In a world where plastic straws and cups have become public enemy number one, there’s definitely a movement to minimize the amount of unnecessary waste the average household produces. Because of this, it’s little wonder many people have begun their search for toilet paper alternatives.
Think about it. Every day, each member of your household creates an amount of paper waste through an act which really could be entirely paper-free. Granted, there is no perfect answer to the toilet paper problem, and the process of moving to a toilet paper alternative may feel like stepping back in time. However, it’s important to note that the use of bidets and hand bidet attachments is actually extremely common in many parts of the world.
Perhaps most interestingly of all, washing your butt with water may actually be cleaner and more comfortable than using toilet paper. Who’d have thought?
With that in mind, another reason to be searching out the best alternatives to toilet paper is comfort. Many people find toilet paper chafes yet aren’t aware that alternatives to this discomfort actually exist.
Below, you’ll find our favorite toilet paper alternatives. From devices you can install in your home to “paper” you can wash and reuse, deciding which one works best for you comes down to why you’re doing it and the kind of household you live in.
1. Goodwipes
BEST OVERALL
More and more guys out there are opting for soft, flushable wipes as opposed to toilet paper — and we can’t blame them. These biodegradable wipes are perfect for camping and hiking adventures; however, they’re also a great toilet paper alternative to keep on hand for a cleaner wipe. They’re got a a gentle cedar scent and are alcohol-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and hypoallergenic, which is why they’re the best alternatives to toilet paper. You can buy three packs containing 60 wipes each for just $12.99, making this is a great purchase for these uncertain times. Goodwipes also makes “down there” wipes for women, too.
We know what you’re thinking — but are they really flushable? Not really. While a lot of companies claim that their wipes are fully flushable, they’re actually the scourge of sewer workers and plumbers the world over. We’d recommend tossing these in the trash instead of the toilet. While that might seem gross, that’s standard operating procedure in most countries.
Related Stories
2. TUSHY Classic Bidet
RUNNER UP
If you’re going to go bidet, one of the best brands you can go for is TUSHY. The good news? This company is so much more than a clever name and great branding; TUSHY has the product to back it up. They have over 3,000 five-star reviews on their site. The bidet takes less than 10 minutes to install and requires absolutely zero plumbing or electricity. With a feature list like that, it’s no wonder people love it! Plus, at $99, it’s not even as pricey as the electric sets listed below. Simply follow the guide once it arrives and in no time flat, you’ll be living in a blissful, paper-free existence.
ON SALE!
3. BioBidet Bliss BB2000 Bidet Smart Toilet Seat
BEST SPLURGE
In a true doomsday scenario, a smart toilet seat isn’t going to do you any good. But if you’re looking for the ultimate tushy-cleaning tool, this premium smart bidet from BioBidet is an excellent pick. The modern design will fit perfectly with your chic bathroom design, and this product has a ton of advanced features and cleaning modes. The stainless steel nozzle has settings for male and female anatomy. The electric design provides both a heated seat and warm water, while energy-saving mode helps you save on toilet paper and electricity usage. This bidet even infuses bubbles into the water stream for a gentle cleaning sensation that provides improved hygiene in the bathroom.
ON SALE!
4. TUSHY Travel Bidet
BEST FOR TRAVEL
The TUSHY Travel is another on-the-go bidet that’s getting a second life as one of the best alternatives to toilet paper. The telescoping design makes this travel bidet especially discrete. Simply pop it open, fill it with water, find the right angle and fire away. Like the best portable bidets, this product is easy to use and comes with its own travel case. It even comes in four colors, from simple black (which we recommend) to hot pink. Read our full review of the TUSHY Travel.
5. SmartBidet SB-1000 Electric Bidet Seat
BEST ELECTRIC BIDET
SmartBidet has excellent ratings for its electric bidets you can install at home, and this one comes with a remote control with all sorts of features from an air dryer to temperature controls and more. It’s got a self-cleaning nozzle as well as oscillations available. It’s got settings for his and her backs, as well as five different adjustable levels for water pressure. It’s got three different water temperature levels you can choose from, and five different levels for the nozzle position. It’s got an energy-saving mode, a soft-closing lid and seat, and is designed to be simple to install.
