While everyone should know that you can’t flush disposable wet wipes down the toilet, many people still insist on doing it. Disposable and flushable wet wipes are too thick to beflushed down the toilet. They’re not safe for septic systems like many brands advertise.
In New York, they have such a problem with wet wipes being flushed down the toilet, that they have had massive clogs, which has caused toilet repair nightmares as well as drain cleaning emergencies.
It’s reported that the city’s Department of Environmental Protection has had to spend 10 million per year just to process the material. Mayor Bill de Blasio is in the process of creating a bill that would require companies to label their products correctly.
Under Kingston, a borough in London, a sewer worker found a build-up of wipes and waste on the ceiling of a pipe. The residents had been complaining about not being able to flush, so the workers went to check the problem. The large blockage, which weighed approximately fifteen tons took three weeks to remove with power washers.
Instead of using wipes that are too thick to be flushed, you can make your own wipes that are gentle on your skin as well as being gentle on your pipes and septic system. You’ll want to use materials for your own DIY wipes that will dissolve in water.
Materials for DIY Wet Wipes
For your DIY flushable wipes, you’ll want to use paper towels that are easily flushable. To further help the environment and your pipes, you can pick a brand that is recycled and biodegradable. Don’t choose thick, quilted paper towels that won’t flush easily.
Those paper towels that advertise that they can be used as scrubbers without dissolving are not the best choice. You might have to experiment to find the best choice for your needs.
- Baby Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Distilled Water
- Baby or Perfumed Lotion
- Air-Tight Container
- Essential Oils
- Paper Towels
- Serrated Blade for Cutting
Instructions for Making Wipes at Home
First, decide whether you want baby lotion or regular lotion in your DIY wipes. If it’s for adult behinds, you might not want to smell like a baby’s bottom. If you miss that baby smell, you could encourage your toddlers and older children to use the wipes with baby lotion in them.
The essential oils are based on the choice of scents you’d like to experience. The baby oil and tea tree oil are the only essential ingredients you’ll need for this DIY project. The other oils are based on your personal taste.
With the serrated blade, cut the roll of paper towels in half. You’ll be able to double the amount of wipes for the same price. They’ll be too wide to fit in many containers anyway.
Once the paper towels are cut in half, you can remove the roll from the middle. If you purchase the paper towels that can be segmented into thirds, you’ll have the option of pulling them apart instead of cutting the roll.
Mix two tablespoons of baby oil with approximately 6 drops of tea tree oil. The tea tree oil will prevent mildew from forming on the wet paper towels.
Add the mixture to a cup of distilled water. Add the lotion and essential oils you’d like to use. Shake the mixture until it’s blended.
Place the paper towels vertically so you can see the middle hole, and start pouring the liquid slowly onto the paper towels. You don’t want to make a soggy, wet mess of them. The paper towels should be moist but not saturated.
If you add too much of the mixture, you can squeeze out the excess. If you’ve separated all the paper towels into thirds, you can lay them flat in the container and pour the mixture. They shouldn’t be saturated either.
Pull a small bit of paper towel from the middle, and place the entire roll into the air-tight container. You’ll be able to open the container and pull a wipe out when you need it. After use, make sure that the container is closed tightly, so the wipes don’t dry out.
Benefits of these Homemade Wipes
Along with being great for your septic system, the baby oil and lotion is terrific for your bottom. They’re soft and have a wonderful scent.
Keep the wipes in the bathroom close to the toilet, so you can stop people from using the other wipes. They can often replace toilet paper because the wet wipes provide a better clean requiring fewer wipes down the toilet.
Unfortunately, if you haven’t seen this recipe for DIY wet wipes before using regular wipes and flushing them, you could have a clog that requires drain cleaning.
Toilet repair costs can be avoided with DIY wipes, but for quality plumbing services in Lexington, SC, you can call Plumbing Solutions at (803) 513-5749.