Thrifty Mom Takes Recycling To The Next Level With Reusable Toilet Paper
If we've learned anything over the years, it's that people go kind of crazy when it comes to toilet paper. There just never seems to be enough. Kelsey Leverton is a 42-year-old mom of two living in England who gained attention online after sharing the strange way that she reduces her family's need for toilet paper.
Some people think that her method is gross and unsanitary.
Is Toilet Paper A Luxury Item Or Just A Necessity?
The pandemic started a craze of panic buying that cleared out the shelves in most stores. Toilet paper was one of the hardest-hit products on the market.
People began stockpiling toilet paper at home and reselling it at a higher value.
This Mom Got Her Family To Switch To Reusable Toilet Paper
Kelsey's family has been using her homemade cloth toilet paper instead of the regular store-bought kind for the last three years.
She was happy to share the details for anyone interested — especially during a time when toilet paper is scarce.
She Selected Colors That Wouldn't Show Urine Stains
Kelsey uses a terry-towel material similar to what her mother made washable diapers out of when she was a baby.
She selected dark grey colored cloth on purpose to avoid staining.
"The Girls Turned Their Noses Up A Little In The Beginning"
She got the idea from the radio and thought "I can do this, it's easy!"
The next step was getting her family to accept the idea, which was harder than she thought. Her daughters were not exactly eager to try out the new way to wipe.
She Uses Strong Smelling Essential Oils To Hide The Smell
Kelsey says the used cloth pieces are thrown in a waste bin in the bathroom and washed once a week with dark underwear.
She uses strong-smelling essential oils including "orange, lemon, peppermint, or frankincense" in the bottom of the basket to mask the smell.
Her Daughters Said It Was Not As Gross As They Thought
After finally agreeing to try the cloth toilet paper, her daughters were surprised by how much they liked it.
"They said it felt really soft and not as gross as they thought it would be."
When Everyone Ran Out Of Toilet Paper Her Family Was Fully Stocked
Toiletries and cleaning supplies have been nearly impossible to buy at times.
Kelsey couldn't help but feel a bit smug when her family and neighbors who previously judged her were suddenly considering the idea.
Most Commenters Were Super Weirded Out By The Idea Of Reusing Toilet Paper
People were fairly divided on whether they would be willing to try reusable toilet paper, but most people online couldn't get past the gross factor.
These funny comments basically sum up the majority of people's feelings on the matter.
Some People Online Were Open To The Idea Of Reusable Toilet Paper
Kelsey has been practicing sustainability for years. She was already making her own yogurt, butter, and popcorn before she tackled toilet paper.
A handful of people like this thrifty commenter were not turned off by the idea and even considered trying it.
They Still Keep A Few Paper Rolls In The House For Guests
Kelsey says that they always keep a paper option in the house for "number 2s" and guests who prefer to use it.
But she says that if her family ever does run out completely, they will be fine with their alternative option.
Could Reusable Toilet Paper Become A New Trend?
Kelsey is now working on a way to make her cloth toilet paper portable. Many others have adopted a similar strategy with a number of Etsy stores focusing on reusable TP.
She wants to be prepared in case the public restrooms ever run out of TP.
