Wee! Cloth TP and "Paper" towels!!

[Persephone]

We were given these ancient sheets by my MIL when we got married. One or two nights, and they got terrible holes in them. Today, I spent some time cutting them into large squares, to use as paper towels! As I was cutting, I was thinking they'd make great TP too. I wonder if anyone has any tips (or link me) for setting up a cloth TP system? Paper towels are ok, but I'm dying to try cloth on my bum!

[thismama]

:

Cool! I wanna learn too...

[FillingMyQuiver]

We're moving to cloth for tp here, too. Actually, we use it on DS already and I'M making the switch for myself DH won't give up his paper and Cottonelle flushable wipes : My plan is to put a small flip top can next to the toilet and just put my used wipes in there. Then, when I do DS's diaper laundry, I'll just wash my wipes too. I'm also going to get a small liner for the can, don't want to have to possibly scrub the can, too I'm going to put the wipes in a nice basket on the back of the toilet I think (maybe a closed basket so that if they do get stained, no one has to actually see them )

[KathinJapan]

I use wipes I made from a flannel sheet. (the big people have a different color from the babe) I have them in a basket that I put a larger cloth in, to keep dirt and lint out.. and it looks pretty. I put used wipes in a bucket with a snap on lid. I don`t want the babe getting into the bucket... She doesn`t go into the toilet with me very often, but will once she starts going on the big potty. LOL.
I wash them with the diapers. When babe has graduated out of diapers I will probably just do a small load of wipes and other stuff that is not used for cleaning or on faces and such.
HTH,
Kathryn

[annethcz]

I've never used paper towels, so I wouldn't even know how to go about switching. I just have lots of kitchen dish towels in a drawer in the kitchen, and use them as neccesary.

We've been using cloth wipes as TP for a couple of months now. The only concern I'd have about using sheets as wipes is thickness. Unless you fold the wipe over a few times, you may end up with wet fingers after wiping. Just something to be aware of. I've even had moisture wick through thick sherpa wipes.

My system isn't involved at all. I just have a bunch of wipes sitting on the back of the toilet. I do intend to get a cute little basket to put them in, but haven't done that yet. I do have wipes available in each of the bathrooms in our home. After use, they go directly into the diaper pail. I do sometimes reuse wipes- if they are not heavily soiled/wet, I will fold in half & place in a different spot on the back of the toilet. The next time I use the bathroom, I fold the wipe again and use a clean spot.

I also intend at some point in time to make a drawsting PUL 'wetbag' to hang on the doorknob. I haven't made it yet, it will be more important after my kids are out of diapers.

Laundering- I just wash the wipes with diapers. Once my kids are out of diapers, I will probably just wash them with bathtowels or something similar.

[Persephone]

These sheets were cut into the same size as paper towels, so if I do end up using them for TP, I could fold them over once or twice, and they'd be a good thickness.

One issue: We have no kids, and so, no cloth diaper loads. How to go about washing them? And we use a communal laundry in our apt complex, and only do laundry about once every two weeks... should I hold off til we get our own washer?

[alexisyael]

I've been using cloth for after I pee for awhile (and after I use the bidet, but that's also just a wet cloth after). I just started using the cloth for after a bowel movement when I don't use the bidet. It's awesome! I was a little scared about it, but it is working out just fine

I rinse any solids off after and throw the cloth into the washing machine. Et voila, that's it. I wash it the next time I do laundry. I'm actually surprised at how many less times I need to wipe my bum for it to get clean. Cloth really *is* better.

Yours could just go into a pail or wet-sack of some sort until laundry day. Maybe a little tto or baking soda, if there's a smell. (I don't know if there would be).

HTH!

[meco]

Originally Posted by Persephone

One issue: We have no kids, and so, no cloth diaper loads. How to go about washing them? And we use a communal laundry in our apt complex, and only do laundry about once every two weeks... should I hold off til we get our own washer?

wash em with your towels or other household rags.

I use a common laundry, but I wash weekly...and have a kid in cloth

[Persephone]

Thanks guys!

I think I might start with just using them for "paper" towels, and then see how things go. I'm trying to pay attention to when I use paper towels, and what I could use instead.

As for the TP, I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet. But I do intend to switch eventually. I'd love to have a mini shower when I do switch.