for washable, cloth toilet ‘paper’. I’ve used it, and I survived. ??
Cloth Toilet Paper: Supplies Needed
1. Clean wipes
You can make them out of old rags, be fancy and sew them yourself, buy them on etsy, or just buy a few packs of cheap baby washcloths and designate them for this purpose. You could also buy a pack of cloth baby wipes like these ones. Lots of options! (I opted for cheap baby washcloths, since that’s what I was also using with cloth diapers on my babe.)
2. Something to hold the used wipes
During the year or so that I was using cloth TP, I was also cloth diapering my third child. We had a diaper pail in the main floor bathroom, so I just tossed used wipes in there, and they got washed with the diapers. It was super convenient. Honestly, part of the reason I stopped using it was because we stopped cloth diapering eventually.
If I had wanted to continue I would have just needed to use a small lidded container, or a wet bag – the same type that you use for cloth diapers. Travel sized would be ideal because you’d want to launder every couple of days, at least. This style with two pockets would be ideal – one for clean wipes, and one (waterproof) for used. You can wash the bag along with the wipes each time.
3. A washing machine with hot water and detergent.
Pretty simple – if I weren’t washing with a load of cloth diapers I’d just wash them on their own in a small hot cycle with vinegar as a rinse aid, then dry on extra hot to help kill germs.
Cloth Toilet Paper (aka Family Cloth): Routine
Step one: walk into the bathroom and grab a wipe. Use dry or wet with water (your choice).
I recommend dry for #1 and wet for #2. In either scenario, I feel immensely cleaner than when I use paper. The cloth wipe is just… sturdier and more substantial for those purposes.
Step two: use your wipe as needed, then toss in the appropriate sealed bag or container until wash day (a couple of days max is my recommendation.)
Done! It’s not difficult, technically speaking. Most people simply have a cultural ick factor about, which is fine. Just remember that if you ever find yourself in a situation where you run out of paper toilet paper (ahem, panic buying… sigh), this is an option, and you can totally survive it.
Family Cloth FAQ’s:
How did you get started in it?
I cloth diapered my first baby from the get-go (as soon as his teeny little legs beefed up a little to fit the diapers I had bought). We didn’t want to buy expensive cloth wipes that are sold by the cloth diaper companies for a million bucks, so we marched ourselves down to the big-box store and got a pack of cheapie baby washcloths.
I think it was around $6 for 10 of them. We got a couple of packages, and those were our designated baby wipes. Then one time a few years ago I read a post about family cloth somewhere. Probably from this wise friend. And then my curiosity was piqued, and it was just a matter of time.
Isn’t it super gross?
I fear I’m overstating the obvious here, but bear with me. We cleaned all three of our kids’ poopy bums off with those cloths, washed them in our washing machine, and used them over and over again.
Got that? We wiped poop and pee… washed them… and reused them. The only argument that is usually left standing after getting the basics out of the way is simply the ick factor. People think it’s just gross.
Of course, that’s a totally subjective judgment, right? I personally don’t think it’s really any grosser than cloth diapers. And cloth diapering is becoming way more mainstream than it used to be (since disposables came on the scene.)
Can I be a part-timer?
Absolutely, 100% yes. I was a part-timer at best since I didn’t have a system set up in my upstairs bathroom. I used the main floor one all day long and it’s where my diaper pail was (and it’s close to the laundry room).
And of course, it’s advisable to keep regular disposable toilet paper on hand for guests (and resistant spouses).
Some people also like to use it for just #1 and not have to deal with #2. Personally, I love it for both. I find it so much more comfortable and luxurious feeling. I feel cleaner. I also use it for ‘that time of the month’ which is extra-awesome. We ladies tend to feel icky in those days because it’s tough to get totally clean with just paper. With a warm, wet cloth, I feel like I’m actually getting 100% clean.
Full disclosure: sometimes I tag team it and use a bit of paper to wipe first, then a wet cloth for a more thorough clean. What’s that? TMI? I think we crossed that line back in the title of the post, amiright?? And yet here you are. 😉
For laundry as a part-timer: I would throw them in with my regular laundry if it were just #1 wipes. For #2 I prefer to use hot water. For #1 I’m ok with just a warm wash, considering that’s what I do with any clothes or bedding that have been accidentally peed on. #momlife
Doesn’t it smell bad in your bathroom?
Nope. Not if the container or bag is sealed/zipped and the contents washed every 2-3 days.
But WHY???
