Our best overall pick is Charmin’s Ultra Strong Toilet Paper because it can stand up to any wipe, is soft and pliable, and is septic safe. Here, the best toilet papers to stock your bathroom with. Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper is reliably strong and an excellent choice for nearly everyone, and that’s why it’s our top pick. Charmin toilet paper has superior strength so it won’t tear or dissolve while you’re using it. This toilet paper provides an excellent clean without requiring a big wad of sheets, and using less toilet paper will also save you money in the long run. The design is woven like a washcloth, which helps aid the cleaning process and feels great on the skin. Despite its thickness, this toilet paper is still safe for septic tanks, and unlikely to cause clogs, per the manufacturer. It’s not as soft as some other rolls on the market, but its strength is appreciated. You’ll get a great value with this purchase since each mega roll is equal to four regular rolls, so go ahead and stock up so you won’t run out of toilet paper any time soon. However, some toilet paper holders may struggle to hold these oversized rolls, so you might need to opt for Angel Soft’s standard size. And note that in a 2021 report, the environmental nonprofit advocacy group the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) gave Angel Soft a failing grade for sustainability. Seventh Generation toilet paper is septic safe. It’s made from recycled paper without any dyes or fragrances. It’s thick and soft, which makes for a comfortable experience when you’re using it, although some people may find that it sheds with use. Cloud Paper offers 2- or 3-ply toilet paper made from bamboo—it’s both a sustainable, planet-friendly option and one that’s comfortable to use. The packaging is completely free from plastic, and is compostable and recyclable. If you live in a small space, storing 24 rolls at a time may be challenging. To choose toilet paper with the best value, look for quality construction. Cheap, thin toilet paper will require you to use more, so it won’t last as long or be as comfortable to use. On the flip side, don’t pay for extras that you don’t want or need when making this very personal choice.
Septic and Sewer Safe
“The [toilet paper] options can feel endless and striking the balance between softness, dissolvability, and level of use can be overwhelming,” says Glenn Gallas, vice president of company operations at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company. Two key considerations to keep in mind are the ply and the dissolvability of the paper. “With thicker toilet paper, like 2-ply or 3-ply, you can use less squares but if you are a little more price-conscious, 1-ply toilet paper rolls tend to be less expensive per sheet,” Gallas says. The more layers for each sheet, the longer it will take to dissolve—that’s something to keep in mind if your septic tank or plumbing is finicky. If you have an RV or a boat, take extra care to choose toilet paper that is septic tank appropriate and safe.
Ingredients
Many brands market toilet paper with an array of extras, including scents or additives like aloe vera and vitamin E meant to pamper sensitive skin. Pay attention to specific ingredients for scented toilet paper if you are sensitive to artificial perfumes. Eco-conscious consumers can choose eco-friendly toilet paper made with responsibly-sourced trees, renewable energy, and recycled packaging.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Madeleine Burry, who has been writing commerce features for The Spruce since 2019. You can find more of her work on Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Health. For this roundup, she considered dozens of toilet paper brands, evaluating each on material, performance, softness, and safety in septic systems. Additional input was provided by Glenn Gallas, vice president of company operations at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company.
