You might think you’re saving money by buying toilet paper in bulk… but have you ran the numbers? A package with six rolls from a discount retailer like Trader Joe’s costs about $4, which is about $0.67 a roll, while a much larger package with 30 rolls from Costco costs about $25, which works out to about $0.83 a roll. Even if the rolls in the larger package are bigger (which they are), buying toilet paper this way is far from a financial coup, so what’s the real motivation for buying bulk toilet paper?
Probably the main one is convenience. For people with big families, the simple convenience of not having to worry about running out of toilet paper for months at a time might be worth a few extra cents (expecially those who remember the shock of the shortage at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic).
Whatever the motivation, if you bring that much toilet paper into the house, you have to store it, and that begs the question: Is it safe to store toilet paper in bulk? Here we answer that question with the help of two house cleaning experts and a plumber.
Does Toilet Paper ‘Expire’?
Toilet paper doesn’t exactly expire. As house cleaning expert Petya Holevich puts it: “Toilet paper doesn’t ‘expire’ in the way food does, but it can degrade over time. The paper can become brittle, discolored or lose some of its softness and absorbency if it’s stored for many years, especially in humid or damp conditions.”
Even if you don’t store it in a low-humidity space, it can last years without any changes, advises plumbing supervisor Megan Doser. “Toilet paper is not that kind of product that can go bad because of age or mold. It absorbs moisture very well but dries out quickly — this sets it apart from other things like concrete, drywall, or fabric that are porous and hold moisture for long hours. Toilet paper can absorb some moisture, but it has no nutrients for mold to feed on.”
Storing Toilet Paper in Bulk

Even though toilet paper has no “use by” expiration date, it can still get pretty funky if you don’t store it properly. For one thing, it draws in moisture, and even though you don’t have to worry about mold, it can make the air smell musty, according to housecleaning expert Neel Parekh. What’s more, he notes that “paper products make great nesting material for bugs and mice.”
The takeaway? You want to store toilet paper in a dry, enclosed space off the floor. That helps control the musty odors and prevents bulk toilet paper from becoming material for rodent nests.
Risks of Bulk Storage
It’s best to store bulk toilet paper in its original plastic packaging, but don’t count on that to keep mice out. In my experience, they’ll chew through plastic in a heartbeat if they are looking for nesting material, so it’s best if your enclosed storage space is rodent-proof.
Apart from that, there may be health and comfort risks. Holevich warns: “Old toilet paper is unlikely to be harmful; it can be less comfortable and less effective to use.” This is particularly true if you store it in the sun, because sunlight breaks down the paper fibers and makes them less absorbent.
A bigger problem with prolonged storage, says Parekh, is dust build-up. “Allergens build up on toilet paper that has been sitting for years.”
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bulk Storage
Both housekeeping experts recommended bidets as sanitary, eco-friendly alternatives to toilet paper, and I couldn’t agree more. A basic bidet is inexpensive and easy to install. Since installing one in my bathroom, I’ve reduced my toilet paper usage to about three rolls a year, mostly for sneezes and for accommodating guests who are unfamiliar with bidets. One day, I hope to talk my housemates into bidets, and then we’ll have no need for bulk toilet paper at all. Think of all that extra storage space!
If you prefer to stick with toilet paper, it’s already pretty eco-friendly, but the type does matter, says Doser. “Standard brands use virgin wood pulp and more water and energy to make, while recycled and bamboo options are 100% recycled and much lower-impact. The gray, cheap, and slightly rough recycled kind is actually more eco-friendly than the bright white, ultra-soft rolls.”
Holevich emphasizes that bamboo grows quickly and requires fewer resources than traditional trees, making it a more sustainable material than recycled wood. Besides that, bamboo fibers are much softer.
Reusable cloth wipes, also known as family cloth, are another alternative mentioned by the experts. They are soft, washable cloths that can be used and then laundered. “Even though they require proper hygiene practices, they significantly reduce disposable waste,” says Holevich.
FAQ
What household items are safest to store in bulk?
Holevich points to several food items that have a long shelf life, are used frequently, and are relatively inexpensive as good candidates for bulk storage. Examples include:
- rice;
- pasta;
- beans and oats;
- canned goods;
- sugar;
- some spices in an airtight container.
Additionally, cleaning supplies such as dish soap, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, and trash bags are best for bulk purchases, according to Parekh. Doser warns that anything containing chemicals can become ineffective if you store it too long, so don’t leave your detergents and liquid cleaners on the back shelves and forget about them.
What items should never be stored in bulk?
It goes without saying that you should never store perishable or moisture-sensitive food items in bulk. Storing fresh produce, dairy, eggs, soft cheeses, baked goods and some herbs and spices in large quantities increases the risk of spoilage, waste and even foodborne illness, warns Holevich.
Additionally, flour can develop rancid oils and attract pantry moths, cautions Parekh. And, he says, batteries lose their charge when stored for a prolonged period.
About the Experts
- Neel Parekh is the founder and CEO of MaidThis, the first U.S.-based home cleaning franchise that uses technology to provide residential and short-term rental services.
- Megan Doser is the owner of Doctor Fix It, a family-founded plumbing, heating and electric company serving the Denver area since 1978.
- Petya Holevich is an experienced house cleaning and laundry expert with over 5 years of dedicated time at Fantastic Services.
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How Long Can You REALLY Store Toilet Paper In Bulk? An Expert Weighs In