"The family cloth" is a reusable alternative to toilet paper, made of rags, old t-shirts, sewn fabric, or purchased cloth wipes. They are mostly used for wiping pee, but some families use them for poop and periods. The practice (common until the modern era) is now mostly featured in eco-conscious and "frugal" housekeeping blogs andEtsy shops.

Yesterday BuzzFeed published a sympathetic explainer about the wipes. (At the end, readers are asked to respond with "Good for them, not for me!" or "I'd try it at some point.") Before it grows any more, let's make it clear: "Family cloth" is not a life hack.

Good afternoon, here's a story about my butthole. Years ago, it was itching constantly, and I couldn't figure out why. I assumed it was dirty, so when I went to the bathroom, I always made sure to wipe extra hard. Finally a doctor had to tell me to stop that, and give my butthole a break. I did, and I stopped itching.

I tell you this humiliating story for a good reason: According to Mental Floss, a lot of you are wiping too hard as well.

Is your home always stocked with the cushiest brand of tissues, toilet paper, paper towels and napkins? Good, stop reading. Everyone else: This is a remedial course in how to fill your home with paper hygiene products like an adult. I realised the importance of this course when discovering that several of my younger friends don't buy tissues. Before you send another guest to the bathroom to blow their nose, please read.

One of the funniest moments in Toy Story 3 was when Woody surreptitiously placed a sheet of paper on a public toilet seat in the midst of a daring escape. It was funny because it was relatable. But are public toilet seats actually any dirtier than the ones in your house? The answer's in the headline.

Cheesecakes and custard-based pies are prone to condensation, especially if you don't let them cool completely before wrapping and chilling. There is however and elegant solution involving a not so elegant item, and that item is toilet paper.