This article talks about using water as an alternative to toilet paper. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, people are stocking up on their groceries and household items to avoid going out. As a result, several items are out of stock, and one of them is toilet paper. Finding a roll of toilet paper is not that easy at the moment.

So, what do you do if you run out of toilet paper? What is the best alternative that you can use? One of the best options is water, mainly because you have easy access to it. Using water is also considered the simplest way to clean your butt. Moreover, as compared to other alternatives, using water is cheaper and more hygienic.

If you have run out of toilet paper and there is nowhere else to buy, there is no need to panic. We have provided a few tips on how to use water as an alternative to toilet paper. There are different methods of cleaning yourself using water. Below is an overview of the various methods that you can use.

Use a Bidet

The bidet is a toilet that features an extendable wand or arm that comes out at the touch of a button and is a great alternative to toilet paper. It will squirt warm and clean water. Some models come with remote controls, while others have a blast of warm air to dry you off.

Bidets have a small nozzle located at the center rear of the toilet, aiming at the anus. You can control the nozzle using the small tap placed within hand reach near the toilet.

You can have a bidet installed at your home. They can be a bit expensive, but you can also choose to add a bidet-like function to your existing toilet rather than purchasing a new one.

Types of Bidet

There are many types of bidet that you can choose from which includes freestanding bidets, handheld bidets, built-in bidets, and warm water bidets. They are becoming popular because of their benefits and many households are installing one in their bathroom. You can choose one according to your preferences and needs. Check out the different types of bidets below.

Handheld Bidet

Also called a bidet sprayer or a bidet shower, this type of bidet comes with a nozzle that stays attached to the toilet. Handheld bidets are manually placed near your bottom after using the toilet. With this bidet, you can be able to control the positioning of the water sprayer.

Freestanding Bidet

This type of bidet is considered traditional. They look like a large low sink and are usually placed next to the regular toilet. These types of bidets can also be filled with water that rises to the surface of the bowl and can also feature jets.

Built-in Bidet

This type of bidet is a toilet that is designed with a bidet feature. After flushing the built-in bidet, it can automatically disperse a vertical stream of water to cleanse you.

Warm Water Bidet

This can either be a free-standing, built-in or with a sprayer attachment. The bidet can have a built-n water warmer that provides a warm spray of water to your bottom when using it, or it can be hooked up to the hot water pipe system.

How to Use a Bidet

There are different types of bidets and different ways to use them. For instance, you can sit or straddle a freestanding bidet to clean yourself after using the toilet. On the other hand, you can control the placement of a handheld bidet for more convenient use. Make sure that you check out how to use the different types of bidet so that you can choose the one which you are most comfortable using.

How to Use a Freestanding Bidet

You can either sit or straddle the freestanding bidet. See to it that you position yourself over the jet of the bidet. Turn the knobs to release cold or hot water. You can also move your position so that you can be able to wash the parts that you would like to clean. Take note that some standalone bidets do not have jets. To use them, you need to fill the basin with water and use your hands to lap water to clean yourself. Freestanding or standalone bidets are the original bidets. They are typically made from ceramic and also resemble a toilet without a reservoir or a lid. These bidets are positioned next to the toilet. You can also check out this article titled, why is toilet paper bad? We have shared an inp-depth discussion about the topic.

How to Use a Handheld Bidet Sprayer

These types of bidets are connected to the water source of your toilet and work the same as a sprayer that you can have in your garden or kitchen sink. To use this type of bidet, grab the sprayer while sitting on the toilet and point to the area that you want to clean. Squeeze the handle to release the water. Water and debris should go into the toilet. The good thing about this type of bidet is that you can adjust the amount of water pressure according to your preferences.

✅ Video – Cheapest, Cleanest, Most Minimal No-Toilet Paper System

The video below is a discussion about a no-toilet paper system. According to the video’s sharer, it is the cheapest and cleanest way to use the toilet. She demonstrates how to use the bidet after using the toilet. If you are running out of toilet paper and searching for other alternatives, watch the video for more tips and information on how to use a bidet.

