Are you running low on toilet paper, or maybe you want to reduce your paper waste, Family Cloth may be the option you were looking for.
(Updated March 2020)
Simple living takes many different forms. Clearing the clutter, embracing old-fashioned habits, and reducing waste are all aspects of simple living.
One way to reduce our waste is to switch from disposable products to reusable. That might look like using cloth napkins, cloth diapers, using wool dryer balls, cloth “paper” towels, or cloth feminine care products.
We’ve gone over all of those in our “So Long Disposables, Hello Cloth” series. Now we have come to the final way to reduce our use of disposables.
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for or maybe dreading. Today we are talking about another extra special type of cloth. Drum roll please, today is family cloth day!!!! To put it simply, cloth TP, toilet paper you know the stuff you wipe…..
Yes folks, cloth toilet paper. Today is also the day when some of my family and friends, will think that I have completely lost it. Of course, I waited to broach this topic about it until I am currently visiting said family. Nothing like perfect timing….For those that are curious, no I don’t bring my cloth with me and yes I miss it.
Don’t forget to check out my interview with three of my blogging friends about their experience with family cloth!
How I Got Started
Several years ago I wrote a post on How to Waste Less. One of the topics I discussed was cloth pads. One of my readers commented that she used cloth pads, diapers, and family cloth.
I was sitting around the table with two of my good friends. I asked them what the thought of it. Needless to say, they were grossed out. (Hey there Michelle, yup I caved!) I tried to act like I wasn’t completely intrigued but honestly, deep down I was.
I had already committed to cloth pads and planned to use cloth diapers with my future kids so really it just made sense.
I mulled over it for a couple of years then, after talking to my friend Mare of Just Making Noise, I took the plunge.
I think that is how it is with most new things, we just need a little encouragement.
Family Cloth Essentials
- Reuseable Cloths
- Wet Bag or Bucket
- Laundry Detergent
- Washing Machine
The Nitty Gritty Details
In the US, toilet paper was not widely used until the late 1800s or early 1900s. People used cloth, old Sears Roebucks Magazines, leaves, or whatever they had on hand.
From a health perspective, it just makes sense. Toilet paper is bleached and full of chemicals just like pads and diapers. Some brands even have wax and perfume added.
Cloth, in my opinion, is softer, more luxurious, and cleaner. Some people prefer to wet their cloth. I normally use mine dry. I love that I only have to use one cloth to be clean. When it’s “that time of the month” clean up is so much nicer and gentler on those more sensitive areas.
From a money-saving perspective, it makes sense as well. Think about how much toilet paper you got through in a month. It doesn’t amount of laundry to the wash. I have never heard of anyone washing family cloth by itself. All it is is some tiny cloths added to whatever you were already washing.
From a stewardship perspective, I have read that the average American uses more than 50 lbs of toilet paper per year. That is 50% more than in other Western countries. One tree produces about 100 lbs of toilet paper. Imagine how many trees we use to wipe ourselves in a lifetime!
From convenience’s sake, think about how nice it will be to never have to drive to the store again to by toilet paper last minute when you forgot to pick some up. If for some reason you forgot to wash your family cloth in time cut up another rag or two to tide you over till you can wash your stash.
How To Get Started
Select Your Cloth
You can use just about any kind of cloth you want. If you want/can afford to there are lots of cute family cloths on Etsy. I bought a few packs of baby washcloths and cut up some of my larger washcloths I was using anymore.
You can cut up old shirts, towels, whatever you have on hand. If you have a sewing machine it is nice to hem them but not necessary. You can also make your own from flannel or fleece.
As a single person, I probably keep about 40 on hand, which lasts me about a week before I need to wash them. One of the great things is that I only need to use one square each time.
Storage
Clean Cloth
I keep my clean cloth in a small basket next to the toilet. My guests are welcome to use it if they want but I keep a roll of toilet paper out as well.
Dirty Cloth
I keep a small pail by the toilet and toss my used cloth in it. In Mexico, most people throw toilet paper away because the septic systems are strong enough to handle it. So for me it’s no different. Most people opt for a trash can with a lid or a cloth bag. Since I am going to have a room-mate again this year I switching to a bag.
Washing
I wash my family cloth once or twice a week whenever I do a load of towels. Most families who have babies in cloth diapers just throw the family cloth in the wash at the same time.
