Toilet paper alternatives: why water is replacing the bathroom roll

For decades, toilet paper was regarded as an untouchable bathroom essential. Now, however, the roll on the holder is being questioned: scarce resources, mounting waste and hygiene concerns are making many people rethink their habits. Anyone looking into water, cloths or modern technology soon finds that practical alternatives have long been available – and that some have been everyday practice in other countries for generations.

Why toilet paper has suddenly become a problem

In Germany, toilet paper is still considered standard equipment in every home. Yet the convenient reach for a paper roll has consequences that were ignored for a long time.

• Heavy resource use: Manufacturing toilet paper requires wood, water, energy and chemicals.
• Waste and wastewater: Rolls end up down the drain or in general waste in enormous quantities.
• Supply shortages: The pandemic showed everyone just how quickly shelves can be emptied.
• Skin complaints: Fragrances, colourants and rough surfaces can irritate sensitive skin.

“Giving up paper protects forests, wastewater treatment plants and often your own body too.”

While shoppers here still load trolleyfuls of toilet paper, many people around the world have traditionally cleaned themselves using water alone. What once sounded exotic now seems remarkably modern in an age of climate crisis and raw-material scarcity.

Wet wipes are not the answer – especially not down the toilet

For convenience, many people choose moist toilet paper or wet wipes. They promise a fresher feeling, but have attracted substantial criticism.

Germany’s Federal Environment Agency explicitly advises against disposing of these wipes in the toilet. Even products labelled “flushable” still cause, according to specialists:

• blocked household drainage pipes
• disruption at pumping stations and wastewater treatment works
• high repair costs for local authorities and landlords
• extra plastic waste when they are put into general waste

In addition, many wet wipes contain preservatives or fragrances that may irritate sensitive mucous membranes. People dealing with itching or recurring inflammation can often find this supposedly gentle method of cleaning the least tolerable.

“Wet wipes are convenient, but they are a serious nuisance for the environment and the sewer network.”

Kitchen roll, paper tissues and other household or cleaning cloths are unsuitable as well. They break down in water far less effectively than ordinary toilet paper, increasing the risk of blockages.

Bidet and shower toilet: clean with water rather than paper

The best-known toilet paper alternatives all follow the same approach: cleaning with water. It can feel unfamiliar initially, but is common worldwide, from southern Europe to Japan.

A traditional bathroom bidet

A bidet is standard in many older homes in southern Europe. Resembling a low washbasin, it sits beside the toilet. After using the toilet, the person sits on the bidet and washes the intimate area with a jet of water or by hand.

Advantages:

• exceptionally thorough cleaning
• suitable for people with sensitive skin or haemorrhoids
• considerably less paper use, or none at all

Disadvantages: it needs bathroom space, and the bidet must be installed and connected to water pipes. In newer homes, space for one is generally not planned at all.

Shower toilet: high-tech at the toilet seat

Contemporary toilets with an integrated wash function combine a toilet and bidet in one unit. After use, a small nozzle extends and cleans with a warm water jet. Many models include extra features such as:

• adjustable water pressure
• warm water
• gentle air drying
• a heated seat

“The WHO considers cleaning with clean water hygienically safe when used correctly – and often more thorough than dry wiping with paper.”

Depending on their features, shower toilets cost from several hundred to several thousand euros. For homeowners taking a long-term view, reduced paper purchases and added comfort may make the investment worthwhile. Tenants should generally discuss installation with their landlord first.

Bidet shower: a space-saving compact solution for any home

Anyone not wishing to install a full shower toilet can begin with a simple bidet shower. It resembles a small hand-held spray attachment, like one used in the kitchen, and is fitted directly beside the toilet.

Two versions are typical:

• Permanent connection to the water supply – for example, at the angle valve behind the toilet or at the basin.
• Connection to the cistern – a practical option when no additional water connection is available.

Many models can be secured with a shut-off valve, so water flows only when needed. The water jet cleans the bottom and intimate area directly over the toilet. A quick use of a small towel or cotton cloth then replaces drying with paper.

Bidet attachments: retrofit instead of renovating

Bidet attachments for an existing toilet offer an even simpler route. They are placed on the ceramic rim and fixed in place like a standard toilet seat. A slim hose links the attachment to a water source.

There are entirely mechanical models, with the water jet controlled by a dial, as well as electronic systems offering heating or a remote control. Their major advantage is that there is no major building project and no need for a completely new toilet – most can also be removed from rented homes without leaving traces.

“Bidet attachments are a kind of entry point to the paper-free toilet – affordable, retrofittable and practical for everyday use.”

Travel bidet: clean on the move without paper

A travel bidet is particularly useful for camping, train journeys or daily office life. Essentially, it is a small bottle with an attachment or a compact spray device that directs water precisely where it is needed.

Advantages:

• no installation required
• ideal for hotels, campsites or travel to countries with different toilet systems
• also suitable for people with restricted mobility, as vigorous rubbing is unnecessary

Many people first use a travel bidet to test whether water cleaning works in daily life. According to user reports, those who get used to it rarely want to return entirely to paper.

Drying without disposable paper: towels instead of a roll

Every water-based solution raises one question: how do you dry afterwards? According to the WHO, mechanical cleaning with clean water is sufficient for hygiene. Drying improves comfort and protects clothing.

Instead of conventional toilet paper, suitable options include:

• small cotton cloths washed regularly
• separate towels for the intimate area, clearly kept apart from the rest of the laundry cycle
• on shower toilets: a warm-air drying function

“Anyone switching to reusable cloths reduces waste and saves money over the long term – much like with fabric handkerchiefs or washable make-up remover pads.”

Which options ease the environmental burden most

Germany’s Federal Environment Agency makes no secret of it: toilet paper creates a noticeable waste and resource burden. From felling trees and energy use in paper mills to transport and disposal through wastewater, every flush leaves its mark.

The most environmentally friendly options are those that largely avoid disposable materials:

• cleaning with water (bidet, shower toilet, hand-held spray or travel bidet)
• drying with washable cloths or integrated air drying
• using any remaining paper only as a fallback or for guests

Anyone not ready to abandon the roll completely can at least switch to recycled toilet paper and gradually reduce consumption.

Practical tips for starting without toilet paper

Making the change often seems bigger in theory than it is in reality. Small, practical steps can help:

• begin by trying a travel bidet or a simple hand-held spray
• provide each household member with their own small towel
• establish a clear routine: flush first, then clean, then dry
• continue offering paper to guests, so nobody feels overwhelmed

For households with children, a playful approach can be helpful. Many children accept water far more readily than adults who have been accustomed to paper for decades.

Health considerations: who may find water especially comfortable

Many proctologists and dermatologists view gentle water cleaning positively. It can offer benefits, particularly for sensitive areas:

• less friction with haemorrhoids or fissures
• no contact with fragrances or bleaching agents from paper
• improved cleaning during diarrhoea or after operations

Anyone already experiencing anal-area problems can discuss the change with their GP surgery or a proctologist. Sometimes a lukewarm water jet that is not too strong is enough to ease symptoms noticeably.

What really changes in everyday life

The biggest difference tends to become apparent after a few weeks: bulk packs of toilet paper are bought less often, the bathroom bin fills more slowly, and far less cellulose goes down the drain. People living in blocks of flats also reduce the risk of shared pipe problems.

At the same time, personal perceptions of hygiene change. Many people who have switched fully to water describe feeling “cleaner” and “fresher” after using the toilet than with paper alone. The roll often remains on the holder, but more as a backup than as the centrepiece of the bathroom.