I have a confession. While I still make DIY wet wipes for many household uses, we don’t use our natural flushable wipes in the bathroom as much anymore. Homemade wet wipes may not take as long to break down as the store bought versions, but they will always take longer to biodegrade than toilet paper. 

But, as the tween boys in my neighborhood like to say, “You’ve got to keep it clean!” (My son and his friends like to talk about their bodily functions and bathroom habits all.the.time.) Nonetheless, they have a point. Hygiene is key! 

For that reason, I came up with an alternative. I absolutely think that that the convenience of flushable wipes does come with a price. While my homemade wipes are super cheap to make, there is the unseen cost to consider. The effect of flushable wipes on our plumbing and sewage treatment infrastructure is widespread and damaging. 

I decided to switch to a toilet paper spray which is so much easier to make! The worst part of making wipes is cutting the paper towel roll. Well when you cut out the paper towel altogether, you don’t have to worry about it.

There are retail sprays that can be purchased, like Aquinelle, but making my own spray is so easy and so much cheaper.

DIY Toilet Paper Spray 

Materials needed:

• Plastic or Glass Spray bottle. I opted for a plastic bottle. I don’t want to risk one of the kids dropping a glass bottle and this recipe does not use the essential oils degrade in plastic. 
• Distilled water, or purified water that has been brought to a rolling boil for at least three minutes.
• 1-2 TBL Gentle body wash. We use Cetaphil or Cerave Skin Cleanser since that is what we have to use for my daughter’s sensitive skin.
• 1-2 TBL Witch Hazel
• 1 TBL Fractionated Coconut Oil 
• 5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil 
• 10-20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Directions for our DIY Toilet Paper Moistener

We use a plastic spray bottle with a trigger for our toilet paper spray. The smaller spray bottles found in beauty aisles are a great size for this use.  It is easier for children to use. The small travel spray bottles are perfect for on the go use but is much harder for children to use. 

I like to buy this type of spray bottle from Dollar Tree, Walmart, or in bulk online. I regularly disinfect my toilet spray bottle but it is also a good idea to replace it every once in a while. 

First, fill your spray bottle with about 5 oz of distilled water (or two thirds full). 

Second, add the remaining ingredients. Cap the bottle and shake it. Based on the body wash you use, you can add more water if it is too soapy or foamy. 

Yield: Approx 8 fluid oz

DIY Toilet Paper Spray: The Butt Wipes Alternative

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This easy toilet paper moistening spray is a frugal and earth friendly alternative to flushable hygiene wipes.

Prep Time 3 minutes

Active Time 1 minute

Total Time 4 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $5

Materials

• Plastic Spray Bottle
• Distilled Water
• Gentle Body Wash
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Witch Hazel

Tools

• Plastic Spray Bottle

Instructions

1. Fill spray bottle two thirds full with water.
2. Add other ingredients.
3. Gently shake. To use, moisten toilet paper with a few spritzes of the solution.

To use: 

Simply moisten toilet paper with the sprayer nozzle on the mist setting. Wipe as normal. 

I hang mine from the toilet paper holder. We use a toilet paper stand holder because the kids can’t reach the toilet paper holder on the far wall. 

Make sure you give the kids instructions! I assumed that my tweens would just know what to do. Then one of them ask how they are supposed to spray their bottom with it if they are sitting on the toilet! 

It took my husband a little longer to get used to the spray bottle than the kids. He thinks it’s a little weird but he is a big fan of saving money and not having to call the plumber about clogs so he is adjusting!

What do you think? Is the idea of a toilet paper spray strange to you?