We’ve heard it again and again – that paper towels aren’t among the things that should go down the toilet. But even so, not many people know this fact, and that’s why we still have cases of paper towels causing clogs.
Perhaps you’ve been among those people who think that flushing paper towels is fine. And so, you’ve been doing it for a while now. However, the consequences are beginning to show and are left frustrated and wondering what really could work the trick. So, can vinegar dissolve a paper towel?
Well, that’s one of the questions most homeowners ask. After all, vinegar is one of the most versatile household chemicals. And today, we’ve resolved to answer this question once and for all. Keep reading to know what we’ve put together!
Does Vinegar Dissolve Paper Towel?
Yes, vinegar can dissolve paper towels. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can break down the bonds in the paper towel’s fibers, causing it to dissolve entirely. This is effective in unclogging toilets and preventing future clogs from happening.
Paper towels are an essential part of every home. We use them for various tasks, ranging from cleaning up spills to drying our hands. And while they’re handy, they can also cause clogs if flushed down the toilet.
Sure, paper towels share lots of similarities with toilet paper. They’re smooth, made from paper, and even look the same. But that’s where the similarity ends. As much as they share many features with toilet paper, paper towels are pretty different.
For starters, paper towels are much thicker than toilet paper. They’re also more absorbent, making them ideal for cleaning up spills. However, this same absorbency is what makes them a problem when flushed down the toilet.
You see, due to their absorbency nature, paper towels don’t dissolve as readily in water. Instead, they expand, making it easier for them to trap other items, such as hair and grease. This causes a blockage, often leading to a clogged toilet, and that’s where vinegar comes in.
Vinegar has an acetic compound, an acid that breaks down and dissolves different clogs, including paper towel clogs. Hence, the next time you’re dealing with a paper towel clog, reach for a bottle of vinegar, which should help.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that it’s always better not to flush paper towels down the toilet in the first place. However, vinegar should be your go-to solution if you ever find yourself dealing with a paper towel clog.
What Dissolves Paper Towels Fast?
The best way to dissolve paper towels fast is to use acidic liquid and some heat. Paper is made of cellulose, which is a byproduct of wood. When cellulose is exposed to an acidic liquid that’s heated to some temperature, the liquid will start to break down the cellulose fibers, causing the paper to dissolve.
You can use vinegar or any other acidic liquid for this purpose. Just make sure that the liquid is heated to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before using it. But again, remember that a lot of heat can affect your plumbing, so it’s always best not to pour the boiling liquid down your toilet.
How To Get Rid Of Paper Towels Fast?
We’ve got several ways to get rid of paper towels fast. You can use a plunger, auger, dish soap, vinegar and baking soda, Epsom salt, or even pour hot water down the toilet. Any of these elements will help break the paper towel down so it can be flushed away easily.
Paper towel clogs can be just as frustrating as any other type of clog. That’s why you must find a solution as soon as you discover that you’ve got a clogged toilet. Otherwise, the problem will only persist and get worse over time.
The good news is that there are several effective ways to get rid of paper towel clogs quickly. And even better, you probably have most of these things around the house already, so you won’t need to incur any additional costs.
Vinegar, Epsom salt, baking soda, and hot water are all great options for quickly dissolving paper towels. Just apply each of these appropriately, and you should see the paper towel start to break down almost immediately.
Of course, you can also use a plunger or toilet auger to remove the paper towel from the toilet physically. But if you want to dissolve the paper towel, one of the methods above should do the trick.
How To Dissolve Paper Towels In The Toilet?
How you dissolve paper towels in the toilet depends on your chosen method. But as long as you follow the instructions, the process should be straightforward, and you should have no trouble getting rid of the paper towel clog.
Here are a few ways to dissolve paper towels in the toilet:
Option 1: Use A Plunger
Plunger remains the number one choice when it comes to unclogging toilets. A plunger should be your first course of action if you’ve got a paper towel clog. It’s simple to use and has a high success rate.