Most people use prefer to wash on a hot or sanitation cycle. I only have cold water so I just add a little extra white vinegar to the wash to kill bacteria and germs.
Rarely does family cloth stain. The only time I have experienced this is when I wait longer than I should to wash. If it does I’m alright with it, after all, it’s just being used as TP.
How about you? Do you use family cloth? If you don’t would you consider using it?
This post in part of Wildcrafting Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday,
Forgot to mention that those “microfiber” cloths are not soft clothes, they are made for cleaning/scouring hard things and may be rough on tender parts. Especially when someone is having the runs. At times like that, I would seriously rinse before putting in the “used” bucket.
Also forgot: my trash bucket for used cloths is clearly marked: “NOT TRASH”.
I have been thinking about changing to family cloths for a while. I finally did it about a month ago. I started just using some of my face cloths, folded in quarters. I got a package of facecloths from Walmart and just cut them in half [will have to go back and “pink” them as I didn’t have pinking shears then]. I think they could be folded in thirds as I find the facecloths folded in quarters just a bit thick.
I have REALLY saved a ton of money and space not using paper TP. I use a small trash can with a swinging cover for the used ones and have had no odor problems. I’ve been thinking about using them for poo too and came up with this concept: Say you have some gas and release it. Later you find out it wasn’t :just” gas and now there is a mark on your undies. What do you do – throw them out or just wash them and use them again?
I would wash and reuse. I have used white vinegar in my laundry [and dishes] for many years now, so I was not worried. I think if you think of the family cloths used on #2 as a pair of panties with a “hash” mark it would be easier for the change-over.
One thing that might help families deal with it is to track how much is spent on TP for 1 month. Then the change-over. Then take that amount of money and but it into a jar/piggy bank. After a few months, get together and count the money. Then celebrate!! Besides most folks don’t realize exactly how much money is spent to be flushed down the drain. And if you are on a septic system, you won’t have to find a TP that is compatible.
I LOVE that undies comparison! Putting money in a jar and watching your savings grow is brilliant as well!
There is a definite learning curve. I found that baby washcloths work best for me, because they are soft and they also “pick up” very well. Or cut up cloth diapers, but baby washcloths are the perfect size and no cutting required.
That’s what I like to use as well.
I’m kind of amazed at the fact that everyone’s male counterparts seem to be having trouble with this. Aren’t we supposed to be the squeamish ones? lol. My hubby has been on cloth for 2-3 years now, as he had a sensitivity issue that even the flushable wipes wouldn’t help with. He simply wets a washcloth in warm water and uses it as he would TP. That being said, as he is a foot trimmer (for cows) he does have his own bathroom that also serves as a mud room for him. He just throws his wipes into the same basket with his dirty clothes, a tiny amount of human feces with all that cow manure is completely un-noticeable. I use normal detergent, but hot water for his laundry. Those for the kids and I are the cloth diaper wipes that have retired since the baby potty trained. We use the same pail for the wipes we had for the cloth diapers (or a small basket by the toilet in the other bathroom) So far we are still using flush-able moist wipes for #2, so our family cloth is just washed with all the other laundry. I am looking to switch to just family cloth, and save the expense of the disposable wipes.
I hope you are able to soon!
When my babies were in diapers, I used a diaper sprayer to spray out the dirty cloth diapers. My children are all out of diapers now, so the diaper sprayer is getting a second life as a bidet! I first tried using a bidet and drying off with a couple of squares of toilet paper. The bidet is super effective and that worked well, so we graduated to using the bidet to clean after #2 and drying with the cloth wipes. Since we’re not really using the cloth wipes to clean, but rather just to dry after washing with water, they’re very easy to wash.
We keep the used wipes in a lidded small garbage can next to the toilet and wash them with a load of similar items (towels, etc.) on a hot water cycle every few days.
Super easy, nearly free, and light years better than toilet paper! My husband has been complaining about the fact that he has to go without a bidet at work. The water wash and cloth dry method cleans us much better than toilet paper. My 8 year old also complains that when he’s out and about and has to use just toilet paper, he ends up using a lot just to get cloth. I also find using only toilet paper pretty ineffective now and will often usually wet the toilet paper or use a wet paper towel for cleaning when I’m away from home.
I’ve also noticed that my household supply budget has been able to decrease since we made the switch.
