What makes toilet paper top-notch? It truly depends on the customer but we have a few ideas! 

Choosing the right TP product isn’t only about comfort and convenience. There are other performance factors, like doing your part for the planet. After all, this is something you use multiple times per day on your most sensitive bits. 

We’re here to help put your toilet paper to the test. Using key factors like softness, strength, tearability, and flushability, you’ll know exactly what to put in your shopping cart. 

At the end of the day, we all want TP that won’t clog the pipes or your conscience. Find out how to make the best decision for a cleaner bottom and environment. 

Softness comes first

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: scratchy toilet paper is a no-go. The softness factor sets the stage for a pleasant bathroom break.

The number of plies, or tissue layers, impacts softness. The more ply, the cushier the experience. 

Premium brands tout a 3-ply roll, but you’ll know what’s right for you after a touch test. Run a sheet through your fingers, feeling for smooth and consistent softness. 

Durability for the task at hand

You don’t want toilet paper that falls to shreds or leaves bits behind. High-quality TP remains durable throughout use rather than congealing and breaking upon wet contact.

Your TP also needs to withstand any kind of wiping preparation. According to a YouGov poll, most people (44 percent) fold their paper into squares or bunch up a tissue ball (22 percent) before wiping themselves. Low-quality tissue doesn’t last through such manipulation. 

Avoid sheets with visible fibers or little balls. These are signs of linting and pilling, which indicate a lack of durability. 

If it passes the initial inspection, give the sheet a little tug. No tearing means it’s hardy enough to handle at showtime. 

The two sides of tearability

Tearability is a double-edged sword. You want sheets to tear easily from the roll but remain intact during use. Strength across the sheet ensures a mess-free experience, while swift separation when desired eliminates wasteful excess. 

There’s an easy way to check this. Tear a sheet from the roll, then try to rip it across the middle. High-quality TP neatly breaks from the roll but holds firmly during attempts to tear outside the perforation seams. 

Flushability for a smooth exit

The best toilet paper is smooth on your skin and sewer system. It should break down quickly in submerged water to avoid plumbing issues. 

If you have a septic system, choose a product labeled as septic-safe. These rolls disintegrate rapidly by design. 

Don’t trust TP marketing? Try putting it to the test. Drop a sheet in a cup of water, then stir gently. Paper that breaks apart within a few minutes deserves an A+ in flushability. 

Why the type of material matters 

The type of material used in toilet paper manufacturing impacts the quality and environment. You’ll find three types in your local shopping aisle: virgin pulp, recycled, and bamboo. Understanding what resources go into each type and how they are made makes you a more informed consumer. 

Virgin pulp

Traditional brands utilize virgin pulp derived directly from freshly cut softwood trees. This process includes harvesting, stripping the bark, and then chipping the lumber for the next production phase. 

A chemical solution cooks the chips into fibers, followed by cleaning, bleaching, and forming the sheets. The manufacturing of virgin pulp is a significant contributor to deforestation. 

Recycled paper

Recycled paper comes from pre- and post-consumer waste paper, such as newspapers, cardboard boxes, and magazines. 

Once the waste paper has been collected, sorted, and cleaned, it’s treated similarly to virgin pulp and formed into environmentally friendly paper. 

Bamboo paper

Bamboo plants are ideal because they’re a fast-growing, renewable resource. Producing bamboo paper includes harvesting, cutting, and cooking the plant fibers into pulp. 

There’s a misconception that bamboo and recycled options aren’t as soft as virgin pulp. Modern manufacturing of sustainable materials offers the comfort that customers love without the environmental impact. 

Conclusion: Quality isn’t in the eye of the beholder

So what makes toilet paper worth the go? Choosing the right TP is all about personal preference. Except now, you have a way to verify key product features and make a decision you feel good about. 

Softness, durability, and tearability are the most important characteristics to test when it comes to daily comfort. Flushability and material type affect plumbing maintenance and your carbon footprint as a consumer. 

There are many TP brands available, but we’ve armed you with the criteria needed to align any purchases with your values and needs. Whether that means opting for recycled materials, supporting companies that give back, or just finding a fuss-free product that does the deed—you’re ready to pick your next roll. 

Speaking of good deeds and companies that give back, Who Gives A Crap has committed to making toilet paper that checks all the boxes. Our tissue rolls are soft, strong, planet-friendly, and oh-so-giving. 

With half of all profits going to charity, we aim to make the world a happier place one roll at a time. Sound like something you can get behind? Set up your TP subscription now.