Procedure:
- Pour some water into the toilet.
- Put the plunger into the toilet hole. Ensure that it covers the hole entirely and that the water level is high enough to cover the plunger.
- Pump the plunger for about 30 seconds. Start gently and then increase the intensity.
- Flush the toilet.
Option 2: Use A Toilet Auger
If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, then you can try using a toilet auger. It’s a little more complicated to use than a plunger, but it’s still pretty straightforward. It works better for more sophisticated clogs that won’t dissolve with the use of plunger.
Procedure:
- Get the toilet auger, sometimes called plumber’s snake.
- Insert one end into the toilet
- Push down until you detect obstruction
- Twist the auger handle clockwise as you push down
- Crank the auger handle to retract the cable and remove any debris clinging to it.
- Flush the toilet.
Option 3: Use Hot Water
Sometimes all that stands between a clogged toilet and a well-functioning one is a bucket of hot water. Hot water works by melting any grease or wax that might be causing the obstruction.
Procedure:
- Heat water in a pot on the stove. It should be hot but not boiling.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the toilet bowl.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to give the hot water time to work.
- Flush the toilet.
Option 4: Use Vinegar And Baking Soda
This is a classic combination that you can use for various things, including unclogging toilets. The vinegar and baking soda work together to create a fizzy reaction that can help break down the paper towel.
Procedure:
- Mix a cup of baking soda with 2 cups of vinegar in a pot.
- Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Flush the toilet.
Option 5: Use Epsom Salt
If you don’t have vinegar or baking soda, try using Epsom salt. It’s another option that delivers promising results. You can always get it from the grocery store if you don’t have any at home.
Procedure:
- Pour a cup of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Flush the toilet.
Option 6: Use Dish Soap
Dish soap is another common household item used to unclog toilets. It works by lubricating the sides of the toilet bowl and plumbing, making it easier for the obstruction to pass through.
Procedure:
- Pour a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Pour warm water into the toilet bowl
- Allow it to go down the drain on its own. Do not flush.
- Flush the toilet after a few minutes.
What Dissolves Paper Towels in Pipes?
Several things can dissolve paper towels in pipes, including hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. If you’ve got a paper towel clog, you can try one of these methods to get rid of it. As long as you’re dealing with a paper towel clog and not something else, one of these should do the trick.
If the clog doesn’t seem to dissolve with any of these methods, you may have to call a plumber. The clog may be caused by something other than a paper towel. But to avoid all that, know what you should flush down the toilet and what you shouldn’t.
Will a Paper Towel Clog Eventually Dissolve?
Yes, a paper towel clog will eventually dissolve. However, this takes a long time, and it’s not safe for your plumbing. If you’ve got a paper towel clog, you should try to dissolve it with one of the above methods.
But that doesn’t mean that every paper towel that goes down your toilet will cause problems. Issues will only arise when they accumulate over time and block the flow of water, or if you’re also flushing other things down the toilet that shouldn’t be there.
How Long Does It Take For a Paper Towel to Disintegrate?
A paper towel can take around 2-4 weeks to biodegrade. However, this will depend on the type of paper towel and the conditions of your sewer system. If it’s a higher-quality paper towel, it will take longer to biodegrade. The same applies if the bacterial conditions in your sewer system aren’t ideal.
In any case, flushing a paper towel down the toilet is never a good idea. It can cause clogs and other issues with your plumbing. To be on the safe side, ensure that only human waste, toilet paper, and water go down your toilet.
Final Verdict
Vinegar is a standard household cleaner that you can use to dissolve paper towel clogs. Vinegar is acidic, which means it can break down paper towels. But for the best outcome, try using it with other methods, such as hot water or baking soda.
If you don’t have vinegar, you can try dish soap or Epsom salt. All of these methods are effective in dissolving paper towel clogs. But as a general rule, avoid flushing paper towels down the toilet. It’s better to throw them in the trash can.