The current COVID-19 pandemic has led to a very strange phenomenon where toilet paper (affectionately known as ‘loo roll’ in the UK) seems to be the first thing that people are panic buying.
It almost boggles the mind as to how a respiratory illness from China can cause the stores in the US to sell out all their toilet paper in hours. Panic can make people illogical and selfish.
On an interesting note, there’s a website online that online that will calculate how long your existing supply of toilet paper will last. You can see it here: https://howmuchtoiletpaper.com/
The only possible explanation for all the hoarding is that people are afraid that the pandemic will be a protracted situation, and they’ll be left without any more toilet paper.
While this is hardly likely because there are no production hiccups and supply chains are still strong, you may encounter a situation where you can’t buy toilet paper because the store shelves are empty.
You may be running low or have completely run out, and now you’re really in a sticky situation.
So, what do you do?
- Bidets
The most difficult hurdle to overcome will be to shift your mindset. It’s also the easiest way to deal with the toilet paper shortage.
Millions of people in Europe, Asia, etc. use bidets to clean up after defecation.
A spray of water is delivered directly to the bottom and cleans the area more pristinely. It’s more hygienic than toilet paper and its hassle-free.
You’ll not need any toilet paper when water is your friend.
Americans who are not used to this practice and can’t even fathom the idea of using a ‘bum gun’ to clean themselves will be hesitant to try it out.
Do give it a try and you may never look back. Tough times call for improvisation and adaptation.
Rather than spending hours in queues or jostling with other people just to get toilet paper, you could easily purchase a bidet from Amazon and install it in your house. Problem solved.
- Wet wipes
This is another alternative to toilet paper. There are two problems here. Firstly, these may be sold out too. Secondly, flushing wet wipes down your toilet may clog the plumbing. I would not recommend flushing wipes but disposing of those just like you would a diaper wipe, in the bathroom trash. Thrown out daily , this can be effective and sanitary and you won’t worry about possible plumbing problems.
If your toilet gets clogged, you’ll need to find a plumber to fix the problem and during these times of self-isolation, that will be a bigger chore than usual.
Some people may hoard baby wipes as toilet paper substitute. This is not recommended because babies NEED those wipes too, since their skin is softer and more sensitive. Be thoughtful even when times are tough.
- Fast food napkins
Sometimes you just have to think out of the box. Fast food outlets usually provide paper napkins with their meals. Buy a Happy Meal and voila! You’re now the proud owner of some McToiletpaper.
- Rags/ old clothes
If you have old clothing that really are not fit for even a thrift store such as those with fading or holes, these can be cut or torn and used in times of great need.
- Paper products
There are several other types of paper that you could re as toilet paper. You could use, kleenex, dinner napkins, party napkins or even gift bag tissue paper.
Be sure to discard the used ‘toilet paper’ in the trash and NOT FLUSH it down because your plumbing will probably get clogged.
- Sanitary pads and/or handiwipes/dishwipes
Feminine hygiene products may be sold out, but if all you can get your hands on are sanitary pads, those can be used as toilet paper too.
Once again, none of these products should be flushed down your toilet because they do NOT break down like toilet paper, and will clog the sewer lines.
These are extreme measures, and we’ve not reached a situation where you’re living off-grid or in the wilderness. The store shelves will be restocked and many supermarkets have instituted quotas on the essential items to prevent hoarding.
Your best bet during this time will be to use a bidet and get through the shortage until the situation returns to a relative state of normalcy. Rest assured that it will happen soon.
