5 Ways to Dissolve Paper Towels in a Toilet Without Damaging the Pipes

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Have you ever flushed a paper towel down the toilet and then regretted it? Maybe you were in a hurry, or you didn’t realize that paper towels don’t dissolve like toilet paper. Whatever the reason, you’re now left with a clogged toilet and a mess to clean up.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have made this mistake. But there is good news: there are several ways to dissolve paper towels in a toilet. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes paper towels to clog toilets, and we’ll share some tips on how to dissolve them safely and effectively.

We’ll also provide a list of household items that can dissolve paper towels, so you can choose the best option for your situation. So whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet or you’re just looking for ways to prevent future clogs, read on for all the information you need to know!

What Will Dissolve Paper Towels In Toilet?

| Item | How to Use | Time to Dissolve |
|—|—|—|
| Vinegar | Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes |
| Baking soda | Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes |
| Ammonia | Pour 1 cup of ammonia into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes |
| Bleach | Pour 1 cup of bleach into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes |

Types of Paper Towels

There are many different types of paper towels available on the market, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most common types of paper towels include:

  • Bathroom paper towels: These are typically made from a soft, absorbent material and are designed for use in the bathroom. They are often used to dry hands, clean up spills, and remove makeup.
  • Dish towels: These are made from a durable material that can withstand moisture and heat. They are typically used to dry dishes, clean up spills, and wipe down countertops.
  • Kitchen paper towels: These are typically made from a strong, absorbent material that can withstand moisture and grease. They are often used to clean up spills, wipe down countertops, and greaseproof baking sheets.
  • Paper towels for cleaning: These are typically made from a thin, disposable material that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. They are often used to clean up dust, dirt, and grime.

The type of paper towel you choose will depend on the task you are using it for. For example, you would not want to use a bathroom paper towel to clean up a grease spill, as it would not be able to absorb the grease.

Factors Affecting Dissolving Paper Towels

There are a number of factors that can affect how quickly a paper towel dissolves in water. These factors include:

  • The type of paper towel: As mentioned above, different types of paper towels are made from different materials. The type of material used will affect how quickly the paper towel dissolves.
  • The thickness of the paper towel: The thickness of the paper towel will also affect how quickly it dissolves. Thinner paper towels will dissolve more quickly than thicker paper towels.
  • The temperature of the water: The temperature of the water will also affect how quickly the paper towel dissolves. Hot water will dissolve a paper towel more quickly than cold water.
  • The amount of water: The amount of water will also affect how quickly the paper towel dissolves. More water will dissolve a paper towel more quickly than less water.

In general, paper towels will dissolve more quickly in hot water than in cold water. They will also dissolve more quickly if they are thin and if there is a lot of water present.

Paper towels are a versatile and convenient cleaning tool. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from cleaning up spills to drying hands. The type of paper towel you choose will depend on the task you are using it for. The thickness, type of material, temperature of the water, and amount of water will all affect how quickly the paper towel dissolves.

Methods for Dissolving Paper Towels

There are a few different ways to dissolve paper towels in a toilet. The best method for you will depend on the type of paper towel you are using and the amount of time you have.

Method 1: Using a Drain Cleaner

Drain cleaners are a quick and easy way to dissolve paper towels. However, they can be harsh on your pipes and should only be used as a last resort.

To use a drain cleaner, follow these steps:

1. Pour the drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
2. Wait for the drain cleaner to work its way through the paper towels.
3. Flush the toilet.

Method 2: Using a Natural Cleaner

If you prefer to use a natural cleaner, there are a few options available.

  • Baking soda and vinegar: This is a popular combination for dissolving paper towels. To use it, pour equal parts baking soda and vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture will fizz and bubble, which will help to break down the paper towels. After a few minutes, flush the toilet.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can dissolve paper towels. To use it, pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush the toilet.
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural acid that can dissolve paper towels. To use it, pour a cup of lemon juice into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush the toilet.

