Why the topic is more important than you think<\/h2>\n
Hygiene is not a minor matter. It determines health, well-being and dignity. A few days without toilet paper is more than just a minor inconvenience: skin irritation, infections or simply the feeling of not feeling clean can quickly become a burden.<\/p>\n
Many of us are used to automatically reaching for the toilet roll after using the toilet. But there are many ways to clean yourself - some tried and tested, others modern, some improvised. And quite a few of them are more sustainable and practical than the paper roll.<\/p>\n
Classic alternatives from the household<\/h2>\n
The solution is often closer than you think.<\/p>\n
Cloth wipes<\/h3>\n
Washcloths or cut pieces of cotton can serve as a reusable alternative.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Advantage<\/strong>durable, washable, practically unlimited use.<\/li>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>: You need water and a way to clean it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Kitchen roll or paper handkerchiefs<\/h3>\n
Can be used in the short term, but not ideal.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Advantage<\/strong>Mostly available in the household.<\/li>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>Tear faster, pollute sewage pipes. Only use in emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wet wipes<\/h3>\n
Originally intended for babies, but also useful for adults.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Advantage<\/strong>hygienic, easy to use.<\/li>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>Environmental impact, dry out at some point, limited shelf life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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![\"Toilet](\"https:\/\/prepp.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Toilettenpapier-Hund.webp\")
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Natural materials - back to simplicity<\/h2>\n
Long before there was toilet paper, people used what nature had to offer.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Leaves<\/strong>Soft, large leaves such as hazelnut or maple are suitable. Nettles or prickly leaves should of course be avoided.<\/li>\n
- Moss<\/strong>Suction is excellent and feels amazingly pleasant.<\/li>\n
- Tufts of grass<\/strong>: Can be used twisted together as a bundle.<\/li>\n
- Snow<\/strong>Sounds uncomfortable, but it works - and has a cleansing effect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Of course, only use clean materials from a safe environment.<\/p>\n
Water - the most effective alternative<\/h2>\n
In many cultures, toilet paper is not used at all. Instead, people clean themselves with water. Bidets are a matter of course in southern Europe, while small water jugs or hand showers are used in Asia.<\/p>\n
Options in the event of a crisis:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Small watering can or bowl of water.<\/li>\n
- Plastic bottle with holes in the lid as an improvised shower.<\/li>\n
- Camping shower bag.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Advantage<\/strong>Very hygienic, gentle on the skin.
\nDisadvantage<\/strong>You need enough clean water and cloths to dry off.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Toilet](\"https:\/\/prepp.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/Toilettenpapier-Alternative-Altpapier.webp\")
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Overview: alternatives in comparison<\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n Alternative<\/strong><\/td>\n Advantage<\/strong><\/td>\n Disadvantage<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Cloth wipes<\/td>\n Reusable, sustainable<\/td>\n Washing effort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Kitchen roll\/handkerchiefs<\/td>\n Available at short notice<\/td>\n Tears quickly, poorly degradable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wet wipes<\/td>\n Hygienic, comfortable<\/td>\n Limited shelf life, waste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Leaves<\/td>\n Free of charge, of course<\/td>\n Seasonal, risk of injury<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Moss<\/td>\n Pleasant, absorbent<\/td>\n Not available everywhere<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Water<\/td>\n Very hygienic, gentle on the skin<\/td>\n Water requirement, drying necessary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Snow<\/td>\n Pure, available (in winter)<\/td>\n Cold, not suitable for everyone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Practical tips for use<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Preparation counts<\/strong>Cut cloths to size, collect moss or have water bottles ready before the need arises.<\/li>\n
- Cleaning<\/strong>Store cloths in a closed container after use, then wash with hot water.<\/li>\n
- Security<\/strong>Only use non-toxic plants or materials from a clean environment.<\/li>\n
- Combinations<\/strong>Water + cloth is often the most effective and hygienic solution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Improvisation in extreme situations<\/h2>\n
Sometimes it's just a matter of getting by somehow. In extreme situations, you can improvise:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Old newspapers or catalogs (knead them beforehand to make them softer).<\/li>\n
- Cardboard or cardboard in strips.<\/li>\n
- Old clothes that are no longer used anyway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not beautiful, not comfortable - but better than nothing.<\/p>\n
Personal touch<\/h2>\n
I remember a hike in Sweden, far away from any huts. The supply of toilet paper was used up faster than expected. In the end, all that was left was moss. And as unusual as it was at first, it worked. Since then, I think differently about this inconspicuous plant every time I go for a walk in the woods.<\/p>\n
Psychological aspect<\/h2>\n
As banal as it sounds, feeling clean after the toilet is extremely important for our well-being. In a crisis in which many things are uncertain, hygiene becomes a small anchor. Knowing alternatives therefore not only means staying physically healthy, but also feeling more mentally stable.<\/p>\n
Small checklist for the stock<\/h2>\n
- Cleaning<\/strong>Store cloths in a closed container after use, then wash with hot water.<\/li>\n
- Preparation counts<\/strong>Cut cloths to size, collect moss or have water bottles ready before the need arises.<\/li>\n
- Moss<\/strong>Suction is excellent and feels amazingly pleasant.<\/li>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>Environmental impact, dry out at some point, limited shelf life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>Tear faster, pollute sewage pipes. Only use in emergencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Disadvantage<\/strong>: You need water and a way to clean it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n