We rent currently and when we buy a house, we’re definitely installing a bidet there!
I never even thought of that! Thank you for sharing!
Brave woman, lol. I tried that, but couldn’t handle the cold water!!
I do the something similar . Use an empty dish soap bottle for a bidet to clean up with water while on the toilet .Any cloth used would be only for drying , but since I’m at home alot I just follow number two with a shower instead of cloth. Learned this from my Indian spiritual master over
30 years ago. Haven’t needed toilet paper since, except for guests since were in the USA
What a great article and conversation to follow. I am sitting up in the wee hours with an irritation to my privates that I only today linked to the toilet paper I use. I usually loose track of things I want to look up online when I am away from my computer, but… today I typed in allergy to toilet paper… and realized that it is a thing! holy hanna… its a thing… the bleach and formaldehyde are two culprits used in making TP that can cause irritation. I already make my own laundry soap… my own menstral pads… I react to any kind of pad, but had never connected my itchiness to the TP… i thought I had won the battle with the costco brand of toilet paper only to have them change the product about 3 months ago… So tonight I sat down looking for alternatives… your article is great… so obviouos… but i clearly needed it spelled out for my sanity sake… so this week, I will prepare myself for the transition… I will come back and update you on my progress… specifically getting my husband on board! thanks for your effort in writing this article.
I hope it helps!
I really want to switch to family cloth…my boyfriend said he’s be ok with it too, the only problem is that we’re living in the school dormitory right now with shared bathroom and I just can’t imagine how I would store the dirty cloths…I’m already using cloth pads, but that’s different because I can always take a clean one from my room and I rinse the used ones a little, then let them dry and put them in the laundry basket with our laundry…but with family cloth it would be different… any ideas how to do it? or should I just wait to get out of school before making the switch?
If you really want to switch could you carry a small bucket back and forth? That sounds like a lot of effort though. I could see it being possible if it is just a bathroom shared between two rooms.
Cloth diapering sites sell wet bags of various sizes, some even have snaps to connect to each other or separate compartments in the bag so one side could have clean wipes and the other hold the dirty. Just a thought! We have been using family cloth since our oldest was a babe, obviously we transitioned because of his cloth diapers (I thought if it is good enough for him, why have I never considered it for me?!), and we won’t ever go back. =) Actually, we eventually even started taking some family cloth when we visit family, because we missed it so much. HA!
Thanks for the wet bag tip! That’s awesome that you travel with it! 🙂
A cloth diaper wet bag would be ideal. This is how we store dirty cloth diapers, baby wipes and my mama cloth (when necessary) while we are out.
Yes, it is perfect!
I really have to say, I’m SO intrigued by this whole post, as well as some of the comments. I’ve been trying to think of a way to get away from toilet paper for years, and honestly, never would have thought of this.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, even if it is considered TMI by some. I will have to give it some more thought, but at least I know it’s an option that is out there now.
You’re welcome!
I was just wandering if you use water for rinsing…because in this part of the world we always use soap and water to rinse after, so that you can just use the towel to dry yourself afterwards, that will keep your towel clean…and usable for one whole day 🙂
Nope, just the cloth.
we grew up doing this.
Do you still do it now?
Borax is also a great disinfectant. I use it regularly in my laundry.
Great tip!
We use an empty diaper pail to store the used cloths. Makes it easy to control any smell (which, to be honest, I’ve never even noticed), keeps the baby from being “curious” with the dirty ones, keeps the dog out, keeps them out of sight, and is easy to haul down to the basement and dump in the washer. I highly recommend it. I picked one up off a local swap for $3. For cloth, we had a cotton hospital blanket (the white ones they use in the emergency room) that they let my little girl bring home when she was sick and cold. I cut the whole thing into cloths and surged the edges. They have lasted us almost TWO YEARS and are still in amazing shape. We save about $25.00 a week with five of us using them. My husband and children never quite caught on that you don’t need three yards of toilet paper every time you wipe. It has been a fantastic transition! It only took a week for my germaphobe family to be OK with it. After all, toilet paper never gets you 100%clean and we all wear underwear :/
You brought a smile to my face Christina! So true, we all wear underwear! 🙂 What a great idea using the hospital blanket. I love that you brought up the savings, so many think that it’s not going to save them anything.
