You know that thrill of digging through your cabinet shelves and finding a crusty bottle of something that expired in 2015? Welcome to pantry archaeology.

Next up on the excavation table is a long-forgotten spare toilet roll. You silently wonder to yourself…

Does toilet paper expire?

Whether you’ve been stockpiling since 2020 or just unearthed a dusty roll, we’re here to crack the code on TP longevity — what affects it, how to store it and when it’s finally time to part ways.

The short answer: does toilet paper expire?

No, toilet paper doesn’t technically expire, but its quality can take a nosedive over time. 

Too much humidity or light exposure messes with its texture and strength. While it won’t cause harm, older rolls are more likely to tear, shed or leave unwanted bits behind.

Why is there an expiration date on toilet paper packaging? 

Seeing an expiration date on toilet paper is a rare occurrence. In fact, no regulatory body requires toilet paper to have a listed expiration date because it’s classified as a non-perishable household good. 

If you do spot a date on your pack, don’t panic.

Some manufacturers include a date for inventory, tracking or quality assurance purposes. It helps the manufacturer track production cycles, troubleshoot issues and manage stock rotation. 

Does toilet paper material affect long term storage? 

You bet your bottom dollar it does. When it comes to how gracefully your toilet paper ages, the fibres it’s made from make all the difference.

Toilet paper made from traditional wood pulp

It’s accessible and widely used, but not the most resilient (or environmentally friendly) toilet paper option. Wood fibres gradually break down, especially in a damp, humid bathroom. Before you know it, you could be dealing with yellowing, a funky smell or a serious amount of lint on your bum. 

Recycled toilet paper from post-consumer waste

For stockpilers, there’s one thing to remember about recycled toilet paper: the short fibres affect durability when not stored correctly. Pro tip: keep them in a cool, dry, and dark spot, and they’ll be ready for action whenever you are.

Bamboo toilet paper rolls 

Bamboo is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a roll that’s in it for the long haul. Its fibres are naturally long and strong, which means they hold up beautifully over time, resisting breakdown and staying sturdy. 

Bamboo toilet paper isn’t just super soft and great for the planet — it’s also a real keeper.

The dos and don’ts of toilet paper storage

Want to give your toilet paper the long and happy shelf life it deserves? Where you store it matters more than you might think.

Do:

• Keep it cool and dry: Think linen closets, bedroom cupboards, or under-the-bed bins. The enemy here is humidity.

• Leave it in its original packaging: Rolls need protection from dust, light and moisture. Don’t unwrap unless you’re about to use it.

• Elevate it off the floor: Especially if you’re storing it in a basement or utility space. Moisture can creep in from below. Yikes! 

• Use storage bins: They keep both humidity and light out. Bonus — they also block out pests.

Don’t:

• Store it in a damp basement, garage, or laundry room: Humidity is toilet paper’s worst enemy — it weakens the fibres, causes musty smells and even attracts mildew. 

• Keep it near the shower: Steam + toilet paper = one sad wipe. No, thank you. 

• Store it with cleaning supplies or chemicals: Cross-contamination from chemicals can accidentally make your rolls unsafe. 

• Expose it to direct sunlight: Unless you’re intentionally going for a “vintage parchment” look.

If your last pantry organisation session wasn't satisfactory, try these storage ideas to make sure everything fits and is easily accessible. 

Let’s say you found an old toilet paper roll collecting dust in the closet…

What’s considered ‘old toilet paper’? If it’s been there since Harry and Meghan went stateside, it’s best to do a quick inspection. 

Over time, that forgotten roll weakens as its fibres break down, making the paper brittle and likely to tear during wiping. As those fibres degrade, they can also turn to dust and create extra lint. 

On top of that, paper absorbs moisture like a sponge, and bathrooms are often humid environments. (So you see where this is going.) If it’s damp and musty, just say no and toss it out. 

Fair warning, an ageing roll might even attract unwanted guests — and we’re not talking about your in-laws here. To little critters, that forgotten roll is prime real estate for nesting material. 

Long story short: use your best judgment before putting that roll on the holder. 

There’s a better way than stockpiling

The temptation to stockpile is real, especially when you’ve lived through toilet paper shortages, supply chain chaos or the primal fear of running out while on the seat. 

But before you turn your hallway cupboard into a bunker for extra rolls, we’re going to offer a simpler, smarter way to stay stocked.

A toilet paper subscription has way more benefits, including: 

1. Reclaimed storage space

Instead of stuffing a hundred rolls in your garage, a subscription delivers manageable quantities right to your door when you need them. 

2. Save time with automatic restocking

Your rolls arrive at your doorstep on a schedule of your choosing. No more running out, forgetting to restock or emergency runs to the store. 

3. Do good with little effort

Speaking for ourselves here, Who Gives A Crap rolls are made from 100% recycled or bamboo fibres, which is great news for forests. Plus, we donate 50% of our profits to global clean water initiatives. 

It’s a simple switch that feels good on your bum, looks great in your bathroom and does a whole lot of good for the planet.

Conclusion – Toilet paper ages gracefully, but stockpiling isn’t necessary 

Toilet paper doesn’t expire — but it doesn’t last forever either. 

With time, even the best rolls weaken, yellow or flake like ancient scrolls from your bathroom archive. However, with the right material and a little care, your stash will remain soft, strong and ready for action. 

Better still, ditch the stockpile altogether and open your home to other possibilities. Our seriously attractive rolls look good on the shelf, remain hygienic with individual wrappings and deliver an eco-friendly wipe. 

Start a convenient toilet paper subscription with Who Gives A Crap and let the good times roll.