Toilet paper is an essential household item that most of us use daily. However, if a disaster or emergency strikes, stores may run out of toilet paper or be unable to restock. That’s why it’s important to learn how to properly store toilet paper for the long term so you always have a supply on hand. Storing toilet paper requires some planning and the right storage conditions to maximize shelf life. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about long term toilet paper storage.
Why Store Toilet Paper Long Term?
There are a few key reasons you may want to store toilet paper long term:
- Emergency preparedness – Natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies can disrupt supply chains and make toilet paper difficult to find in stores.
- Avoid shortages – Hoarding and panic buying during crises often lead to toilet paper shortages. Storing your own means you’ve got a buffer.
- Save money – Toilet paper is something you have to buy regularly. Buying in bulk and storing allows you to buy larger packs when prices are discounted.
- Convenience – You won’t run out unexpectedly since you have backup inventory on hand.
Having a toilet paper reserve can provide peace of mind and ensure your household is prepared for any situation where regular shopping trips aren’t possible.
How Long Can Toilet Paper Be Stored?
The shelf life of toilet paper depends largely on the storage conditions. With optimal storage, toilet paper can last many years past the manufacturer recommended 2-4 year shelf life. Here are some general guidelines on toilet paper expiration:
- At room temperature in normal conditions – Approximately 2-4 years before quality degrades.
- In cool, dark places – Can last 5+ years before becoming brittle or degraded.
- In very hot or humid areas – May last less than 2 years before issues.
- In sealed moisture-proof containers – Can extend shelf life up to 10 years.
The polymers and paper materials in toilet paper break down over time, especially with exposure to heat, light, and moisture. Proper storage is key for maximizing shelf life. With less than ideal conditions, degradation can happen more rapidly.
Signs Your Stored Toilet Paper is Expiring
How can you tell if your stored toilet paper is nearing or past its expiration date? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Color changes – The white paper starts to yellow or brown.
- Brittleness – The paper feels crispy and crunchy.
- Loss of softness – It’s no longer soft on your skin.
- Dust – Fibers and paper dust flake off.
- Odors – Unpleasant chemical smells.
- Tears – Rips or tears easily when pulling off the roll.
If you notice any of these, especially brittleness, it’s time to replace your toilet paper stash with fresh product. Always do a periodic inspection of your storage when rotating items.
How to Store Toilet Paper for Maximum Shelf Life
Here are some tips for storing toilet paper for the long haul:
Choose the Right Storage Location
Pick a storage spot that is cool, dry, and dark to maximize freshness. Avoid places like:
- Attics – Extreme temperature swings.
- Basements – Risk of flooding and moisture.
- Garages – Too humid and hot in summer.
- Near appliances – Heat emitted will accelerate breakdown.
Optimal places include pantries, closets, under beds, etc. The cooler and more climate controlled, the better.
Use Air and Water Tight Containers
For the longest shelf life, store toilet paper in food grade plastic buckets or gamma seal buckets with an oxygen absorber and desiccant packs. This creates an air tight, moisture-free environment. Stacked plastic totes or storage boxes also work. Avoid cardboard which allows moisture and gases to pass through.
Wrap in Plastic Bags
Double bagging individual rolls or packs in plastic bags provides extra moisture protection. Choose bags like Mylar which are impermeable to gases and water vapor.
Buffer with Cardboard
Insert sheets of cardboard between stacks of toilet paper to absorb any condensation and minimize pressure that could crush rolls. This helps maintain quality.
Store Off Concrete Floors
Place containers with toilet paper up on shelves or pallets rather than directly on concrete. This prevents moisture transfer from the floor up into the products.
Rotate Stock
Use the FIFO (first in, first out) method to rotate toilet paper. This ensures the oldest is getting used first before expiration dates pass. Marking dates on containers makes rotation easier.
Maintain Consistent Conditions
Avoid fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels in the storage area. Try to keep conditions as stable as possible with moderate temperature and low humidity.
Inspect Periodically
Do visual checks for signs of degradation every 6-12 months and inspect products as you rotate stock. If any issues are spotted, move damaged rolls to top of inventory to get used first.
How to Store Specific Types of Toilet Paper
Certain kinds of toilet paper may require some special considerations for storage.
Standard Rolls
These are the typical toilet paper rolls with cardboard tubes. For long term storage:
– Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil before bagging. This prevents rolls from getting crushed or misshapen.
– Stand rolls upright rather than stacking horizontally to avoid flattening.
– If stacking horizontally, intersperse with cardboard sheets to absorb moisture and prevent compression damage.
Jumbo Rolls
The extra large rolls often found in public restrooms can be stored similarly to standard rolls:
– Wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
– Stand upright rather than stacking to avoid crushing and deforming.
– When stacking horizontally, limit stack height and use cardboard buffer sheets.
Double Rolls
These have two rolls joined side-by-side on a cardboard core. Store them:
– Vertically to keep the rolls properly formed.
– With plastic wrap or bags around the rolls to retain moisture.
– With cardboard between stacks if placing horizontally to prevent compression.
Toilet Paper Tablets
Compressed toilet paper tablets dissolve in water. Store them:
– In original factory sealed packaging or resealed mylar bags.
– Away from moisture, as they already contain water and can mold.
– In cool area and avoid temperature extremes to prevent breakdown of binding materials.
– With desiccants to absorb excess moisture, but avoid direct contact with tablets.
Luxury Soft Toilet Paper
The super soft, cushy toilet papers need extra protection:
– Wrap each roll in plastic wrap before bagging to prevent rolls from getting misshapen.
– Stand upright to avoid flattening delicate tissue.
– When stacking horizontally, use rigid boards between each layer to distribute weight evenly.
– Avoid high humidity and moisture which can compress and degrade the soft paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rolls of toilet paper should I store?
Recommendations vary, but most preparedness experts suggest keeping at least a 3-6 month supply for each person in your household. For a family of 4, that could be anywhere from 100-300 rolls depending on usage. Store enough to meet your family’s needs.
What about storing toilet paper in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers?
Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers do create an airtight, long term storage environment. However, oxygen absorbers can cause the rolls to rapidly lose moisture and become brittle if direct contact is made. It’s best to double bag rolls in plastic before placing in Mylar with absorbers.
Can you store toilet paper in plastic garbage bags?
Regular plastic garbage bags are not ideal, as they are permeable to moisture and gases. For best moisture protection, opt for food grade plastic buckets, Mylar bags, or plastic bags made specifically for long term storage. Garbage bags should only be used for short term storage spans.
Is it ok to store toilet paper rolls loose in 5 gallon buckets?
Stacking loose toilet paper rolls in buckets can lead to crushing, deforming, and excessive motion that degrades quality over time. For best results, wrap rolls individually in plastic before placing in buckets. Lining buckets with Mylar bags also helps limit excess movement and protects from moisture.
Can you freeze toilet paper to make it last longer?
Freezing is not recommended for toilet paper storage. The moisture from condensation as it thaws can encourage mold growth. Freezing can also degrade paper materials over time. With proper storage methods, freezing is not necessary to achieve multi-year shelf life for toilet paper.
The Bottom Line
With the right storage conditions and methods, toilet paper can remain fresh and usable for many years past the standard shelf life. The keys are keeping it cool, dry, and away from light, moisture, and gases. Properly stored toilet paper will provide restroom security no matter what emergencies crop up. Rotate stock routinely and inspect for any degradation every 6-12 months. Follow these tips and you’ll never run out, even in times of crisis.