Invest in Toilet Showers

The toilet shower is another alternative for toilet paper. It is otherwise known as the health faucet, the bidet shower, or the bum gun. Toilet showers are located on the right side of the toilet, where it is easy to reach.

Toilet showers are more convenient because when you squeeze the trigger, a high-pressure jet of water comes out, directed to where you need it. Moreover, you can adjust the water pressure. They are hygienic because there is no need to use your hands to clean.

You can install a bidet shower in your toilet. Ask your contractor about the best kind of bidet shower that would suit the features and structure of your existing toilet.

Why do You Need a Toilet Shower?

One of the reasons why you need to have a toilet shower in your bathroom is that it is often thought of as a more hygienic and hands-free way to clean yourself. Toilet showers feature self-cleaning functions which are easy to use.

More Hygienic

Water is an important part of any cleaning ritual and the same goes for when using the toilet. Washing with water is considered a more effective and also long-lasting way of cleaning. Water can be able to remove more germs and bacteria as compared to toilet paper.

Comfortable

Using water is also a gentler and soothing way to clean yourself after using the toilet. It will leave you feeling fresh and clean as compared to when using toilet paper. Toilet paper can cause skin irritation and rashes and can also aggravate itchiness. On the other hand, some toilet showers are equipped with additional comfort-enhancing functions like adjustable water temperature, odor purification, and a heated seat that will make you feel more comfortable.

Sustainable

Toilet showers are also sustainable because they can help reduce the amount of toilet paper which will benefit the environment. A single roll of toilet paper uses 37 gallons of water to manufacture. When using a bidet, toilet paper usage is reduced by 75% which is an ideal paperless solution to cleaning yourself.

Saves Space

One of the common concerns of homeowners when installing a bidet is that there is not enough space in their bathroom for the fixture. The easy solution would be to install a toilet shower. There are toilet showers that are designed to be wall-hung. This will save you a lot of flooring space. Moreover, other models can be easily installed in place of your existing toilet because they do not need an electrical connection.

Good for Plumbing

Using toilet paper can be bad for your plumbing system because it can cause clogged pipes and drains. These problems can be expensive to fix. Toilet showers will lessen the risk of plumbing issues because it reduces the need for toilet paper.

The Water Bottle Method

Another method that you can do when you run out of toilet paper is to use water bottles. It is a simple way to clean your butt. A 500 ml bottle is enough for cleaning. You can also use this method when you are using public toilets. Water bottles are readily available, and you can always carry one with you.

Using your non-dominant hand, clean your butt thoroughly. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water. For extra safety, you can also practice the habit of not touching food with your non-dominant hand.

The bottle water method is also great for emergencies like going to a public restroom, and there is no toilet paper available. If you are carrying a water bottle in your bag, you can use that to clean yourself.

✅ Video – Easy DIY Squirt Bottle in 2 Minutes

In the video below, you can watch a demonstration on how to do a DIY squirt bottle. An ordinary bottle is used for the tutorial. You need to poke a hole under the cap of the bottle. Make sure that you poke a hole at an angle so that the water will squirt upwards when you turn the bottle upside down. It is a great solution if you are running out of toilet paper at home or traveling. Check out the video for the DIY tutorial.

The Lota

This water vessel resembles a teapot with its elegant handle and spout. The lota is traditionally made from polished copper or brass but is now made in plastic. It is a great alternative if there is no toilet paper available.

Use the lota, hold it on its handle, and point it towards your bottom to clean yourself. It is a more convenient alternative as compared to a water bottle because it has a handle.

You can purchase a lota from online stores. There are many styles and colors that you can choose from. You can choose from a wide range of available prices. Use it temporarily while toilet paper is out of stock.

