No, you can't. In contrast to toilet paper, things like tissues and kitchen towels are designed to retain their strength as much as possible, especially when wet. Flush a tissue or paper towel down the toilet and it won't break down, at least not readily, so it's a prime candidate to clog your pipes.

Is it better to flush or throw away tissues?

Toilet paper that makes it in the trash end up in landfills. ... Plus, it will take years for the toilet paper to break down and decompose. In comparison, from a sanitary and greenhouse gas perspective, flushing is the better option. However, both still contribute harm to the environment.

What happens if I flush tissues?

Even flushing tissues, like Kleenex and other tissue paper is a no-no. Tissue is not designed to break down when it's wet and the absorbency level of tissue can cause wads of it to get stuck and clog pipes creating blockages.

Should I throw tissue in the toilet?

But throw it in the trash, and not the toilet. Facial tissue doesn't break down easily in water like toilet paper does, and can clog the plumbing.

How long does it take for Kleenex to break down?

Facial tissue paper is made to retain its strength for an extended period, even after absorbing water or getting dissolved in it. They tend to maintain their strength even when extremely wet. When soaked in water, tissue papers can take over 6 weeks to disintegrate.

Should I flush that?

18 related questions found

Can I use tissues instead of toilet paper?

The truth is that tissues, a paper towel, wet wipes, or scraps of fabric will all do the job just fine (with varying degrees of comfort). But—and this is very important—don't flush any alternative toilet paper down the toilet.

Is it OK to flush a tissue?

No, you can't. In contrast to toilet paper, things like tissues and kitchen towels are designed to retain their strength as much as possible, especially when wet. Flush a tissue or paper towel down the toilet and it won't break down, at least not readily, so it's a prime candidate to clog your pipes.

Can you flush normal tissues?

No, you shouldn't because you can't flush them. If you do, be sure to throw them away in the garbage.

How do you unclog toilet tissue?

Pour ¼ cup of Dawn soap into the toilet bowl and allow a couple of hours for it to work on the clog before attempting to use a plunger again. The dish soap will work to break down the clog naturally without harmful chemical fumes or reactions.

How do you unclog a toilet with Kleenex?

Slip on some rubber or latex gloves and pull out the tissue yourself. Or, use a plunger to remove the clog if it is farther down the pipes. Fit the plunger against the drainage hole and push and pull it to create suction that will suck out the stuck tissue.

What can I use instead of toilet paper?

What are the best alternatives to toilet paper?

• Baby wipes.
• Bidet.
• Sanitary pad.
• Reusable cloth.
• Napkins and tissue.
• Towels and washcloths.
• Sponges.
• Safety and disposal.

Does tissue paper dissolve in water?

Unlike toilet paper – paper towels, napkins, and tissues are not designed to break down and dissolve in water. This is why flushing them can result in blockages and expensive home plumbing problems.

Can toilet paper clog a sewer line?

Eventually, toilet paper or other debris gets snagged on the roots, further preventing water from flowing through the main sewer drain line. Flushing sanitary products, such as paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products or even extra-thick toilet paper, can also clog your sewer line.

Why is my toilet not flushing toilet paper?

One of the most common reasons why a toilet doesn't flush properly is because it's clogged. You might have to flush the toilet several times to get everything down. They often occur because too much toilet paper was in the bowl. ... Clogged toilets can usually be resolved with a plunger or a toilet auger.

How many tissues can you flush?

Flush a maximum of 2 Kleenex Flushable wipes at a time.

Can you flush tissues down the toilet with a septic tank?

Dryer sheets, facial tissues and paper towels do not break down easily in septic systems. Other commonly flushed items which cause clogs and damage include hair clippings, dirt and coffee grounds.

Is Kleenex septic safe?

The simple answer: no, Kleenex should not be put in toilets. Toilet paper is specifically made to break down in toilets, so that it will not clog your home's plumbing. Facial tissues are not made with this purpose in mind.

Are Kleenex tissues sterile?

To prevent spreading diseases to tissue users and caregivers alike, it is crucial that facial tissues are sterilized during the manufacturing process. Otherwise, there is the risk that we are receiving new bacteria and viruses before even opening the box!

What is the difference between tissues and toilet paper?

Tissue papers are mainly used to wipe nose and hands while toilet papers are used in the restroom after urination and defecation. Toilet papers are also known as restroom tissue paper and they are usually packed in rolls whereas tissue papers are packed infoldings and bundles.

Does bleach dissolve tissue?

Bleach does not break down toilet paper. ... This means that it will not be effective in dissolving a toilet paper clog in your plumbing.

Does Coke clear blocked drain?

Pour a 2-liter bottle of cola — Pepsi, Coke, or generic brand substitutes — down the clogged drain. Coke is actually quite caustic and effective at clearing away buildup in your drains, but it's far milder than commercial drain cleaners.

Does cheap toilet paper clog toilets?

Cheap Store brands can break down but sometimes it's just because they're very thin, 1 or 2 ply papers. ... This paper would clog your pipe in days if you already have trouble with old, rusty pipes. It's no wonder; the Cottonelle looked more like a blanket than toilet paper.

What is the best toilet clog remover?

Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover. Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator. Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio Clean. Best Monthly Build-up Remover: CLR Clear Pipes & Drains.

What is cowboy toilet paper?

1. Mullein aka “cowboy toilet paper” ... If the cowboys used the large velvety leaves of the mullein (Verbascum thapsus) plant while out on the range, then you can too! Mullein is a biennial plant available for use in almost every bioregion.