Given that your household will get through hundreds of loo rolls every year, it makes sense to pay attention to the toilet paper you buy. Nothing is worse than cheap paper that falls apart and feels rough, but on the other hand you probably don’t want to shell out a fortune on this bathroom staple. And then there’s the environment to consider.

With so many options available, it can be confusing knowing what to look for. To help you, we’ve put together this handy guide to choosing toilet roll.

What to consider when choosing toilet paper

It’s helpful to break down the essentials you want from your loo roll. Below we outline some of the most important factors to consider when you’re shopping.

Softness
Firstly, steer clear of scratchy toilet paper that feels unpleasant to use. To be kind to your derrière, it’s important to find soft loo roll with a luxurious feel.

Quilted vs. non-quilted
When you’re searching for a product with a superior feel, pay attention to whether it is quilted or not. Embossed or quilted designs tend to create a much softer sensation on the skin. This is because they trap air pockets between the layers, which gives a cushioned effect that is much nicer to use.

Ply count
You’ve probably heard people mention plies when talking about toilet paper, but what exactly are they referring to? This simply means the number of layers per sheet. So for example, two-ply loo roll features two layers of tissue that are sandwiched together. This is the most common type of paper. However, if you want something that is a little better quality, look for a three-ply product, and unless you don’t mind a very basic feel, avoid one-ply designs.

Absorbency
The ply and general thickness of toilet roll has an impact on absorbency as well as feel. By purchasing loo paper with a higher ply that is made from a high-quality material, you’ll benefit from greater absorbency. Even if these products cost a little more than thinner one or two-ply papers, they can actually be better value for money because you don’t need to use as much of them, so they tend to last longer. You might notice a big reduction in the number of toilet rolls that your household gets through if you choose very absorbent paper.

Strength
No one wants loo roll that breaks easily. Again, this is where quality comes into play. By opting for a product that is higher ply and made from robust materials, you can avoid this problem.

Fragrance
Fragrance is very much a matter of personal preference. Some people like loo roll that is infused with a pleasant scent, while others are indifferent or actively dislike this feature. If you have a preference, make sure you pay attention to this detail when you’re choosing your next toilet paper.

Sheets per roll
Unless you want to be changing toilet rolls all the time, search for products that have a high number of sheets per roll. Often, people only take note of the number of rolls provided in a pack, and they overlook the really important issue of how long the individual rolls are. This has a big impact on both user experience and value for money.

Eco impact
To be kind to the planet, you can look for loo roll that has impressive eco credentials. For example, you could purchase toilet paper that is entirely plastic-free – including the packaging it’s provided in. Excessive plastic use is a huge environmental problem – with scientists estimating that every year between eight and 13 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans, polluting the water and killing marine life. By choosing plastic-free loo roll, you can do your bit to help combat this.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to whether toilet paper is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®)*. The FSC promotes responsible forest management and helps to protect ecosystems. Another tip is to buy loo roll that’s made here in the UK. This means fewer miles travelled and therefore a smaller carbon footprint.

Once you’ve found eco-friendly toilet paper, consider buying in bulk. This can reduce packaging and cut down on transport miles, particularly if you’re buying online.

Cost
Cost is another crucial factor. Given that small households use an average of more than 250 rolls each year and larger households use an average of over 500 rolls, even small savings per pack can really add up over time. If you’re used to purchasing from the big brands, it might be time to branch out and see if you can make savings by buying your loo roll elsewhere.

A different way to shop for loo roll

By thinking about these different features, you should be able to find the perfect toilet paper for your household. And rather than buying loo roll in-store, you might want to think about purchasing it online. This saves you from having to carry this often bulky item around. You can even set up subscriptions when you buy online, meaning you never run out of this bathroom essential. 

*Oceans is a member of the FSC (C074684)