Why is toilet paper whitened?

Author: Dr. Francesco Kassulke  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

The real reason most companies bleach toilet paper comes down to customer expectations – some people get weirded out when their loo rolls aren't sparkly white. While not actually necessary for hygiene, people associate white with cleanliness.

Why do they make toilet paper white?

Bleached absorbent papers are preferred by most customers because it's easier to see when they have been soiled. White is perceived to be cleaner. Paper companies are simply responding to consumer demand.

Why is toilet paper not colored anymore?

The FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services placed a ban on dyes used in the coloration of toilet paper in 1987 due to an increased risk of cancer in laboratory animals.

Why does toilet paper get bleached?

Why do the manufacturers of toilet paper bleach it to make it white? The reason is consumer preference. It was found that white tissue invariably is chosen even at higher cost than unbleached tissue for sale on the same shelves. The same choice for all kinds of towels and tissues.

Why is there bright yellow on my toilet paper when I wipe?

Carrots, sweet potatoes, turmeric, and foods that contain yellow food coloring may cause stool to become yellow. A diet high in fat or gluten can also lead to yellow stool. If a person regularly has yellow stools, they should try avoiding fatty, processed foods, gluten, or anything that causes an upset stomach.

Why Toilet Paper is White

Why is my pee bright yellow on toilet paper?

High-dose vitamins can turn your pee a bright, almost neon-yellow color. The most common culprit is vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, which is found in most multivitamins. The neon color in pee is just a harmless sign that you're taking more than your body needs, and the excess is mixing with your pee.

Why is the toilet paper yellow when I wipe after peeing while pregnant?

Yellow discharge can be normal and simply a sign of regular clear discharge changing color upon contact with the air. However, it may also be a sign of infections, including STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease. Yellow discharge may also be noted in early pregnancy.

Is Cottonelle toilet paper bleached?

Cottonelle® Tissue Ingredients

We do not use chlorine bleaching for pulps used in our products. Instead we use a process called Elemental chlorine-free bleaching which does not create dioxins during the bleaching process. All claims valid only in the U.S. and Canada. Information is reflective of current products made.

What's the difference between bleached and unbleached toilet paper?

Unbleached toilet paper skips the chemical bleaching process, keeping its natural brown or off-white colour. This reduces health risks associated with chemical exposure and minimizes environmental impact by avoiding the release of harmful substances into the ecosystem.

Does Charmin have bleach?

No. 100% of the pulp used in our products is elemental chlorine free (ECF). If pulp is said to be ECF, it means that no elemental chlorine gas was used during the bleaching process.

What's the point of black toilet paper?

Black tissue paper excels at hiding unsightly marks or fingerprints, making it particularly popular in high-traffic bathrooms. Additionally, many manufacturers of black toilet paper focus on premium quality, often incorporating lotions and essential oils into their products for an enhanced user experience.

What color should toilet paper be when wiping?

When it comes to backside wiping, we should be aiming to “Wipe until you see white.” If wiping was a race, seeing white on the toilet paper is the finish line.

What was toilet paper like in the 1950s?

Since leaves, moss, and catalogue paper could clog the pipes, everyone turned to flushable toilet paper. In the 1950s, boutique toilet paper appeared in concentrated colours, such as navy blue and hot pink, and the upper-class enjoyed these costlier products for a while.

What did white people use before toilet paper?

Most people in rural areas were stuck using straw, hay, and even corn cobs. Ouch! The invention of the printing press had an unexpected impact on the history of toilet paper. All of a sudden, paper material was quicker and cheaper to make than ever before.

Is unbleached toilet paper better?

Recent studies have also suggested links between the bleach used in toilet rolls and a range of minor and much more serious health complaints. The most sustainable and environmentally friendly toilet rolls will therefore be made without bleach, and they won't pose the same potential problems for health.

What year did they stop making colored toilet paper?

In response to these concerns, many manufacturers began phasing out their colored toilet paper lines in the late 80s and early 90s. By the turn of the millennium, colored toilet paper had all but disappeared from store shelves.

What is the healthiest toilet paper to use?

What is the best non irritating toilet paper? For those with sensitive skin, bamboo toilet paper is the top pick. It's hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.

Does angel soft toilet paper have formaldehyde?

The Issue With Toilet Tissue

The destruction doesn't stop there: companies like Cottonelle, Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, and Charmin (sigh) use a tremendous amount of energy, water, bleach, and formaldehyde to turn this wood fiber into ultra-plush toilet paper.

Which brand of toilet paper is the softest?

What is the softest toilet paper?
  1. Andrex Classic White. Andrex is a brand that is engraved in the minds of many when it comes to the thought of soft toilet tissue. ...
  2. The Cheeky Panda Classic. ...
  3. Cushelle Ultra Quilted. ...
  4. Nicky Elite 3 Ply Quilted.

What toilet paper is not bleached?

It's comforting to know that bamboo toilet paper is free of harsh chemicals like bleach.

What is the most ethical toilet paper?

You can find recycled toilet paper offered by Feel Good, Naked Sprout, Serious Tissues and Who Gives A Crap. We can reassure you that all these brands receive an excellent GSG ethical score in our table.

What is the difference between blue and purple Cottonelle toilet paper?

Cottonelle® Ultra Clean Toilet Paper is designed to remove residue for a confident clean. Look for the blue package!. Cottonelle® Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper is designed to absorb moisture for a comfortable clean. Look for the purple package.

Why is it yellow when I wipe poop?

Too much bilirubin can cause yellow poop. And several problems with the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder can lead to a bilirubin imbalance. Meanwhile, stress and certain health conditions can affect how you digest nutrients, and this can also change your poop's color.

Is it normal to have orange pee in the morning?

Often, it's harmless and happens because you're dehydrated. It may also happen because of something you ate or drank. Sometimes, it can be a sign of an underlying health problem. It can be orange due to high levels of bilirubin or from blood in your urine.

Why does pregnancy pee smell so strong?

Foul-Smelling Urine: Pregnancy

It's called hyperosmia. “That's why early in their pregnancy some women can't tolerate certain smells, whether it's perfume or certain foods. The increased sense of smell might cause a pregnant woman to notice the smell of urine more, even though it hasn't really changed,” Dr.

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