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Where there’s a wipe, there’s a way. A flushable wipe, that is. If you thought toilet paper cornered the market on what to use in the bathroom, well, flushable wipes may just have the royal flush, so to speak. All puns aside, these wet wipes can be a godsend in and out of the bathroom (if they’re actually flushable, that is.) Keep reading to find out what to look for in a wipe and our six favorites to try.
The best flushable wipes, at a glance:
- Best overall: Cottonelle, FreshCare Flushable Wipes, $9
- Best budget: Honest, Flushable Wipes, $4
- Best scent: Goodwipes, Rosewater Flushable Wipes (Pack of 2), $6
- Best bulk: DUDE Wipes, Flushable Wipes (Pack of 3), $8
- Most refreshing: Dollar Shave Club, One Wipe Charlies Butt Wipes, $6
- Best sustainable: Caboo, Bamboo Flushable Wipes, $18
FAQs
When can you use flushable wipes?
When it comes to use cases, it might be better to ask, when can’t you use them? Wet wipes have myriad uses, from removing makeup and getting rid of stains to cleaning kids’ sticky hands and, most obviously, wiping after you go to the bathroom.
That said, you just have to be careful about when you flush them. Depending on the sewer or septic system in place,these wipes can still cause clogs. Consider the plumbing system in place, use wipes sparingly, and if you think it might be a bad idea to flush ’em, dispose of them in the trash instead. (Your plumber will thank you.)
What should you look for in a flushable wipe?
There are three important attributes to look for when choosing flushable wipes.
Flushability:
There’s nothing worse than a clogged toilet. Or, we’ll do you one better—clogged plumbing. Flushing wipes that aren’t actually flushable down the toilet will do just that. However, even when you do use flushable wipes (which tend to say so right on the packaging), it’s best to err on the side of caution. Most companies recommend flushing your wipes one at a time, so clogging will be kept at bay (and out of your bathroom). Others are certified by organizations like the Water Environment Federation (WEF) or the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG). These seals indicate that the wipes break down in water and won’t cause clogs in your pipes or sewer systems.
Ingredients:
Let’s face it—you’re probably using flushable wipes in a pretty sensitive area of your body. To avoid rashes, dryness, and irritation, make sure the wet wipes you’re using are gentle on the skin and free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol. Note that the size and texture can also affect cleaning efficiency. Get a wipe that’s big enough and has good grip, but that won’t irritate you even more.
Biodegradability:
Along with being flushable, it’s imperative to look for wet wipes that are biodegradable. Fatbergs, AKA masses of non-biodegradable matter (like oil, grease, and non-flushable wipes), are no fun to deal with when they’re blocking up a sewage system or septic tank. And, of course, biodegradable wipes made from plant-based materials are just better for the environment.
The best flushable wipes
Best overall:
Cottonelle, FreshCare Flushable Wipes — $9.00
Count: 42 wipes/pack
With a pleasing and fresh scent, a simple flip-top opening, and Cottonelle’s CleaningRipples™ texture similar to their toilet paper varieties, these flushable wipes are a solid option—until they disintegrate after flushing, that is. They’re made with 100 percent plastic-free, biodegradable plant-based fibers that are sourced from responsibly managed forests. And they’re designed for toilets, so you and your septic tank can rest easy.
Scents: 1
Pros:
- Fresh, pleasing scent
- Super affordable
- Sustainably sourced
- Septic safe
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- Can be a bit flimsy and tear apart easily
Best budget:
Honest, Flushable Wipes — $4.00
Count: 42 wipes/pack
Be honest—you want to use a soft, hypoallergenic, flushable wipe. This pack by Honest delivers on both fronts. They’re also fragrance-free, so if you prefer no scent before you flush, this is the pack to try. The soft wipe cloths are designed with citric acid (a plant-derived pH adjuster), with over 99 percent water and no plastic. Plus, they’re only $4 for a pack of 42—which breaks down to a mere 10 cents per wipe, as it were. Talk about a wipe that’s good for the wallet.
Scent: unscented
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Fragrance free
- pH balanced
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- May tear easily when first opening the package
- Can leave skin feeling dry
Best scent:
Goodwipes, Rosewater Flushable Wipes (Pack of 2) — $6.00
Count: 60 wipes/pack
We never knew we’d be so happy about the way a butt wipe smells … but here we are. These flushable wipes by Goodwipes smell so divine, we actually want to reach for them. The rosewater scent is light but refreshing, while the wipes themselves are made from plant-based fibers for a plush, super-soft feel. Not only that, they’re, hypoallergenic, pH balanced, and formulated with a mix of organic aloe, chamomile, and Vitamin E.
Scents: 4
Pros:
- Beautiful rosewater scent
- pH balanced
- Made from wood pulp
- Free of toxins, dyes, and parabens
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Can’t be flushed with RVs, boats, planes, macerator toilets, or household pumps
- May tear when removing from package
Best bulk:
DUDE Wipes, Flushable Wipes (Pack of 3) — $8.00
Count: 48 wipes/pack
Using toilet paper? Come on, dude. Well, DUDE Wipes Flushable Wipes, that is. These wipes are designed in an extra-large rectangular silhouette (the brand says it’s 35 percent larger than other wipes) that, suffice it to say, covers more ground when it’s time to wipe. Indecent? Maybe. True? Definitely. They’re formulated with aloe vera and Vitamin E for extra hydration and decreased sensitivity; plus they’re made with 99 percent water and plant-based ingredients. With over 100,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, it’s obvious they’ve got more than a few fans.
Scent: 3
Pros:
- Larger than other brands
- Formulated with nourishing aloe vera and Vitamin E
- Affordable
- Scented and unscented options
- Septic and sewer-safe
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- Large size may be too big for some people
Most refreshing:
Dollar Shave Club, One Wipe Charlies Butt Wipes — $6.00
Count: 50 wipes/pack
One wipe is all it takes to get you minty and fresh with these wipes. And while you may be thinking, “Mint? Down there?!”, know that they’re alcohol free and formulated with soothing aloe, to leave you soothed and hydrated. You also get your choice of a 50-pack or 20 individually wrapped packets, which are perfect to take on the go for when you go (see what we did there?). While they are biodegradable and flushable, the brand cautions that they should only be used in well-maintained plumbing systems—so if you have a septic tank, you’re outta luck.
Scent: 1
Pros:
- Zingy peppermint scent
- Alcohol free
- 20-pack contains individually wrapped packets for easy packability
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- Pack of 20 is more expensive than pack of 50
- Can’t be used in septic tanks
Best sustainable:
Caboo, Bamboo Flushable Wipes — $18.00
Count: 60 wipes/pack
These biodegradable wipes are flushable, of course—and Caboo also says they’re septic safe and safe for all disposal systems (including motorhomes and marine sanitation systems). They may be a bit pricier than other brands, but the fact that they’re made from sustainably grown, compostable bamboo helps soften the blow.
Pros:
- Crafted from bamboo, which the brand says grows back after 3-4 months of cutting
- Fragrance free
- Non toxic
- Septic and sewer-safe
- Resealable pouch keeps wipes fresh and hydrated
Cons:
- Pricey
- Some shoppers say they’re difficult to remove from packaging
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