4 Wet Wipe Alternatives That Are So Much Better for Your Butt
“People think if they can use a wet wipe on their baby, they can use it on themselves,” says Evan Goldstein, DO, anal surgeon and founder of Future Method. "When you start to augment [your anal microbiome] with wet wipes, what happens is that you’re wiping away the good bacteria and the balance becomes a problem.” When this happens, you may experience irritation, rashes, and fungal or bacterial infections.
Seriously, you should ditch wet wipes for good. Go with one of the alternatives below instead and you'll always feel fresh and clean.
- Evan Goldstein, DO, anal surgeon and founder of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method
Wet wipe alternatives
1. Eco Beginnings For Sensitive Skin 80 Disposable Unbleached Pure Bamboo Dry Cleansing Cloths, $10
Definitely stronger than toilet paper, these dry bamboo wipes become the perfect wet wipe alternative when you add a bit of water. They're soft enough yet durable, allowing you to comfortably clean yourself without worrying about tearing the wipe. Made from 100 percent bamboo, they're biodegradable, unlike traditional wet wipes which can lead to fatbergs in sewer systems.
Shop now: Eco Beginnings For Sensitive Skin 80 Disposable Unbleached Pure Bamboo Dry Cleansing Cloths, $10
2. GenieBidet Seat-Self Cleaning Dual Nozzles, $95
"I installed this seat on my toilet, and now I don't want to poop anywhere else," says one of Well+Good's editors who wishes to remain anonymous. If you are ready for a bidet, know that you can do that without having to replace your toilet. This seat from Genie Bidet turns any toilet into a bidet. There's no electricity needed, as a simple hose connects the bidet it to your toilets water supply. And an adjustable lever allows you to pick the strength of the spray and two nozzles allow for both front and rear cleaning.
Shop now: GenieBidet Seat-Self Cleaning Dual Nozzles, $95
3. Buttons Flannel Baby Reusable Washable Natural Unbleached Wipes, $10
For a deep dive into sustainability, consider reusable wipes. While some use them only for urine and menstrual blood, others also use them for fecal matter, too. If you choose to do this, you have to have a very clear protocol in place to ensure proper sanitizing. "This is just a risky practice, overall I think, and the potential for cross-contamination is just very high from your bathroom, where they’re stored, to your laundry room," Kelly Reynolds, a director and public health researcher at the University of Arizona, tells USA Today. To keep things clean, be sure to have a designated receptacle for used wipes, launder the cloths in hot water with bleach, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling used wipes.
Shop now: Buttons Flannel Baby Reusable Washable Natural Unbleached Wipes, $10
4. Tushy Travel, $29
If you're interested in dipping a toe in the bidet pond, test out the experience with the Tushy Travel. It looks a bit like a collapsible water bottle, but it's for your butt. Just fill it with clean water, do your business, find the perfect angle, and spray. Available in white, black, pink, and teal, you can get one that fits your vibe. But, uh, it really does look like a water bottle—keep it in a safe place so an unsuspecting friend doesn't try to take a swig.
Shop now: Tushy Travel, $29
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