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How to cope without toilet paper as supermarket shelves are left empty during coronavirus panic

FORGET face masks and anti-bac, toilet paper rolls are flying off the shelves — and people could soon be faced with a nationwide shortage.

And should you be caught short there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to toilet roll alternatives during the coronavirus panic.

Toilet roll supplies are dwindling, but there are alternative ways to keep clean
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Toilet roll supplies are dwindling, but there are alternative ways to keep cleanCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Newspapers and wet wipes are not designed to be flushed, but water is — and is the preferred method in many parts of the world, according to , which got to the bottom of the dilemma.

Bidets are ideal for washing nether regions, but are hardly common in a standard suite, but luckily there is an alternative.

In the absence of a bidet, people can resort to using a lota, a jug that is a familiar sight in Asian households that uses water to clean one’s privates.

Metro has provided a hands-on guide on how to clean up after nature calls:

It comes as supermarket shelves are cleared of loo roll as people stockpile in fear of having to self-isolate
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Supermarket shelves are being cleared of loo roll as people stockpile in fear of having to self-isolate
  • Fill the lota with lukewarm water.
  • After doing your business, remain on the throne and lean forward, back or to the side.
  • Pour copious amounts of water on the appropriate location.
  • Use your hand to aid in the cleansing.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and dry up.

And in case this grosses you out, there’s always the option of reusable toilet paper, which is euphemistically known as “family cloth,” Kelly Corbett wrote in.

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A typical roll consists of 20 cloth squares usually composed of two layers of either cotton or flannel — that can be washed and used repeatedly.

“Some family cloth even comes in decorative patterns to help get your mind off the fact that this cloth has potentially touched the rear ends of numerous people,” she wrote.

This article was originally published in the and has been republished with permission.

In other coronavirus news, we told you how mums are buying reusable loo roll as supplies dwindle.

And we told you how to prepare if your kids are sent home from school because of the virus.

Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news and updates.

Women filmed fighting over last toilet roll amid coronavirus outbreak
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