6. Cottonelle FreshCare Flushable Wipes
BEST FOR TRAVEL
If you’re searching for an alternative option because you’re fed up with the coarse, chafing experience hotel toilet paper brings, it may be worth trying these Cottonelle FreshCare Flushable* Wipes. They’re 100% flushable and immediately start to break down after they’ve been flushed, meaning there’s no need to worry about build-ups in your septic tank or sewer line. The wipes themselves are made from 100% biodegradable fibers which deliver an impressive clean and do it with a level of softness you’ll love. Their outer packaging is sealable and portable, which also makes these wipes ideal for camping and other travel pursuits. With 252 wipes in a single package, this is one of the best toilet paper alternatives that doesn’t involve a complicated bidet.
*Again, while these wipes are designed to be friendly on your toilet and pipes, we can’t independently verify this.
7. TONELIFE Portable Personal Bidet
BEST PORTABLE
Not all bidet options are attached to your toilet. This handheld portable bidet from TONELIFE is a well-reviewed product that’s ideal for at-home or on-the-go use. It comes with everything you need to successfully leave toilet paper behind. Simply fill the device and use it as desired. The design includes a long, angled nozzle for precision use and allows for minimal body movement and maximum cleaning efficiency. This product comes with two portable bidets that each hold up to 450ml of water, and each comes with its own carrying case.
8. GroVia Reusable Cloth Diapering Wipes
BEST FOR NEW PARENTS
If they’re good enough for a baby’s bum, there are almost certainly good enough for yours, too. On top of that, the fact that over 85% of users award the GroVia Reusable Cloth Diapering Wipes a five-star review means they’re certainly doing something right. Inside each pack you’ll find 12 individual wipes which are made from an ultra-soft terry cotton. They are 8″ x 8″ and can be machine washed time and time again. Furthermore, the production process of these wipes is both fair and conscientious.
9. Pristine Toilet Paper Spray
BEST WET WIPE SPRAY
If the Pristine Toilet Paper Spray seems familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it on ABC’s Shark Tank. And while it’s not exactly a fix for the environmental issue with toilet paper, it certainly provides a more comfortable experience when using it. Simply apply a few spritzes of this naturally scented spray onto your folded toilet paper to create a wet wipe-like tool which is both free from harsh chemicals and completely flushable (unlike many other wet wipe options). It also uses a plant-based formula and includes natural preservatives for a longer shelf life. Furthermore, the product’s compact size makes it ideal for travel and use anytime you’re away from home.
10. Two-Ply Flannel Eco-Friendly Reusable Toilet Paper
MOST DECORATIVE
Not only does this two-ply flannel eco-friendly reusable toilet paper give you a way to replace your current paper-based option, it also gives your bathroom an extra boost of fun and color. It’s available in a range of different designs, and each pack contains 24 individual sheets of cotton-based “paper.” The sheets can be washed after use, and their 4″ x 7″ size is plenty big enough for the job at hand. In addition, this fairly absurd reusable toilet paper makes a great gift for the doomsday prepper in your life (you know the one).
11. OrganicCraftStore Reusable Toilet Paper
BEST WASHABLE REPLACEMENT
The OrganicCraftStore Reusable Toilet Paper makes it (relatively) easy to switch out your existing paper-based toilet paper for a washable, cotton-based option. It’s available in packs of either 10 or 20 pieces and comes in your choice of colored zig-zags. The handmade paper won’t cause allergies and measures 9″ x 4″. Furthermore, each piece includes a button snap-closure, allowing you to join pieces and store them together, just like you would with normal toilet rolls.
12. SmarterFresh Lifetime Hand Held Bidet Sprayer
BEST HANDHELD
The SmarterFresh Lifetime Hand Held Bidet Sprayer provides a simple, non-invasive way to clean yourself without the use of toilet paper. The kit includes a T-valve, mount, sprayer and a flexible hose, which is everything you need for a high-powered and precise clean. It’s available in either brass or stainless steel and includes a lever for easy adjustment of the water flow. This high-quality bathroom addition also includes strong joints to prevent leaking and comes in handy for cleaning bathtubs, showers and sinks.
Be Prepared For Disasters Big and Small With A Fully Stocked First Aid Kit