Save money (a negligible amount once you factor in laundry costs, but I think it’s still possible). Save the environment. Those are big enough reasons for me. You may make a different choice for your family, and that’s cool too. I just wanted to give you a rundown on how we do it because people have asked.
I ultimately didn’t stick with it more than a year or so, as I explained above, but I’m super glad I tried it. Family cloth is way easier than you think, and really – you might even enjoy it.
Oh, and one last reason why you might want to give it a try? Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a global pandemic and everyone has panic-bought all the dang toilet paper in the city. Maybe a clean, soft cloth is better than leaves. Maybe. Your call.
OK, that’s all I’ve got for now. Hit me up, peeps. What kind of questions do you have on this subject?
Would you ever consider trying it?
Tracey Jones
Read about family cloth several years ago…going to try it now, just because I can! Loved your blog, made me laugh…which is what we all need! Just ordered my clothes from etsy. 🙂
Robert
But if there’s a moth in my cloth then what? Hee hee heeee….
Pheenix
This article/blog has made me totally open to the idea. Shoot for any parent, I’d think they would feel the same. Unless everytime their kid pooped up the entire back of their onesie they just hucked it in the trash. Great post! And thank you! I have to hunt for tp soon ??. Maybe ill just got the washcloth isle ?
Jen H
This is funny and informative article (who would expect anything less from an INFP!) ?
Thanks so much!
We have a small supply of bamboo TP left. As the supply dwindles, I think we’ll make the switch to wipes from cut-up cotton tshirts. Totally doable!
Stay healthy, all!
Pheenix
This is exactly the predicament I’m in. Good luck and stay well!
Robbin
I like you. You sound just like me! 🙂
Tracey
Read about family cloth several years ago…going to try it now, just because I can! Loved your blog, made me laugh…which is what we all need!
Christina L Turner
I have been using cloth wipes for years (about 3 now) and I would never go back. Wonderfully clean, easy to use and now that the TP craze is going on-plus side, I win since I do not participate in the madness. I use hot water, detergent and a tiny bit of bleach to wash one small load each week. I have a small covered trash bin next to the toilet and even my super sensitive nosed hubby says he has NEVER smelled anything. I do nothing extra to mine but to be truthful we live in a very dry environment (desert NM).
To be VERY real, if ever I have a truly messy No2 (very seldom) or a bad period day (once monthly) I will access the Tp but that is 1% of the time.
Diana M Jamerson
Thanks for the tips.
Marie
I’ve been using cloth wipes for 7 yrs. now….. didn’t like the idea of using a ‘bag’ to put the used cloths in and possibility of odor from urine [I do not use them for bowel movements]… So I keep a spray bottle of water on the floor and spray with water to dilute the urine and then wipe with the cloth…. I have a plastic bucket on the floor…. and I hang the wipes over the edge. They dry with no odor and I wash them once a week [I live alone]. When I think about how much TP I’ve saved in 7 years, I feel very happy! AND I dread using a toilet where I have to use paper – it’s not comfortable and I don’t feel as clean because I don’t have the water spray…..
Dee
I have used the clothes for years for #1. What a savings. Haven’t gotten brave enough for the other yet. Something to think about though. I also make all my own wet wipes and face wash clothes. And many other money saving DIY.
missE
we’re a family of 5- with teenagers, I buy 36 rolls scott tissue for $17 or so, big box store. it lasts us about 3 months. no one has ever gotten paper cuts, infections, irritation etc.. The only reason for us would be environmental. anyway, i’m not sold yet. What about blood clots – 3 of us get periods?, What about when the #2 is sticky/smeary? i just can’t imagine trying to rinse that in the sink or putting it in the washer even alone, and what about the smell? If someone doesn’t flush #1 in the middle of the night it gags me in the morning. i starting looking to see if the dog peed somewhere, nope, just someone didn’t flush. I do laundry once a week, i would have to wash more often, but then I would have lots of little wash loads. wastes time, water, and electricity. do you take the bucket of poopy, bloody, water and dump it in the washer, chunks and all? or do you have to rinse each one in a sink prior to laundering? and then sanitize the sink, or do you keep them rather dry and put the now dry crustified $hit in the washer? i can’t seem to get this part figured out.thx
Chels
If you have a bidet or a diaper sprayer (used as a bidet) that takes care of most of what you mentioned.
Candy
We use a bottle, that we fill with water, to rinse off after bowel movements, then use cloth to wipe (either wet or dry as per preference). So there’s not much on the cloth in the dirty bin. Also, optional to keep water and vinegar in a glass or plastic bin to place used cloth in until wash day.
