Old school alternatives for sold out tissue, wipes and diapers

Covid 19 binge buying has left shelves empty of many essential items. Just what does one do for toilet paper when a bidet is not a viable option? What if your baby needs wipes for sensitive skin and there's none on the shelf? Thankfully, there's an old school substitute for just about any essential item that's been shopped out of availability.

Toilet paper doesn't have to be paper

When TP started vanishing off the shelves, hubby and I bought a large pack of cheap washcloths just in case we ran out of TP while quarantined. I realize some folks might find this solution unappealing but it's no different from using cloth diapers for your baby. Just keep a stack in a basket for ease of use.

Washcloth TP tips:

To avoid irritation, run your wipe cloths under water before use.

Rinse before tossing in the laundry. (Or not, whatever you're comfortable with.)

Keep used cloths in a separate hamper. Wash separately as well.

Microfiber washcloths make awesome baby wipes

They're perfect for babies with sensitive skin. They're relatively inexpensive too. Especially when you consider that they can be re-used. Like commercial baby wipes, they're not just for diaper changing. They're soft enough for baby faces too.

Microfiber cloth baby wipe tips:

Make them portable by storing in an old wipe box, zip-lock bag or plastic container.

You can pre-wet them with water or unscented mineral oil.

Bring a separate zip-lock bag for used cloths that need washing.

Wash any unused pre-wetted cloths at days end to avoid mold issues.

Instead of bleaching, use hot water and a cup of hydrogen peroxide in the wash.

Cloth diapers are an obvious substitute for sold out disposables.

Don't worry, these are not your grandmother's cloth diapers. Modern ones are leak-proof and have snaps so no stabbing baby with awkward diaper pins. Some have washable liners for easier clean up too. Cloth diapers will save you money and are less polluting. You may even decide to switch permanently once the Coronavirus crisis is over.

Bonus tip:

By now you know about making your own hand sanitizer, right?

If not, simply mix up a solution of 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol 1/3 cup aloe vera gel. In a pinch, you can use straight rubbing alcohol but adding the aloe vera does keep your hands from drying. Keep your solution in a liquid soap dispenser for ease of use.

Cutting off plastic pollution and more at the source

At the tip top of my list of things that make you go hmmmm is this little gem. (And I do my part, but...) Why is it the average citizen is always left holding the bag and making up for all the irresponsible companies manufacturing tons upon tons of plastic and other products that jeopardize the planet?

Why are we expected to spend countless hours sorting it all out and in some cases paying for it to be picked up and processed?

Pinterest is filled with clever ways to re-use one time use items made with environmentally hazardous products and we fall for it every time.

Meanwhile, we miss the most obvious solution.

Why don't the powers that be simply make it illegal to make this crap in the first place?

Why in the heck is so much guilt loaded onto the average citizen when they can't afford or haven't the means to recycle in communities where doing so is neither free nor easily done? If “they” want us to recycle everything, why do “they” make it so hard?

In other words, why are average citizens always held responsible for the messes left behind by big business?

The answer is that there would be less money in the pockets of the ultra rich, of course. Awww, don't you feel so sorry for the billionaire owners of these companies who will lose money if they have to do things the right way?

And of course, they will try to pass the truth behind their actions off by citing job losses. Really? Are we going there? Because certainly, there will be more jobs created by the new, more responsible industries. We've seen that coming to fruition with wind and solar power already.

But hey, it's easier to make the average citizen feel guilty for corporate irresponsibility, right?

Yup.

And so it goes, forever and ever, Amen.

Cheap, green bathroom disinfecting

Commercial all purpose surface disinfectants can cost up to 15.00 a bottle. You want your bathroom to be clean and sanitized. You can't afford those prices. What's a tree hugger to do? Luckily, you can clean and sanitize your bathroom using common ingredients that don't harm the environment or make a huge dent in the household budget.

The power of steam

Inexpensive steam cleaners sanitize just as well as bleach. Prices range from 30. and up, depending on brand and functions. The simplest ones are mainly intended for flat floor cleaning. Others have nozzles for cleaning hard to reach areas, such as under pedestal sinks. Steam is a powerful disinfectant that uses only pure H2O. That's about as Eco-friendly as it gets.

Lemons and limes

You hear a lot about cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Lemons and limes are a bigger secret that's just as effective. Both lemon and lime juice are great at freshening, sanitizing and removing grime. Limes are quite powerful on soap scum, rust and even mold. Try lime juice and baking soda on grout, shower rust and other tough bathroom stains.

Keeping toilets fresh and clean

You don't need chemical solutions to clean, freshen and sanitize toilets. Scrub with a paste of baking soda and vinegar to sanitize. That's all there is to it. If you prefer a scented solution, thyme and lavender essential oils have disinfectant properties as well. Use them around the toilet base and under the seat, where germs tend to collect.

Mirrors, windows and reflective surfaces.

Ammonia and water is a common homemade window cleaning product. Unfortunately, it's not so green. Commercially made Eco-friendly window cleaners are expensive. Why use them when less expensive ingredients will do the trick? Vinegar and water produces a streak free shine that rivals any known product, green or otherwise. Rubbing alcohol and water will do the same. Both are powerful disinfectants. To properly sanitize, use a solution of 60% vinegar or rubbing alcohol and 40% water.

Green disinfecting air freshener.

It's certainly a good idea to clear the air of harmful bacteria. Rather than relying on commercially made, chemical laden products, why not use something that sanitizes and freshens without harm? Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add a little at a time until the strength of the scent is to your liking. Essential oils are all natural. They won't harm the environment. Still, it's best not to breathe them in directly, especially if you have trouble with allergies, sinus issues or asthma.

Note: To avoid discoloration, do not spray this solution on fabric.