For anyone that doesnt care to sew but wants their woven cloth to last many washings, I’d recommend picking up a pair of “pinking sheers” to cut the clothes with.
Good idea!
I bought some lint free dish clothes, the ones that are not supposed to leave fibers behind and cut them into 4 pieces. They do not seem to stain, even thru menses. My sink is right next to my toilet, so I rinse each time. My husband has not been too keen on the bucket next to the toilet yet, but my two girls will use the cloths. The glass cleaning cloths work nice, they are micro fiber and when you cut them up, they don’t ravel out. We bought a bunch of them cheap at the Auto parts store. A soak in Peroxide will clean them up good too.
I hadn’t thought of that, good idea!
I still don’t know what you do to wash off the chunks of poop?
I don’t, but there normally aren’t chunks of poop (for me at least). I just throw them in the bucket I put my used cloth in. Some people add water and vinegar to their buckets to loosen anything that might be stuck on the cloth. Everything washes out in the washing machine. Sometimes the cloth stains if you wait too long to wash the cloths. I hope that helps.
Thank you , I was waiting for someone to get around to that. I remember when I used cloth
Diapers years ago. I was taught to empty the poop into the toilet bowl oe swig the diaper
in the bowl then drop it into the diaper pail.
I’m so excited about this idea. Since I live in a rural area and somewhat remote, I try to keep certain necessities on hand in case there is a disruption in supply for whatever reason.
In my preparedness preparation, toilet paper is an area which I didn’t have a good long term solution for. When I came across this article, I thought there’s my solution.
I had some flannel I was going to use for cloth pads, but had since found another type of fabric I liked better. I almost put the flannel in a yard sale several times because it was taking up so much space in my fabric drawer.
I cut the flannel to size and was able to make 140 family cloths. Two stacks fit neatly into a basket I had on hand. I was amazed on how little space they take up.
I still have to sew them and work out my laundry routine since I don’t have super-hot water and I can’t use bleach because we’re on a septic tank. So I won’t be using them for poo wipes until I have some experience to see what works best for me.
If anyone is concerned about germs, add a cup or two of pine-sol to them when you wash. Even if you wash in cold water the pine-sol will kill the germs. Do an extra rinse- some washers (mine) has a extra rinse setting. If you’re doesn’t, just wash a second time to get off any detergent and pine-sol residue that may be left behind. Vinegar would work too, it’s acidic, therefore would kill bacteria. No liquid fabric softener, or dryer sheets. I have found some wipes on Etsy that I really like. They’re made for babies, but great for people of all ages! Single ply or double ply are available.
I use vinegar. I’ve never had worries about them being germ riddled but so many are! Thanks for sharing your tips!
It’s always great to do what works best for you! I’ve found that vinegar and cold water do the job of cleaning them just fine!
I’ve setup a system using two small containers, one for used cloths and one as a soaker for soiled cloths. Neither will be in the bathroom for more than a day or two, since the main storage for them will be in the laundry room.
The soiled cloths will be pre-washed in a small metal container using a plunger and boiling water, then into the washer with the vinegar. That should deal with any germs and what not.
I’m not sure yet if we will be totally TP free, but in our home there will be a significant reduction of its use. So for that, I thank you.
I had big plans when I began and few went as planned.
Firstly I made my cloths before I read the directions of others. I cut my flannel folded it in half and made cloths about 5 1/2″ square. For me it’s the perfect size.
I use a plastic baby wipe container stored on the toilet tank to hold my soiled cloths. I enlarged the whole in the top of the container. I simply push the button, drop the soiled cloth in and close the lid. I stopped using a soaking solution once I dropped the container and had water all over the floor; then I realized I didn’t need to soak.
I wasn’t too keen on using the wipes for bowel movements since I have soft stools. So I re-read the comments. The rinse method seemed to be a good solution. I experimented to find a bottle small enough to get around back, with the right capacity and with an opening to produce the right pressure to get clean. I ended up using a mustard bottle, but I have my mind set on a school glue bottle that is much more flexible. I’ll see if it’s a better solution once the glue has been used up.
With the rinse method I found I was using to many wipes to dry off. One commenter suggested a dedicated towel, so now I use bar wipe towels which are smaller than a hand towel but big enough to do the job. I just hang it on a hook which is somewhat secluded beside the toilet and the wall.