Method 3: Using a Toilet Brush

If you don’t have any cleaners on hand, you can use a toilet brush to dissolve paper towels.

To use a toilet brush, follow these steps:

1. Wet the toilet brush with water.
2. Scrub the paper towels with the toilet brush.
3. Flush the toilet.

Method 4: Using a Plunger

If the paper towels are stuck in the toilet bowl, you can use a plunger to dislodge them.

To use a plunger, follow these steps:

1. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl.
2. Push down on the plunger and release it quickly.
3. Repeat this step until the paper towels are dislodged.
4. Flush the toilet.

Method 5: Using a Toilet Snake

If the paper towels are stuck deep in the toilet drain, you can use a toilet snake to remove them.

To use a toilet snake, follow these steps:

1. Insert the toilet snake into the drain hole in the toilet bowl.
2. Slowly feed the toilet snake down the drain until it reaches the paper towels.
3. Turn the toilet snake clockwise to loosen the paper towels.
4. Pull the toilet snake out of the drain, bringing the paper towels with it.
5. Flush the toilet.

Safety Tips for Dissolving Paper Towels

When dissolving paper towels in a toilet, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your plumbing.

Here are a few safety tips:

  • Wear gloves to protect your hands.
  • Use a face mask to protect your lungs from fumes.
  • Flush the toilet immediately after dissolving the paper towels.
  • Do not pour drain cleaner down the toilet if it is clogged with paper towels.
  • Do not use a plunger or toilet snake if the paper towels are stuck deep in the toilet drain.

By following these safety tips, you can safely dissolve paper towels in a toilet without damaging your plumbing or putting yourself at risk.

What Will Dissolve Paper Towels In Toilet?

There are a few different things that can dissolve paper towels in a toilet.

  • Bleach is a common household cleaning product that can dissolve paper towels. It does this by breaking down the paper fibers into smaller pieces. However, bleach can also damage the pipes in your toilet, so it is important to use it sparingly.
  • Vinegar is another household cleaning product that can dissolve paper towels. It does this by creating a chemical reaction with the paper fibers. Vinegar is less harsh on your pipes than bleach, but it may take longer to dissolve the paper towels.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can dissolve paper towels. It does this by breaking down the paper fibers into smaller pieces. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on your pipes, but it can be dangerous if ingested.
  • Ammonia is a caustic chemical that can dissolve paper towels. It does this by breaking down the paper fibers into smaller pieces. Ammonia is very dangerous to use, so it should only be used by professionals.

How to Dissolve Paper Towels in Toilet

To dissolve paper towels in a toilet, you can use one of the following methods:

  • Bleach: Add 1 cup of bleach to the toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the toilet and the paper towels should be dissolved.
  • Vinegar: Add 1 cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the toilet and the paper towels should be dissolved.
  • Hydrogen peroxide: Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the toilet and the paper towels should be dissolved.
  • Ammonia: Add 1 cup of ammonia to the toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the toilet and the paper towels should be dissolved.

Important Safety Tips

  • Always wear gloves when using bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia.
  • Do not mix bleach with any other cleaning products.
  • Do not ingest any of these chemicals.
  • Keep these chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

If you are unable to dissolve the paper towels yourself, you can call a professional plumber.

there are a few different ways to dissolve paper towels in a toilet. The most effective method is to use a chemical drain cleaner, but this should only be used as a last resort. Other options include using a natural drain cleaner, such as vinegar and baking soda, or boiling water. If you are unable to dissolve the paper towels using any of these methods, you may need to call a plumber.

When choosing a method for dissolving paper towels in a toilet, it is important to consider the safety of the method and the potential impact on the environment. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly, and they can also pollute the environment. Natural drain cleaners are a safer option, but they may not be as effective. Boiling water is a safe and effective way to dissolve paper towels, but it is important to be careful not to splash any of the boiling water on yourself.

No matter which method you choose, it is important to follow the directions carefully and to take precautions to protect yourself and the environment.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.