Amélie
Hey there, just passing by to say that I’d be open to try your idea for #1 when I get the opportunity (by that I mean my own home/ washing machine) Sounds like that would save a LOT of money and trees for a start 🙂
Thank you for your blog!
Jan Dietrick
I have so many soft knit shirts with tears and stains, too many to make into cleaning rags, so make them into ‘toilet cloths’ to keep from throwing the shirts away! And because they’re so soft and thorough and because it saves trees. There are no pathogens in urine! People need to get with the basics of science of their own excretions. I lay the used cloths over the side of a wire cylinder where they quickly air out and there is no odor. I wash put them in the regular hot water laundry with soap nuts, not regular detergent, because we have a grey water system with sensitive good microbes in the soil in the garden. The cloths come out smelling clean. I haven’t used much for #2 but after reading this, I think I could work out laundering them separately twice a week with something stronger. I could then use that laundry water to clean the toilet bowl. Once you do something 19 times it’s such a habit you forget you did it any other way.
Krista
Experts have shown that A) this is terrible for your health and B) it doesnt “save the planet”. It’s literally six of one/half a dozen of the other as far as resources usedgoes.
Like the whole “raw water” craze, this is one of those dads that at its best does nothing positive and at its worst is overtly harmful. But it’s great that it makes you feel like you’re making a difference
Esther
How on earth is this bad for your health?? Explain please.
Makayla
Cloth TP is not bad for health. Just to start with I’ve seen the “studies” that say it is but for the most part this is considering we ignorant disgusting people. One of the biggest things it said would make cloth bad for people’s health is storing used until washing and carrying it to the washing machine. The studies speak like we are just throwing poop wipes in a regular laundry basket with the poop just out in the air. No one I know does this cause who wants to smell it. We store ours in a zippered wet bag. I’m not just carrying poop wipes in my hands through the kitchen to the laundry room and drippjng poop on my counters. They are in the zippered wet bag until I dump them in the washing machine. Hot water and correct detergent kills germs. I know this for a fact because I work in a nursing facility where we clean poop with wash cloths and state standards say it’s fine to use them and wash them. Correct water temperatures and detergent will kill even staph in the urine and CDiff. Add to this that we line dry in the sun and they are even more sanitized.
The chemicals in mainstream toilet paper production is what’s bad for health!
Amélie
Well, that was a constructive comment, thank you for that 🙂
Gayle
When I worked as a home-health-care CNA, I had one client that only allowed us to use wash cloths. She was in her late 80’s or early 90’s and bed-ridden. I never saw her with any infections nor tissue break-down. Her cloths were washed daily.
Joyce
Thank you. Very helpful for somebody considering going to family cloths.
Wendy Mitchell
Where did you get your scientific information from that this is a terrible idea? What do you think the world did before toilet paper ? Not all places have a supply of leaves!
Rachelle Blanco
Was looking into this method for RV use, so that I can save on RV tp and black water storage.
Hoping to purchase RV in early 2019.
Heather
I am super interested in this!! I’m not sure if I just missed where you said it or if I missed it because this is literally the first time I’ve ever heard of this, but what did you get to use for this and where!?
Elizabeth H.
I had some rash issues so I bought a bidet sprayer. I installed it myself onto my bathroom sink faucet so I have a warm water wash. This provides a much cleaner (and cheaper) result than TP and no extra storage or laundry requirements. Bidets are available now in a huge range of models and costs. Mine paid for itself in months. Probably saves water too since only one flush needed. I only need small amount of TP to dry off. Since the author has used bathrooms around the world I’m surprised she isn’t aware of the benefits.
Christine
genuine question – not a judgement of any kind as am new to all of these options. – don’t you have to dry yourself after the spray? in which case why is it better than family cloth as you will still have some laundry to do or paper to dispose of?
Ronda Evans
I’ve used a bidet for years and also use cloth wipes. It is faster than waiting around for the bidet to do the drying. Basically you are just removing rinse water from your nether-regions. I do soak the cloths in a small covered bin with disinfectant detergent, then wash with home made laundry soap and a vinegar rinse (approx every 4 days). Easy peasy. Like you, I do provide potty tissue for guests but I don’t store it on the holder due to dust; I just pop it on before visitors arrive.