I have found I don’t need any extra prep for washing my cloths; I simply wash them like any other under garments. I like the idea of the tea tree oil; it solves two problems that of germs and having the same bottle on hand for far too long. Lol
Nothing like killing two birds with one stone. 😉 Thank you for sharing your tips and experience!
A peri bottle (like the type sent home with a woman after birth) works great as a rinse bottle. You can fill it with your preferred temperature of water, and it has 4 holes in the top, giving you a spray that mimics a bidet. Also, hellotushy.com sells a bidet attachment you can put on the toilet for your rinsing needs. We have been looking into that, and saving a bit, as my husband and I are both interested in the warm water option, not straight cold. lol
Hydrogen Peroxide beats bleach in most cases and it’s not toxic. Vinegar, a few drops of tea tree oil in water is great too. Look into natural antimicrobial and find one you like.
I do that sometimes especially when I am washing my family cloth and cloth pads together. Great tip!
What about using a diaper genie for your used cloths? Any thoughts?
I think it would be more effort than it is work. I remember using a diaper genie when I worked in my church’s nursery. It uses plastic bags that get tied of when you pull it out. You would have to untie the plastic bag to wash them. I bet a regular daiper pail would work better. I just use an old gallon bucket from my coconut oil. I plan to switch to a wet bag though. 🙂
I think the diaper genie creates too much unnecessary waste. The refill plastic bags are like $6 each, possibly more. Pine-sol cleaner is a disinfectant. Just find a container with a lid, and put pine-sol solution in it to soak the soiled cloths. I do it the lazy way. I throw them in a basket or bucket as they are. No water, no nothing. Wash every couple days. They do get stained, but I don’t mind. We all know what they’re for. There is no smell involved at all. You don’t even have to touch them. Add detergent to washer, dump in cloths. Put on rubber gloves, wash bucket with one cloth, dry with another, then their those into washer too. Wash with hot water, and a downy ball full of white vinegar.
Pine-sol is not a great idea as it’s a horribly toxic chemical cocktail.
“According to The Clorox Company, the manufacturer of Pine-Sol, the ingredients of Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner include water, C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates, glycolic acid, fragrance, caramel, dimethicone/silica/PEG distearates, sodium C14-17 secondary alkyl sulfonate and xanthan gum.”
I am so sold on this idea – my husband not so much. We have eight children that I used cloth diapers on (still doing so with #8). I make cloth pads for my daughters and me. I’m thinking that I should just start by doing it for myself. I can easily toss them in the baby’s diaper pail so the laundry isn’t an issue at all. Maybe if I do it others in the family will be convinced to come on board. Can I just add that using cloth pads significantly decreased my blood loss and sickness from my periods. My oldest daughter gets a little sick for a day or two but nothing compared to what I went through as a teenager. I will never go back to disposable pads. I think I would feel the same if I started using cloth wipes for myself. I think your post has finally given me the nudge to just do it. Thanks.
I understand family not being on board, that can be a hard thing. Did you see the interview we have with three other bloggers and their experience with family cloth? They share a bit about the whole family not being a fan but how they still make it work. It’s so easy to wash with diapers, towels, ect.
That’s so awesome that cloth pads have been so helpful for you and your daughter. I LOVE my cloth pads (and menstrual cup)! It has made such a difference. I really dislike the few times when I have has to use disposable ones again. I feel the same about family cloth. I’m glad that it was a help for you!
I just started using family cloth. I do use Momma cloth and a Skoon cup. I was introduced to the idea because I cloth diapered and it opened my eyes to DUH. cloth wipes and pads lol Once you try any of it you’ll wish you done it along time ago. It sounds crazy but it’s luxurious. Thanks so much for the info.
I wish I had started using it using family cloth earlier as well!
My husband and I just started using family cloth. I wasn’t sure if we would like it so to start I just cut up an old t-shirt no one wanted and tried that first. Put some vinegar and water in a pale with a lid and we put the dirty cloth in the pale till I wash. I could not be happier. I feel cleaner, I am saving a LOT of money, and I feel better about cutting out the chemicals that are in TP. My next step will be cloth pads and diva cups. I always wanted to cloth diaper when my husband and I finally have a baby, but I was so uneducated about cloth for adults! I saw family cloth on a T.V. show and I have been hooked on the idea ever since. 🙂
I LOVE my family cloth! Right now I am moving so I can’t use it. 🙁 Cloth pads are amazing and well, so is the diva, I use them both. What TV show did you see family cloth on?
