Can you flush paper towels down the toilet? If you’ve run out of toilet paper and have to take desperate measures in the bathroom you might be wondering if you can flush them down the toilet, they are paper after all. Read on to learn about if you can flush paper towels and what happens if you do.
Multiple experts agree the only things you should actually flush down your toilet are pee, poop, vomit, and toilet paper. But what about paper towels or napkins? No. Even though they’re a close substitute for toilet paper, experts don’t recommend flushing them.
Why you should only flush toilet paper
While both toilet paper and paper towels are made of paper, toilet paper is made to dissolve quickly and easily in water. Paper towels, on the other hand, are specifically thicker and made to be water-absorbent without breaking down. This makes them inclined to clog toilet drains if they get flushed.
What about flushable wipes?
NO! Flushable wipes are never flushable despite what the packaging might say. The only things you should be flushing are pee, poo and toilet paper.
What things should you never flush down the toilet?
Hair
Dental floss
Feminine products
Diapers
Paper products
Grease
Food
What happens if you run out of toilet paper?
If you run out of toilet paper you can use napkins, paper towels or pretty much anything that you feel comfortable wiping with.
What else can you use to wipe besides toilet paper?
Napkins
Kleenex
Paper (careful with this one. Paper cuts could be a concern)
Tissue paper
Cut up cloth or old t shirts
You can use the items above to wipe- but please don’t flush them down the toilet.
What happens if you already flushed the paper towel
If you already flushed paper towel the main concern is the possibility of a clog. If you have already flushed and nothing bad has happened consider yourself lucky and don’t do it again
If the toilet is clogged you will know right away. If there is a clog you’re in the right place. We have many tutorials on this site to help you get unstuck.
How to plunge a toilet
Time needed: 10 minutes
Learn how to use a plunger properly to unclog a toilet
Put on gloves
This might get messy so make sure you protect yourself with a pair of thick cleaning gloves.
Place the plunger in the toilet
Try to place the open end of the plunger onto or as close as you can on top of the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
Start gently
Initially the bell of the plunger will be full of air. Make sure the first thrust is gentle as a hard push will force the air back around the seal and splash water all over the bathroom.
Plunge vigorously
After the air is out of the plunger, plunge forcefully in and out while maintaining the seal. This forces water in both directions of the drain which will loosen most clogs. Plunge about 15-20 times to start.
Have patience
Alternate between steady strokes and larger heaves to force the clog out.
Keep water in the bowl
If the water level drops too low it will break the seal and you will lose pressure. Keep enough water in the bowl so the toilet plunger stays covered.
Celebrate your victory
Eventually the clog will loosen and everything in the toilet will go down the drain. Take your gloves off and give yourself a pat on the back.
With cleaning trends and DIYs becoming more popular online every day, I feel like I am in my element. Hi, my name is Adrienne Carrie Hubbard and I have been finding creative hacks and tricks for cleaning for over 15 years now.
I enjoy looking for tips on how to clean the overall home, with a special interest in the bathroom. It’s the most difficult room to clean, after all! Yet the most important.
I run a Facebook group called Cottagecore DIY and Decor with over 18,000 members called Cottagecore DIY and Decor. We were even nominated for a Facebook Community Award in 2021!