Rainy
Our family gave up paper products +7 years ago with exception to TP. I really want to get away from that product for a billion reasons. I found this post refreshing and will pursue this final enviromentally friendly goal.
angie
Is there a money saving when you have to spend more money and power consume (for the laundry machine) and detergent? Also, meanwhile you use the most your washing machine, there is most consume of energy (not clean energy), just saying, give me some arguments.
RACHEL
I installed bidets and use family cloth. Between the extra occasional wash and the extra use of water with the bidets, our water/power bill went up about $12 a month (together). They usually cost about $200 a month now (together), from $188, and the water bill from the bidets is about $10 a month of that. (I suspect some of my roommates waaaaay over use the sprayer, causing the drastic increase but to each their own.) As for detergent, the difference is *negligible* unless you are just insanely wasteful of your washer detergent. I’m talking 2 tablespoons of extra detergent a week maybe. Also if you just wash your clothes with white vinegar, or with at least the addition of vinegar to your detergent, that is even less, and it’s a powerful disinfectant and deodorant. (and DIRT cheap. like $2.5/gallon).
To compare, my house of 4 adults used to spend $30 a month on TP (buying the cheap stuff, IN BULK), and a couple of the members of my household bought wetwipes as well, ($6 ish for a 3 pack, idk exactly how long they lasted. Probably depends on the bowel health from week to week.)
So… Yes! A bunch of savings, I’d say, not to mention your own health (TP is often covered in chemicals and irritants, and can “shed” and leave shreds or nubs of tp in your lady areas), increased cleanliness and environmental impact.
Sam
You have to remember that making toilet paper uses valuable resources as well. Paper mills use a LOT of energy and water to make their products. They are horrible for the local water systems (and they smell terrible). Now also consider the plastic used to wrap the packages, the cardboard boxes used to package them to the stores, and the gasoline used to transport it to the store and your home. It’s very wasteful.
I’ve been using family cloth for 11 years. Yes, ELEVEN! And we have a household of 8. Do the math, it’s a lot of money saved. I honestly cut up a bunch of old tshirts we would have thrown away (too worn to be donated) and use them. Are they pretty? No. Do they do the job? Yes, they do. They don’t smell up the bathroom and we don’t even use a zipper or sealable bag anymore. I made a fleece bag out of an old blanket for each bathroom and they do the trick just fine. I wash twice a week in my HE washer, which uses far less energy and water than other washers.
Makayla
I started out cloth diapering and using cloth wipes and wash every three to four days. My monthly water bill went up $1.36. No joke! And my power bill went up about $5. Now cloth diapering we just throw the wipes in with them so the family cloth costs us noting on top of the diaper cost. Monthly I save $12 from toilet paper and per child I have saved $2000 cloth diapering. When I know longer cloth diaper I will still be saving about $6 a month. Doesn’t sound like that big of a deal but for me I am saving my family from being exposed to the chemicals involved in the toilet paper production process.
Ana
Makayla: That’s awesome! I’m glad you broke it down for the finances. I cloth diapered my two older children and used cotton wash clothes as reusable wipes. Saved lots of money that way.
Angel
I love this idea. I’m definitely going to make the switch to family cloth! I’m already cloth diapering my baby, so why not? Question…with cloth diapers, I spray the poop off of the diapers before washing. How do you prep your family cloth for washing? Do you need to rinse the poopy cloth in the toilet? Or is it such a small amount of poop that you don’t have to rinse it? Thanks for your article!
Sandy
I have used family cloth for over 5 years now. I make them from flannel baby receiving blankets. I place two together, Inside Out leaving a couple inches to turn them. Then I stitch around the edge about 1/8th inch in. Sometimes I will use my machine but most times I will stitch a few a night because I find sewing by hand to be very relaxing. I also have the medium step- on trash can next to the toilet filled with bleach water. Never an odor. I am still using the original ones I made 5 years ago and they are as clean looking as I first made them. Like many who have commented above, I think of how much money I have saved in toilet paper. I also feel cloth cleans better and does not leave those annoying shreds behind that toilet paper does.
Valerie
Nice article! THinking about trying to eliminate and reduce my waste and this actually makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks for sharing, its a good read too!
R&H Assistant
Thank you for your kind words, Valerie!