I don’t rinse, I don’t do anything special to mine. I have a small wastesbasket strictly for soiled cloths. Clean ones are kept in a small basket. I buy flannel yardage, and make them out of that. I have some that I made over a year ago that still work, although I’m making new ones now. My sewing machines are giving me problems, so I’m hand sewing them now. Right sides together, sew around 3.5 sides, flip right side out, and finish sewing the hole closed. Easy peasy. I was separately, and dry in the dryer, but will probably dry the outdoors this Spring- the sun helps bleach out any stains that might remain, just as in a cloth diaper. You don’t touch soiled cloths, just dump the whole lot in the washer and that’s it. No smell involved, I promise! I first use a wet one to clean well, and then a second one to dry. Better than toilet paper any day!
Keeping with the TMI trend, I have a corn allergy. I was having really bad reactions to TP and feminine hygiene products. I found on a blog about corn products being used in both pads and tampons, so I switched to a Luna cup and have loved it for about for years now. The reactions lessened. I would still go to the doctor thinking I had a yeast infection or an STD. None of us saw it for an allergic reaction. Fast forward through several hours of research and I found that TP had corn, but one brand of TP that was corn free. I was a happy girl for a couple years. This past year though I lost my job. When you suddenly have no income coming in you look at every penny going out differently. On top of that I started having reactions again. So last April I cut up an old towel and made some family clothes. I love them and don’t think I could ever go back to not using them again.
Not for me. I’ve tossed soiled undies from accidents from my kids & spouse. Weak stomach.
I’m just about convinced to start using family cloth. I don’t know that my husband will be on board at first, but my son will have no problem. He has sensitivity issues and as someone mentioned, this is a lot more cost friendly than a bidet.
There are bidet attachments on Amazon for about $25!
My husband was apprehensive at first, but now he tells all his guy friends how amazing it is! Lol
That’s impressive!
I haven’t used toilet paper in over 30 years, since I learned about the loda. Originating in India, it’s a bottle of water kept near the toilet (or carried when going outside to pass). I wrote about how to use it if you are interested. I have heard of a thing called a bidet also. Same idea used in Europe, but more complex and perhaps costly.
I am interested, Priya. Please share!
PS Loda is also spelt lota.
Also I shared the web page. Hope you got that because I don’t see it.
No, I didn’t see it either, and I looked for it.
I’m thinking all is fine and dandy, until someone has the runs. Lord help us if the whole family ate that same dish that caused it!!
That would not be fun! Thankfully I rarely have that problem. 😉
I have been tossing this idea around now for a couple weeks. The recycling the pj bottoms from Goodwill idea has me about sold.
I’ve been using them for three or four years now, and I love them. It’s just my retired husband and me living here, and he won’t use them, but we have cut way back on TP usage. I find super soft flannel pj bottoms at Goodwill stores and can get quite a few cloths from a pair, usually about 4 to 5 inches. I make them double thickness and serge the edges, and to get the most out of whatever fabric I’m using, I’ll make them whatever shape will maximize the fabric, such as rounded areas or pockets; in other words, they aren’t necessarily all squared off. I also use good quality t-shirts. My husband is a painter and goes through many white t-shirts, getting the fronts all stained up, and I use the backs to make my cloths. I thought I needed to keep the used ones covered but found that they get odorous and when I left them uncovered that was not the case. I found a cheap plastic ice bucket and put a plastic grocery bag inside to contain the cloths as I use them. They never have any odor! Of course, I usually give a quick rinse to the soiled ones first, and I sometimes go two weeks before laundering them. If I have guests over, I’ll place the cover onto the ice bucket to save any embarrassment for anyone. When I launder them, I do a small load just for the cloths, and although I usually hang my laundry outdoors to dry, I use my dryer for the cloths, placing one old towel in with them to help them to dry faster. When I first started using the cloths, I washed them every week and would just hang them on my wooden drying rack, but now that I’ve made enough to last more than a week, the rack won’t hold them all, therefore I use the dryer.
I guess family cloths aren’t for everyone, but I feel so good about using them, and they ARE softer and I love using them!
