You've spent the least time thinking about toilet paper of all the details you manage for your Airbnb, from keyless entry codes to welcome baskets. But what if we told you that this bathroom staple can make the difference between a 5-star review and a frantic call about a clogged toilet?
The choice of toilet paper for your short-term rental impacts guest experience, budget, and plumbing in ways many hosts overlook. Choosing poorly can lead to uncomfortable guests, negative reviews, expensive emergency maintenance calls, and operational headaches that eat into profitability.
This guide will help you choose the best toilet paper for your Airbnb, turning a mundane supply purchase into a strategic business decision. We will help you find the balance between quality, cost, and practicality that keeps both your guests and plumbing happy.
Our Top Picks: The Best Toilet Paper for Airbnbs
Based on the criteria above, we've tested and researched the top options. Here are our recommendations, categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your property.
Best Overall: The Perfect Balance
Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper
This 2-ply option balances guest comfort and plumbing safety, making it our top pick for short-term rentals.
Pros:
- 2-ply comfort with septic-safe design
- Excellent strength prevents tearing and reduces waste.
- Available in bulk through multiple retailers
- A moderate price offers good value.
- Dissolves faster than most other 2-ply options.
Cons:
- Not as luxuriously soft as premium residential brands.
- More expensive than basic 1-ply options
Best Budget Option
Scott Toilet Paper, 1000 Sheets Per Roll
When the priority is maximizing your rental's profitability, this 1-ply workhorse delivers exceptional value without feeling like a serious downgrade.
Pros:
- Unbeatable cost per sheet value
- 1000 sheets per roll means less frequent changing.
- Dissolves quickly, making it ideal for problematic plumbing.
- Consistent availability makes reordering simple.
- Takes up less storage space due to compact rolls.
Cons:
- The 1-ply design lacks the plushness some guests expect.
- Guests may use more sheets during their visit.
Best for Sensitive Plumbing & Septic Systems
Angel Soft Professional Series Compact
This paper is engineered for commercial use and is perfect for properties with aging plumbing or septic systems that require special consideration.
Pros:
- Certified septic-safe for peace of mind
- Dissolves rapidly to prevent clogs
- 2-ply offers decent comfort despite quick dissolution.
- High-capacity rolls reduce changeouts.
- The compact size suits small rental bathrooms.
Cons:
- Not found in retail stores
- Best sourced from janitorial suppliers or Amazon Business.
- Less recognition than consumer brands
Best Guest-Approved "Upgrade" That's Safe
If your property is new with modern plumbing and you want a true luxury feel, Charmin is the gold standard for guest satisfaction.
Pros:
- Exceptional softness creates a luxury impression.
- Strong brand recognition signals quality to guests.
- Guests use fewer sheets because the sheets are highly absorbent.
- Available at any retailer for easy restocking.
Cons:
- HIGHEST CLOG RISK of all our recommendations
- More expensive than other options
- Dissolves in water
Host Warning: Use this product only if you have modern, well-maintained plumbing. It is not recommended for older homes or properties with septic systems.
Why Your Toilet Paper Choice Matters More Than You Think
Toilet paper is more than a bathroom necessity. It's a touchpoint that communicates your property's quality and care.
Guest Experience and Your Reviews
Thin, scratchy, or cheap-feeling toilet paper creates a negative impression, regardless of your property's beauty. It's an intimate product that guests use multiple times daily, leaving a lasting impression.
While guests rarely write glowing reviews about good toilet paper, they will mention bad toilet paper in a negative review. Comments like "cheap amenities" or "bare-bones essentials" often stem from cutting corners on bathroom supplies. Avoiding negative reviews means paying attention to these minor comfort factors.
Protecting Your Plumbing (and Your Sanity)
Ultra-plush, quilted toilet papers for residential use can be disastrous in a rental property. Many short-term rentals are in older buildings with aging plumbing or use septic tanks that require septic-safe products.
A clogged toilet can:
- Cost $150-300 for an emergency plumber visit
- Force you to block calendar dates and lose booking revenue
- Lead to water damage if guests panic and keep flushing
- Result in negative reviews even if you address it quickly
Using the wrong toilet paper is like playing plumbing roulette with every guest. Smart hosts choose septic-safe toilet paper for Airbnb properties to prevent avoidable disasters.
Managing Your Budget and Inventory
The economics of toilet paper for your rental business go beyond the sticker price. Ultra-cheap options seem like a smart cost-cutting measure, but they can actually increase your overall expenses when:
- Guests use more sheets of thin, low-quality paper.
- You need more frequent cleaning visits to restock bathrooms.
- Plumbing problems require expensive repairs.
Understanding the cost per sheet rather than just the package price helps you make smarter purchasing decisions that maximize your rental's profitability while maintaining quality.
The 5 Key Factors for Choosing STR Toilet Paper
Are you ready to make an informed decision about this essential supply? Here's your ultimate host's buying guide to the key factors for selecting toilet paper for your short-term rental.
1. Ply & Durability (1-ply vs. 2-ply vs. 3-ply)
Ply refers to the number of layers in each sheet of toilet paper. While more plies suggest better quality, the reality is more nuanced for rental properties:
- 1-ply toilet paper: Often dismissed as inferior, modern high-quality 1-ply papers can be surprisingly comfortable while dissolving quickly in water, making them excellent for problematic plumbing. They are also more economical, as guests typically use fewer sheets.
- 2-ply toilet paper: Generally represents the "sweet spot" for rentals, offering improved softness and strength while dissolving quickly. Quality 2-ply papers provide a better guest experience without significantly increasing clog risk.
- 3-ply and "ultra-plush" varieties: These premium options feel luxurious, but they are the most likely to cause plumbing disasters. The additional layers take longer to break down, especially in older systems.
The 1-ply vs 2-ply toilet paper debate depends on your property. Newer plumbing might handle 2-ply well, while older systems or septic tanks need high-quality 1-ply options.
2. Septic & Sewer Safety
If your property uses a septic system, choosing septic-safe toilet paper is essential for preventing costly system failures.
What makes toilet paper septic-safe? It's designed to break down quickly in water, preventing buildup in septic tanks and reducing the risk of clogs in sewer lines. Look for these indicators:
- Labeling on the packaging
- "Rapid dissolving" or "fast-dissolving" claims
- Compatibility of third-party septic systems
Even properties connected to municipal sewer systems benefit from quick-dissolving toilet paper, especially if the building has older plumbing, long pipe runs, or past clogs. For rental properties, prioritize plumbing safety.
3. