« On family cloth »
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 3:25AM Family cloth is reusable cloth toilet paper. You don't need to leave my blog running with your hands over your ears, it really is very sanitary.
Our consumption of papers products is out of control. And for me, toilet paper was really easy to cut back on, because you are literally flushing it down the drain. What better motivation do you need for your hard earned money. We buy more responsible toilet paper, and we use it. We use it for bowel movements, I'm just not that into dealing with solid waste right yet.
About a year ago I started a small fabric scrap stash. I used old t-shirts, towels, socks, etc. Cut them into pieces and sewed the edges to avoid massive fraying (would love a serger). The first few washes the fabric frayed and I would cut it off. It has since stopped(you could also fold top stitch but I found it too fussy for a tiny piece of fabric). I put them into a basket and and folded them, so lovely. Something so satisfying about these pretty little pieces folded and waiting. Small baby facecloths you can buy in a pack would also be perfect, if you are not crafty, and many parents have these all over the place anyways.
Each time I'm doing a bit of sewing, I will make a few more cloths. They are easy to whip up, but boring. I wouldn't enjoying sitting sewing bum wipes for long.
To store the dirty ones, I have a small fabric bag hung in the washroom. I place the wet ones in this bag, and after 3-4 days, toss them into the washer, including the bag. Wash on hot/warm. They come out perfect. I use them when I'm menstruating as well, these ones I toss into the shower to rinse before putting them into the same bag. It isn't necessary at all, but this is what I am comfortable with.
When we have to buy toilet paper, it really pains me, because it is so expensive. Family cloth is a real motivation to keep at it.
We use the same wipes for blowing noses, wiping off make-up, and for little spills. They are great to have on hand.
Frugal/Green Living 
Reader Comments (15)
We use family cloth (although also not for bowel movements...yet. I'm tired of crappy toilet paper!) I cloth diaper, so it's easy to throw it in the wash with the diapers.
People freak out if the subject ever comes up. Good for you for writing about it.
People are weird about tiny dribbles of pee. :)
(@tothewestside)
I have found I get less UTI's using cloth also, and that is a real bonus.
sorry for such a long post :)
Cloth wipes take up a tiny about of my laundry too, way less than one t-shirt. But, I also work out of home.
@Natasha
I meant to write about how my UTI's seem to have vanished! I used to get a horrible UTI every 6 months or so, haven't had one in over a year. The pain of a UTI alone is reason to switch, according to me :)
@ Valerie you don't have to know how to sew. cut up old t-shirts won't fray. i just cut up old towels, t-towels, whatever can no longer be used & turn them into 'family cloths' i never have trouble with fraying. give it a try :)