Oh my, do we really have to talk about this? Can’t I just store a year’s supply of toilet paper and never think about such things?
Yes. But what happens when your one year supply only lasts six months because eating wheat and beans caused more intestinal problems than you anticipated? Every wise plan includes backups. Even if you never use them, you’ll still have the option to should the need arise and options are a very good thing. If you change your mind and decide during a disaster that flannel is better than tree leaves, you may no longer have electricity to run a sewing machine. So while we have the ability now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and sew some poo wipes!
I began with 100% cotton flannel in a nice shade of brown (because let’s face it, that’s what color they will be in the end!) I cut mine into roughly 6×7 inch rectangles that were larger than my open hand. You’ll want to stitch your wipes two layers thick to protect your hands when wiping. If you’re in a situation where you’re having to use these, chances are water is pretty scarce and the last thing you need is to contaminate your hands with no way to thoroughly clean them.
I’m using the same triple zigzag stitch and upholstery thread that I used in an earlier post to sew washable hankies. Believe me, you do NOT want these babies coming undone when you need them the most!
Stitch the two pieces of fabric together, sewing off each edge to create nice, secure corners.
Trim away hanging threads and cut the flannel close to the stitching to lessen fraying when these are washed later. Repeat, making enough wipes for your family. (Our best estimation is 6 wipes per person per day with a minimum 2 day supply on-hand.) These are large enough that you can wipe, fold in half to reveal the clean backside and wipe again but you’ll still need at least 6 per person per day. Children in diapers will need more. Leftover scraps can be stitched into smaller squares for them and they can be single ply instead of double ply if necessary.
Now stack them up, tie a ribbon around them, print out the directions below, shove the wipes and the printout in a lidded plastic container and PRAY you never have to use them!
How to Use Washable Flannel Bathroom Wipes
Needless to say these wipes will be contaminated and will need special handling. To use them, first find a large plastic container with a lid that closes. Some people online have suggested things like plastic cereal containers but anything that is large enough to hold ten wipes and doesn’t tip over easily will do. The closed lid prevents odors and poo water spills.
- Fill your plastic container 1/3 to 1/2 full of water and add a few drops of laundry detergent (or 2 drops dish soap if that happens to be all you have.)
- Use the wipe as needed. When it is dirty, place it in the plastic container to soak.
- At the end of EVERY DAY, collect the container from the bathroom. The water is dangerously contaminated and if you are in a situation where it has to be dumped outside, it MUST be kept from splashing on food-growing gardens and trees. Dump the liquid in a designated spot far away from the garden and places where children play. The wipes left inside the container have been pre-soaked and are no dirtier than a pair of lightly soiled children’s underwear. You can run them through your wash as usual or they can be washed on their own in a wash bucket.
- Rinse and refill the plastic container with soapy water and immediately return it to the bathroom. You should have a two day supply of wipes so that while the previous day’s wipes are drying, you have another set already waiting to be used in the bathroom.
I like it. I love it. Still, I think you can do this zig zag closer to the edge and not have to trim. I think you’re prepared for anything. Can’t wait to see the next post.
what about “pinking” the edges? i think cotton fabric would work great pinked & used for pee wipes!
That would probably work too. I barely know how to work my sewing machine, so I’m sure there are many other ways to do this better :)
Really you should use a peri wash bottles( The little bottle they give you at the hospital after you have a baby that squirts) FIRST to clean your bum as good as you can. Then use the wipes to blot yourself dry, that way you don’t have to scrub a bunch of poo out of the wipes. Just saying ;)
The cascade gel pack container has a lid that opens 1/2 way and would be perfect to recycle your garbage and give you a perfect container to hold the soiled cloths.
Love the suggestions and ideas! Keep them coming! I may just have to have another baby so I can get a peri wash bottle :)
Easier than another baby would be going to a sporting goods store and getting one of the water bottles used by the football players to drink with their helmets on. they have a straw/tube that goes to the bottom of the bottle so they squirt when you squeeze them.
Thanks for the advice, I think the thought of having another baby would put me over the edge ;)
Consider a 3 day supply per person. One to wash, one to use, one to spare. (Back up to the back up). You never know when bowel issues will strike the whole family at once and the laundry won’t get done as planned.
I like the peri-wash bottle idea too. I’ll have to ask around as to where I can procure a couple…or three.
A set of Queen flannel sheets at the thrift store can be found for less than $3 to remake into pads. A great resource for fabric for projects like this or for feminine hygiene pads.
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Washcloths. We kayak/camp and never take toilet paper. A juice jug with large mouth, water, laundry soap, and bleach. Rinse before using (bleach), rinse after using, pop back into the jug, shake, rinse, hang to dry.
You can find the peri bottles at lunapads.com. I have been making cloth feminine pads for myself and five daughters using the same design they use on the Luna Pads website. Plus it is a great place to purchase for those who are not able or willing to make their own :)
As a nurse I can tell you there is practically NO difference between a peri bottle and a round plastic squeeze type ketchup or mustard bottle like you see in some restaurants. You can find these in most any grocery store, K-mart, Wallmart, etc. They are red, yellow, and some are opaque white see through WITH a cap. Just clearly mark them “Peri wash”. I use the white for peri care for an elderly mother in law who needs help in that area of personal hygiene. Oh and speaking of peri care…have a bottle of Lysol liquid on hand for exactly the purpose it is intended in peri care. It’s a must have in keeping down infectiousness in the case of a household full of folks with viral or bacterial caused diarrhea.
Can you use them, when a woman still has her period?
Definitely, I don’t see why not. You just need to clean them and maybe soak them a little more to get the blood off.
I made about 180 of the poo wipes using double flannel but I serged them and I made about 15 handkerchiefs in different sizes. Bigger ones you could use as slings.. The only problem being I ended up getting aspiration Pnuemonia from all the little flannel particles and taking me going on 3 weeks to get rid of it. But I am all prepared. Will use a mask if I make anymore. I also made about 7 period pads.
I can’t believe how much you accomplished! Glad you got so much done, but sorry you got so sick! My sister actually made up a bunch of baby wipes that were really simple to do. I’ll have to post that sometime. Her way doesn’t include flannel and sewing so much!
I made mine from old bath towels and use them everyday to wipe when I pee. I save the toilet paper for the poo projects. I do not pre-treat these, but throw them in with all whites / hot water / bleach – but – I double rinse at end to remove irritants on delicate skin. I made mine a little larger – 8×8″ and serged all the edges. I can get four “wipes” out of one single cloth by folding in half and refolding after each use. These are also GREAT to use to remove make-up, scrub the sinks, etc.
Good idea! I think toilet paper is great for poo projects ;) Unless you really ran out of toilet paper!