What To Do When There Is No Toilet Paper

We will all experience an unfortunate event when there is no toilet paper after using the toilet. It is an embarrassing moment, and we often blame ourselves for not checking if there is any toilet paper BEFORE doing our business. Anyways, here are some things you can do if you run out of toilet paper.

Think outside the box

• Use a bidet or a portable bidet. A bidet is a device that sprays water to clean the bottom after using the toilet. It is a more hygienic and environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper. If you don’t have a bidet, you can buy a portable bidet that attaches to your toilet.
• Use the wet wipes. Wet wipes are a disposable option that can be used to clean the bottom after using the toilet. However, wet wipes are not flushable, so you will need to throw them away in the trash. In many malls, wet wipes are available next to the toilet paper compartment.
• Use newspaper or magazines. Newspaper and magazines can be used as a toilet paper substitute immediately. However, they are not as soft as toilet paper and can be scratchy. Also be careful to using newspaper as the ink can be easily transferred to your skin.
• Use a washcloth or rag. A washcloth or rag can be used to clean the bottom after using the toilet. After you are done, wash the washcloth or rag in soapy water and hang it to dry.
• Use a sock. A sock can be used as a toilet paper substitute in a last-ditch effort. It is not the most sanitary option but ruining your socks is a far cheaper options than running a good pair of pants.
• Use the toilet seat covers. The materials used in toilet seat covers, which are found in almost every public toilet these may not be absorbent or cotton soft, but they can still do the job as a toilet paper substitute. Use them!

Toilet paper substitute skincare tips

• Be gentle. Don’t scrub too hard, as this can irritate your skin. Remember many of the substitute items aren’t made for wiping delicate areas of your body.
• Rinse well. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any traces of urine or feces.
• Dry the area. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or towel or your sock.

Head straight back to your hotel or accommodation

When is all said and done, head straight back to your hotel or accommodation.  From here you would want to take a full bath or shower to properly clean yourself. Use bathing soap as well to get rid of the wet wipes chemical you may expose your skin to. If you are carrying some sort of bag with you, put in some toilet paper sheets into your bag for emergency purposes. This includes your camera bag or even the empty pockets of your pants. Remember, to be thoughtful of others, and always make sure you smell decently especially when you’re a guest traveling in another country.

If you ever find yourself in that situation where this is no toilet paper, relax and use the tips found in this article to get you through this situation as calmly as possible. Remember part of traveling and living in general is to problem solve and to overcome life’s obstacles.

Note: Some of the suggestions above requires you to have a friend or to work with someone to gather materials. Also, to have these items available near you.