# Coronavirus--I don't get it.\[hoarding toilet paper\] **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [March 8, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107 "2020-03-08T16:25:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/41 "2020-03-10T02:32:25Z")
I like a well stocked closet. So I tend to buy certain things in bulk. I picked up an extra 12 rolls. Not sure if that’s hording. I like to have enough stuff in case I get sick. I was thinking of stocking more shelf item food. But It may already be the apocalypse. I couldn’t find any Spam. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/42 "2020-03-10T02:34:20Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > A newspaper in Australia just published eight blank pages so you can use it if you don’t have toilet paper. The\* Real \*Reason its called ‘Down Under’! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/43 "2020-03-10T02:55:59Z")
I think it’s kinda like whenever there’s bad weather coming. What happens? People rush out and buy milk, bread and toilet paper. God knows WHY, but that’s what people do. At least, they did back when I used to work retail. If that’s the case, I don’t know why they’re not bothering with the milk and bread though, this time. ---
**Author:** ![Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/regallag_the_axe/32/445_2.png) [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/44 "2020-03-10T03:29:31Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > If that’s the case, I don’t know why they’re not bothering with the milk and bread though, this time. Oh, they are. At least at my store they are. They’re also buying eggs, soda, pasta, rice and flour at above-normal rates. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/45 "2020-03-10T06:16:43Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Is Australia’s TP locally produced, or imported? I see price gouging for TP on Amazon.com.au, whereas the US prices still look about right. It’s mostly if not entirely local production. I would have thought that eventually the recent bushfires would have had an effect (plantation timber), but apparently current production is normal. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/46 "2020-03-10T06:51:49Z")
It’s self sustaining. All you need is someone to start the loop of getting things, and then you get this loop: Person 1: People are buying up supplies. -\> I may not be able to get them. -\> I’d better stock up on supplies. -\> Person 2: People are buying up supplies. -\> I may not be able to get them. -\> I’d better stock up. I also understand there were some previous situations where toilet paper really did run out for a while, which might be why people initially thought of it as something that could run out. All it takes is someone buying a little extra to get the ball rolling. ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/47 "2020-03-10T06:52:49Z")
I shopped WalMart today. (Central California.) They had plenty of TP but were out of cheap mouthwash. Yogurt was mostly gone, too. Go figure. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/48 "2020-03-10T07:14:44Z")
My husband reports from shopping yesterday that flour and rice were out, but stocks of packet soup and baked beans (what I’d think was pretty good sick people food) were just fine. I dunno who thinks they’re going to be producing a ton of baked goods if they’re laid low with a flu-like thing ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/49 "2020-03-10T07:55:46Z")
> [@Aspidistra](#): > > I dunno who thinks they’re going to be producing a ton of baked goods if they’re laid low with a flu-like thing If I have a “flu-like thing” no, I won’t be baking but if I’m stuck inside for two weeks and NOT feeling ill I very well might be churning out some baked goods … because baking is something I already do when I have time. Not sure why non-bakers would be stocking up, though. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/50 "2020-03-10T08:22:45Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > I think it’s kinda like whenever there’s bad weather coming. What happens? People rush out and buy milk, bread and toilet paper. God knows WHY, but that’s what people do. At least, they did back when I used to work retail. > > If that’s the case, I don’t know why they’re not bothering with the milk and bread though, this time. So does anybody here have any good toilet paper recipes to share? 🙂 For my panic shopping, I’m going to stock up on chocolate chip cookies. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/51 "2020-03-10T08:49:55Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I wish I lived by the beach. > Seashell collecting is a great hobby. 😃 Corn on the cob is also a fine side dish. And when you’re done, you can use the cob to, uhhh… Don’t try this with the baby corn on the cob that they always have out at salad bars. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/52 "2020-03-10T09:37:21Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > It’s self sustaining. All you need is someone to start the loop of getting things, and then you get this loop: > > Person 1: People are buying up supplies. -\> I may not be able to get them. -\> I’d better stock up on supplies. -\> > Person 2: People are buying up supplies. -\> I may not be able to get them. -\> I’d better stock up. Exactly. I’m guilty of that myself - I bought an extra package of toilet paper not because I’m afraid of the coronavirus, but because I’m afraid the stores will run out of toilet paper. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/53 "2020-03-10T11:07:48Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > DILs buying toilet paper like a mad woman. She said she doesn’t wanna live in a world w/o TP. > I have hoarder tendencies, I asked her to get me some at Sam’s club and take it to my house. I feel left out of the hysterics. > Dang, I never get to have fun. > ☺ Tell her to buy the Sam’s Club brand. It’s actually really good TP and a great price. > [@Guinastasia](#): > > I think it’s kinda like whenever there’s bad weather coming. What happens? People rush out and buy milk, bread and toilet paper. God knows WHY, but that’s what people do. At least, they did back when I used to work retail. My gf posted a picture on Facebook a couple years ago. We were in St Martin when a huge winter storm struck back home. She had me take her picture in a tiny grocery store. She had on her bathing suit and sunglasses and is holding milk, bread, and toilet paper. Caption: “it must be genetic”. I had to explain the idea behind the picture to the cashier. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/54 "2020-03-10T11:37:06Z")
I noticed when I was shopping last Saturday that the store was down to one 5-pound bag of rice of the shelf. There were plenty of 20-pound bags, though, which is what I was going to buy anyway. ($2.99 for 5 pounds, $8.99 for 20 pounds–the 5 pounds is for people without much storage or without much math.) ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/55 "2020-03-10T14:30:25Z")
Sam’s Club brand is THE best TP! Unfortunately, the jumbo rolls are the best of the best, but rarely available in the stores. The “good” brands, Sam’s being one of them, is out of stock, in the stores and online. Oh, the humanity! ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/56 "2020-03-10T14:48:54Z")
My friend pointed out something to me last night. She said what’s the point in buying toilet paper for a 2-week long quarantine? If you’re going to be stuck at home you can just hop in the bath or use a wet rag after you go. I know someone made fun of the rag idea upthread but if you’re home alone (or alone with your family) and not entertaining guests, asking them to use a rag…what’s the bother? Smart folks are investing in those attachable bidets right now! ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/57 "2020-03-10T14:49:01Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > Please tell me WHY folks have found it necessary to clean out the big box stores of toilet paper? It’s Johnny Carson’s fault (he’s history’s greatest monster) - kind of. Back in 1973, there was an actual risk of a TP shortage, and Carson mentioned it on his show. Based on Carson’s mention (and the other publicity this risk got), there was a dramatic jump in TP hoarding. I suspect that this bumped up TP on everyone’s list of things to worry about the supply of - and now it’s a completely self-fulfilling prophecy: whenever there’s a worry about supplies of anything, TP comes up on this list of things to worry about, leading to everyone trying to beat everyone else’s hoarding instincts. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/58 "2020-03-10T15:17:13Z")
I have to call straw-man beating on this. I keep seeing all these pictures of empty shelves posted on Facebook and elsewhere, but that’s not what I see in the real world. All the toilet paper aisles in every store I’ve been in this weekend are totally stocked. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/59 "2020-03-10T15:25:18Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Smart folks are investing in those attachable bidets right now! But they better not explain them to children! ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107/60 "2020-03-10T15:46:51Z")
> [@Doug\_K](#): > > I have to call straw-man beating on this. I keep seeing all these pictures of empty shelves posted on Facebook and elsewhere, but that’s not what I see in the real world. All the toilet paper aisles in every store I’ve been in this weekend are totally stocked. My theory is that people start to panic when the local news media say coronavirus has hit the local area. And you probably don’t have cases yet in the area you live. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coronavirus-i-dont-get-it-hoarding-toilet-paper/849107.md?page=4)