How to Use a Lota

There are many ways to use the lota. You can either pout it down your backside so that you can get a stream of water in the area that you would like to clean. Another method is to slightly wet a piece of paper to create a moist wipe.

Introducing The Tabo

The tabo is a small plastic cup used to scoop water. It is commonly used in the Philippines and is traditionally made from coconut and bamboo. Now, the tabo is made from plastic.

The tabo has a handle and often comes with a bucket of water. Using the tabo, pour water over your bottom until you are satisfied that it is clean. As compared to a toilet shower, there is less pressure coming from the tabo, and you will be required to touch your bottom to clean it. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet.

You can create a tabo by using a cup or any item with a handle. Make sure that you have a bucket with enough water to use. The tabo is a great alternative to cleaning yourself if there is no toilet paper available.

✅ Video – How to Use a Tabo

In the video below, the many uses of tabo are discussed. A tabo is used to scoop water when taking a bath. It is a necessary item in any Filipino bathroom. The tabo is also used as a substitute for toilet paper. For more information about the many uses of the tabo and how it makes a great substitute for toilet paper, watch the video below.

✅ Video – I Use Tabo | “Swalla” Jason Derulo Filipino Parody

Below is a Filipino parody of Jason Derulo’s song, which shows the importance of using the tabo for Filipinos. The tabo, also called a dipper, is an essential item found in every Filipino home. It is used in all kinds of household chores for scooping water. A tabo is vital in a Filipino bathroom because it is used as an alternative to toilet paper. Watch the video below, sing along, and have fun while learning about the tabo.

Is Water More Hygienic than Toilet Paper?

Toilet paper is dry and cannot clean your body in the same way as compared to water. Moreover, using toilet paper can also result in skin irritation and there is always residue left behind. On the other hand, water is commonly known as the universal solvent and is proven to be very effective in cleaning every part of the body.

How do You Use Water Instead of Toilet Paper?

There are a lot of ways to incorporate the use of water in your bathroom. The bidet is among the most popular alternative for toilet paper. On the other hand, if you do not have a built-in system like a bidet, you can also purchase a small container like a measuring cup or bottle with a spout. You can also install a handheld bidet that you can attach to your toilet. Check out this article titled, cultures that don’t use toilet paper. We have discussed which culture does not use toilet paper and why.

Why Use Water?

The cheapest and safest alternative to cleaning your bottom is using plain water. It is also hygienic because water will thoroughly remove all poop residues from your butt. If you are worried about touching the poop, you can add soap to the water, but it is not essential.

Using other alternatives like paper and cloth and flushing them down the drain can clog your toilet. Moreover, it can also cause a sewage problem. Water is also readily available, and you do not have to search the whole house to look for something to wipe your bottom.

Is it Hygienic?

Yes, using water to wash your bottom is hygienic. Not only that, but it is also gentler to use water than toilet paper. Using water creates less friction against the skin. No matter how soft the toilet paper is, you still need to scrub it against your anus, and it can cause friction that can harm your anus. Moreover, wiping your bottom with toilet paper will not clean the area well, and there is still some poop residue in there.

Is it Better to Wipe or Wash?

According to Dr. Evan Goldstein, a rectal surgeon in New York City, washing with water is the ideal way to clean after using the bathroom. He explained that wiping your bottom using toilet paper can cause injury. According to him, the skin on the anus is delicate and thin. Also, toilet paper can be abrasive, and wiping many times can lead to painful tears and bleeding. Water is gentler and will thoroughly clean your bottom.

Conclusion

Water is not only a simple and easy way to clean your bottom, but it is also more hygienic. So if you found yourself running out of toilet paper, there is no need to run into the nearest store. Also, if toilet paper runs out of stock, there is no need to panic. Cleaning your bottom using water can be uncomfortable at first, especially if you lived your whole life using toilet paper.

However, many people from many countries are doing it, and eventually, you will get used to it as well. Besides, this is just a temporary solution until toilet papers are in stock again. Thank you for reading!