Why is Toilet Paper White? The Surprising Truth About This Bathroom Staple

Toilet paper is a common household item that is easy to take for granted. Despite the long history of using paper materials for personal hygiene, this commodity was not always mass-produced for simple, everyday use. There is even a pretty interesting explanation for why every sheet is white. If you ever wondered how this basic bathroom staple made it into restrooms the world over, keep reading to learn all about the untold truth of toilet paper.

The History of Toilet Paper

The earliest recorded use of paper for any purpose was in China during the 2nd century BC. Fast forward to 589 AD, and there are written references to using it for personal hygiene. This was often limited to the extremely wealthy, as working-class people washed themselves with water, leaves, or by hand. It wasn’t until the 14th century that we found evidence of toilet paper manufacturing on a larger scale. In 1393, the records state that at least 720,000 sheets were produced for the imperial court of Nanjing.

The mass production of toilet paper that we are all familiar with today began back in 1857 when Joseph Gayetty invented the commercially available version of the product. Multiple sheets came in each pack and sold like hotcakes. The items were so useful that Seth Wheeler developed toilet paper dispensers and secured patents, allowing him to rise to the top of the market. In 1890, the Scott Paper Company began mass-producing and distributing its product in packages at a scale we are all used to in modern times.

How Toilet Paper Is Made

Toilet paper manufacturing is an innovative process that converts tree materials into the soft, useful sheets everyone relies on in the restroom. The first step is to find suitable trees, a precise mix of softwood and hardwood varieties. Bark is stripped from each specimen before the lumber is cut into logs. Each log is chipped into smaller pieces, approximately 1 inch to 1.25 inches. The chips are placed in a solution of water and chemicals and sit in a pressure cooker for three hours. The process breaks down the wood into pulp by dissolving the lignin that holds the fibers together.

The remaining pulp is cleaned and then bleached to remove any of the remaining colors from the mix. The pulp is further mixed with more water to create a slurry solution of 99.5% water and just 0.5% fiber. The paper stock slurry is sprayed onto a mesh screen so the water can separate. As they dry, the fibers rebind together to form sheets of paper. Once the moisture levels are reduced to just 5%, the sheets are wound into reels. The larger reels are perforated and cut into smaller rolls for packaging and individual consumption. An optional last step is to use scents or embossing patterns to add additional value to the final product.

Why Most Toilet Paper Is White

Why is toilet paper white? A fair question to ask after that explanation. Removing lignin already eliminates most of the color from the material, so bleaching it improves the aesthetic appeal by making each sheet uniform in color. In addition to it being more pleasing to the eye, the bleaching process also makes each piece softer to the touch.

Is Bleached Toilet Paper Safe?

The safety of toilet paper hinges on personal skin sensitivity and the nature of the bleaching process. Chlorine bleach used in the older manufacturing process was known to irritate skin. However, many companies switched over to hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleaching methods that result in fewer side effects.

Are There Colored or Recycled Alternatives?

There are several alternative toilet paper products to consider. Bamboo is a more sustainable material, and many brands offer recycled papers that minimize environmental impact. You can also opt for unbleached toilet paper products sporting an off-white or beige color.

Does Toilet Paper Color Affect Plumbing?

Yes, colored toilet paper products often get their hues from chemicals that don’t play nice with your internal plumbing systems. Abrasive chemicals can reduce the lifespan of your fixtures and pipes, leading to clogs and other issues that much faster. When in doubt, look for biodegradable toilet paper designed to safely dissolve in water to keep your equipment healthy for as long as possible.

Fun Toilet Paper Facts You Didn’t Know

The average American uses over 100 rolls per year. The longest roll of toilet paper is located in Branson, Missouri. It stands 10 feet tall and is 9.73 feet in diameter. If unfurled, it would span 1 million square feet. As for the most expensive luxury brands, the Australian Toilet Paper Man Company takes the crown with its 22-carat solid gold roll. It is claimed that gold dust falls from each sheet when used. Also, the psychology of “white = clean” comes from the idea that white is the color of a blank canvas, signaling the chance for a fresh start and new beginnings. In other cultures, white can also be used to instill a sense of calm in the viewer.

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