Does Toilet Paper Expire? Here’s What The Experts Say
I remember staring at that massive wall of toilet paper at the warehouse store and wondering if I was buying too much. We all have that instinct to stock up now because running out is such a nightmare. But then you get home and realize you have to store thirty rolls somewhere for months. It leads to a funny question that we rarely ask out loud. Does this stuff actually go bad sitting in the closet? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.
The Real Answer
The good news is that toilet paper does not have a hard expiration date like a carton of milk. It is a non perishable good made of processed wood pulp which is incredibly stable. If you found a roll from ten years ago that was kept in a time capsule, it would probably work just fine. Manufacturers generally say it lasts indefinitely under perfect conditions. However, we do not live in a laboratory and our homes have plenty of environmental factors that can ruin your stock of toilet paper over time.
Moisture Is The Biggest Threat
The biggest threat to your supply is definitely water and humidity. Toilet paper is designed to break down the moment it gets wet so it dissolves in your septic system. If you store it in a damp basement or a bathroom that gets really steamy during showers, the paper absorbs that moisture. Over time the rolls can become swollen and wavy or even start to grow mold. Once mold gets into the layers there is absolutely no saving it and you have to throw it all away.
Pest Problems
I hate to think about this one, but pests absolutely love paper products. Mice and spiders see those soft fluffy rolls as the perfect bedding material for their nests. If you store your bulk packages in the garage or an attic you are essentially building a luxury hotel for bugs. Even if you cannot see the critters inside, they leave behind waste and bacteria that you definitely do not want near your body. If the plastic packaging has holes or chew marks it is technically expired and contaminated. Throw it away.
Sunlight Makes It Brittle
We sometimes toss the extra rolls on a high shelf, but if that shelf gets direct sunlight you might have a problem. Ultraviolet light breaks down the chemical bonds in the paper over long periods. You will notice the paper turning a yellowish color and feeling dusty when you touch it. It loses that softness we pay extra for and becomes brittle. It might not be dangerous to use, but it will be uncomfortable and likely fall apart in your hands which is just annoying for everyone.
The Dust And Hygiene Factor
Even if you keep it dry and out of the sun, dust may eventually find a way into the fibers. If you leave rolls unwrapped on the back of the toilet or on an open shelf they act like magnets for airborne particles. Over a year that accumulates into a significant layer of grime. Since toilet paper is a hygiene product meant for your most sensitive areas, using dusty paper can actually cause irritation. It is best to keep the rolls sealed in their original packaging until you need them.
Smart Storage Solutions
To keep your supply fresh for years you really just need a watertight container. I started using those clear plastic bins with latching lids for the rolls that have to be stored in the garage. It keeps the spiders and the dampness out completely. If you are storing them inside a linen closet, just make sure they are not sitting directly on the floor in case of a leak. Keeping them high and dry ensures that the money you spent on bulk buying does not go to waste.
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It is honestly a relief to know that the stash in the hallway closet is safe for the foreseeable future. You do not need to rush to use it up before a specific date on a calendar. As long as you keep it away from water and little critters it will be there when you need it. So go ahead and buy that mega pack when it is on sale. Just maybe make sure you have a good plastic bin ready before you bring it all home.
Bliss Donahue-Power