Stacie
We moved from the city to country and therefore have a septic tank. I have been concerned about the paper waste in the septic so this is something I have been tossing around. Every stinking (no pun intended!) time I go to Walmart, I spend between $6 and $10 for a 12 pack of toilet paper. I have been trying to be more frugal with the things I buy. So I decided to go the family cloth route. I have no children in house anymore and am older, so do not have periods any longer…Thank God! Anyway, I went to Walmart and for $5 I bought 25 cheap wash cloths, hung a couple of bags in a closet right in front of the potty where I used to put my stacks of toilet paper and I have to say, DOUBLE WOW!!! I will NEVER go back to using TP again! I do only use it for the pee pee, but still…WOW!!! I have even thought about how I can take cloth along in my purse and use when I go into town if I need to pee. I have also shared this with my bestest buddy and she thought is was a sensational idea and is going to try it herself! I also figure I am saving about $300 a year on the purchase of paper AND the cost of sucking out the septic tank every other year because of the paper in the tank. I also feel drier and cleaner! If you can get over the “ICK” factor, give it a try! You just might like it!
Danielle Adams
Brilliant! We have been off paper towels since we started cloth diapering years ago! I needed something to do with all those microfiber inserts and they make great reusable paper towels. Why I never thought to do this in our bathroom is beyond me. I will blame “mommy brain.” Haha! Well, you changed my life. Thanks. No more TP for us. Waste of money.
Caitlyn
My mom doesn’t want me doing this because she thinks it’s not sanitary… I don’t know how to respond to that though because I think it’s a great idea and I already use the cloth menstrual pads…
Jenn Pratt
I use a wet/dry hanging bag for my pee/poo cloths. I put a drop of tea tree oil in the wash cycle. I also use vinegar and baking soda to strip them. Hanging them outside in sunlight to dry also helps. Check out the facts on these mentioned cleaners…they are BETTER then bleach!! If you arm yourself with knowledge, you will know what to say to anyone who “poo-poos” this fabulous and environmentally kinder way of living. Also, essential oil blends like Dö Terra’s On Guard may interest you.
DEBORAH
Very interesting stuff girls. I am going to try it.
If I still had kids at home I would not. I’d be afraid they might drop some into the toilet and cause me a plumbers bill.
I also care for my 82 year old mom. I will not even try to teach her about it as she may forget and clog up the toilet. I like this idea and will try it.But only for myself alone.
I will start making some cloth reusable wipes . I will use for the # 1 goes first Then work my way up to using for both. I am past my period stage in life so no problem there.
I agree CHANGE is often Strange but important. Thank You for your candid and honest artical.
Diana M Jamerson
I too have an 82 yo mom living with me and she uses the guest bathroom. I would not try to teach her something new, it would be an accident in the plumbing just waiting to happen. BUT, I am going to do this for myself in the Master Bath. I used cloth diapers for all 3 of my children, so I think I can pick back up on the routine pretty quickly, especially with it just being me.
Tori
First, thank you so much for the well written and interesting article. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to read an article published on the Internet minus blatant spelling and grammatical errors. I was beginning to think that no writers ever proof their own writing anymore whatsoever. That alone kept my attention for the entire article! I may very well give this a try. I used cloth diapers when my children were babies so why not? If for no other reason, TP is WAY too expensive these days!
kathy
It’s definitely a learning curve. I’ve found that smaller is better, but don’t cut them too small because they will shrink in the wash. 8 x 8 inches is a good start. Wash them before use, because I find that brand new unwashed cloth is too slick and doesn’t “pick up” well, at the risk of TMI. It gets slightly coarser in the wash, but not rough. I live by myself, so no need to worry about sharing. I wash them out in the sink in hot water after use, before washing them in the washing machine.
Carole
LOVE using my homemade portable bidet bottle [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16GvzWPDVDU] to spray/wash off urine, and then wipe dry with the cloths made from old cotton T shirts and exercise pants that needed recycling anyway! Love the softness of the cloths and feeling so much cleaner! 30 month old granddaughter loves using them too! Used cloths go into a covered 1.5 gal covered plastic jar with water and a bit of baking soda or vinegar. Rinse and then wash the clothes with the towels in soap and bleach water, line dry. They stay soft, the edges roll and do not fray.
Use homemade [disposable] baby wipes for solid waste instead of toilet paper. Intestinal parasites passed in the stool can be symptomless, yet affect a major portion of the population in this subtropical country.
Tabitha
Interesting. I didn’t think my husband would go for it so we have a bidet device on the toilet. This saves me a bunch on TP, from the man bum-cleansing towels, nasty briefs, and stinky bottom kids. Love the bidet except we have hard water so i have to de-scale it so the jets tuck away as designed.
Family cloth doesnt seem like much more work since cleaning and keeping the bidet device fully functional requires effort.