At the beginning of May, we moved from an upstairs apartment (with minimal expenses) into a house, which has turned out to be more expensive than we bargained for. In addition, the cost of food has been slowly increasing, and we’re having to find ways to cut corners so we can enjoy the foods we like. Yeah, it would be cheaper to just eat beans-and-rice, rice-and-beans, but those are hardly nutritious or balanced, and we would both end up feeling crumby.

So one way we’ve decided to save money is by switching to family cloth. Now, what is family cloth, you say? Family cloth is simply using soft cloth in the bathroom instead of toilet paper. Frank and I have been moving away from toilet paper for a while now because it’s not soft, it’s dry, and it never seems to get everything at once. But the REAL problem is that baby wipes have chemicals in them—most of which, I can’t pronounce—like methylisothiazolinone. As a general rule, if I can’t pronounce it or if it sounds like it should be in a chemistry lab, I don’t put it in or on my body.

First, I went to the fabric store and bought some adorable flannel patters. (I am seriously in love with these little birds!) Then I bought a cute bin for just $2.99 to put them in. I spent all day sewing on my new Singer (thanks Mama!) and ended up with the cutest little squares ever! I’m going to be honest ladies, I really feel like I’m pampering myself!

Some of you might be thinking that this is going a little too far or that this is gross, but it makes so much sense to me. I began using a Mooncup menstrual cup almost five years ago, and I switched to cloth pads just a couple years ago. I already know that we’re going to use cloth diapers (along with elimination communication) when the time comes, so why not use family cloth? It just seems like a natural progression.

What about hygiene? People have used cloth diapers for years. This is no different. And if you’re really concerned about bacteria, instead of throwing the used cloths into a dry bin, you can throw them into a vinegar and water solution, and perhaps add a little tea tree oil, as well. Voilà!

Many people around the world prefer to rinse first, using bidets, some sort of water bottle or vessel, or even spray bottles. With family cloth, you can wet it like a baby wipe or rinse first and then use the family cloth afterward. Overall, it seems much more hygienic than regular paper toilet paper, which leaves residue and simply smears what’s already there.

Anyway, the way I look at it, family cloth is going to make my bathroom time just a little more luxurious. And yes, that is a Squatty Potty you see there. ; )