Reusable Items To Get When The Paper Goods Shelves Are Empty

During this pandemic of the coronavirus, many items are only available in limited supply and some are not available at all, such as in the photo below taken at my local store a few weeks ago of the toilet paper section. But you CAN buy all of these in reusable form and wash them just like in the old days. Here are some reusable items to get when the paper goods shelves are empty.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to Etsy.

[ctt template=”4″ link=”ZXdjK” via=”yes” ]Many paper good items are not available in stores, but there are reusable items to get and you can wash and use over and over just like in the old days.[/ctt]

Locally, our largest shortages are on baby wipes, feminine pads, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, facial tissue and baby wipes. If you get reusable items, it would be wise to have enough on hand for two days, so you can use enough for today while laundering enough for tomorrow. Then you have no need to worry if they are not available in stores. It can be your Plan B in crazy times like this.

Reusable items to get empty toilet paper shelves at retailer — Toilet paper section of a store in Wisconsin, USA in March 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak.

Since these are not common items, I like to get them handmade on Etsy. The links below are for your convenience to find these items FAST.

Cloth Wipes / Baby Wipes

There are many reusable baby wipes on Etsy, but my favorite is Marley's Monsters Cloth Wipes. I just love the colorful and fun patterns she uses. The cotton flannel fabric feels so good on your skin too!

Reusable items to get marley's monsters reusable cloth wipes — marleysmonsters reusable cloth wipes on Etsy

Toilet Paper

I know it sounds gross to reuse “toilet unpaper“, but people wash baby diapers, so really, what's the difference? Anyways, you could use “family cloth” as a backup for desperate times, rather than having nothing. I love the colors of this Reusable Toilet Paper set by SeaAndSandHomeDesign Etsy vendor.

Feminine Pads

Affectionately called “mama cloth” by us “crunchy mamas”, you can find them in all kinds of designs. I prefer this type with the wrap around snap to hold it in place. This is my favorite from Etsy vendor sharkbitepads.

reusable items to get feminine pad mama cloth floral design — Mama Cloth by sharkbitepads on Etsy.

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Paper Towels

“Unpaper Towels” are a must have for every home. Due to the cotton flannel cloth features, they can be stuck together and rolled around your paper towel holder to grab when needed. I can't help it, I love marleysmonsters Unpaper Towels too! This Etsyvendor makes so many great products!

Napkins

I have to admit, I love the convenience of paper napkins with my large family of ten, but when money is tight or the shelves are bare, it is wiser to use reusable napkins. I really love the color pattern of these Cotton Napkins from KindSupply.

Reusable Face Masks

Just yesterday, President Trump announced that the CDC now recommends using face masks when in public. I hurried up and found a pattern on Etsy to make some for myself and family members as I have three people in my family working in “essential” jobs and sometimes we need to run and pick up “essential items”. I was so happy to find this Face Mask Pattern from Etsy vendor FingerprintProps. They are in Italy, but the pattern is in English. The measurements are in cm, but I found that when I turned my tape measure to the other side, it had cm on it, so it was no problem.

reusable items to get face mask pattern — Face Mask Pattern from Etsy vendor FingerprintProps.

Here I am modeling my handmade mask. I intend to keep a clean one hanging near the door for the next person heading out.

reusable items to get face mask pattern homemade example neededinthehome — Amy at NeededInTheHome modeling her handmade face mask with a pattern she found on Etsy.

See if I have any masks for sale on Etsy today (they sell out faster than I can make them some days, so check back, please.)

More Reusable Items on Etsy

- - cloth diapers (I like to buy “all in ones” like these)
  - facial rounds (cotton rounds, face washing pads, makeup pads)
  - handkerchiefs or facial tissue
  - reusable face masks in case you would rather buy them
  - wet bags to keep items in until wash time