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How to Get Rid of Paper Towels in a Toilet

When you run out of toilet paper, it is tempting to grab any disposable paper, such as paper towel, as a substitute. The problem is that paper towel, which is not designed to dissolve the same way as toilet paper, can cause plumbing clogs. Even if you tear the paper towel into small bits and successfully flush it from sight, there is a chance it will create a clog. If you’ve already dropped some paper towels in the toilet, there is a way to get rid of the paper safely. However, the answer is not flushing.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bag
  • Soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a small plastic bag over one of your hands, like a glove. If you are you are right handed, put it on your right hand. If you are left handed, put it on your left hand.

    • 2

      Reach into the toilet with your plastic covered hand and grab the paper towels floating in the toilet bowl.

    • 3

      Turn the bag inside out, so that the paper towel is inside the bag.

    • 4

      Throw the bag in the trashcan.

    • 5

      Wash your hands with soap and hot water.