I have bought flannel baby blankets at the goodwill for $.40 each!! Cut them up and surged together to make “2 ply”. I first used them for baby wipes but now they are family cloth!!
Great idea!
this is all very interesting and something we plan ‘if things go south…..’ really don’t think I could convince the rest of the family to be interested….but you never know. it makes absolute sense. IF we climb out of our mamby pamby way of living ~ have you figured how much $$ would be saved ? Thanks for having the guts to post !
You’re welcome! We answer the cost question in the post.
You have my mind ticking… I know this might be gross… but I need more specifics… Do you rinse your cloth before you stick it in a bucket/bag. Do you soak them? How does it work EXACTLY. 😀
Haha, if they are messy I rinse them first, normally I don’t need to. I wipe my rear with a cloth wipe, through it in a bucket and wash a couple times a week. I don’t soak them.
Okay, so not to share too much information, but I tend to have soft stools and I have a toilet “closet”, so if the family cloth gets messy (which is very possible) are you saying to rinse it right away — and if so where? The toilet bowl? The bathroom sink? I can definitely see advantages for using a family cloth, it’s just the logistics I’m curious about.
Thanks
Well to continue with the TMI since this whole post might be concider that as well, I have gone through periods of time with soft stools as well. If the are too messy which does happen sometimes I rinse them right away in the sink since I only wash my cloth once or twice a week. I rinse my cloth pads out in the sink aswell. I just spray the sink with a little vinegar when I am done and go on my way. I hope that helps! 🙂
I just heard about this idea about a week ago. I don’t know why it never dawned on me, I used cloth wipes for my babies, but this just seems a bit more than most people can (or think they can) handle. Aside from the fact that our most oft-used bathroom is fairly small and the toilet is awkwardly placed very close to a perpendicular wall, there isn’t an obvious or convenient place to put a basket with clean cloths nor a bin or bag for the dirty ones. This idea is REALLY growing on me (Hubs…not so much) but I would absolutely have to wash the family cloth in its own separate load. Washing the towels I’m going to use on my hands, face, dishes, counters, etc. with the cloths that are going to be wiping my heinie… that’s one step toward more eco-, budget- friendly I won’t ever be able to go!
i dont understand why people have a problem with washing FC with the rest of your clothing. do you wash all the underwear separately? or just wash with the rest of the clothing?…. yes your not Wiping your self with the underwear, but lets face it they get soiled too. nothing a cup of vinegar cant fix.
Actually, I do a white load separately. So socks, underwear and t-shirts are done in one load using a bit of bleach. I also get squeamish thinking of putting family cloths in with regular laundry. Having said that, we haven’t used family cloth’s yet. My husband thinks that is pretty gross. 🙂
I started a few months after my daughter was born. I figured I was already washing her diapers and wipes, what’s a few more wipes in each load? My significant other was not entirely sold on it at first, but when he saw how much less TP we go through just when I’m using cloth for #1, he got on board.
That’s great! 🙂
So, you wipe and the cloth would have feces on it and you just throw it in with your towels? Years ago, I used cloth diapers but I soaked or rinsed them.
I just got a tinkle belt for my male dog. But I don’t think I’ll throw it in our laundry load.
Yes, some people soak or rinse them first, or do a seperate load.
We (okay, I privately) have been thinking about this for over a year now. It would have been hard to do living in a camper with no washing machine but totally doable now, especially since we have a master bath that’s more private.
I have greatly considered it. However hubby is dead set against it. So I’m thinking that once we have kids, and have diapers to wash, I may just make some FC for myself for #1 and not say anything. After all, I’ve mostly gotten rid of paper towels, tampons are a thing of the past, (I’m still waiting on the extra $$$ for momma cloth to use as liners), so why not get rid of one more paper product?
Yup, you never know, iy may be easier then. Do you sew? I made my own cloth pads for next to nothing.
Aaaand this will save you from any unfounded claims of you “hoarding” the toilet paper . . cause Lord knows, we can’t stand for that sin. But on the other hand – might you be called out for using more than your fair share of water?
So – to be honest I *can* see some benefit . . . I even hate to admit that.
It’s the cost benefit I’m seeing as the biggest plus. But our water bill is pretty high here . . . I don’t know.
Or save you from getting in trouble for trowing away TP that got wet, when someone finds it in the burn pile….
If your whole fam used it you might have one extra load a week, but not more than that.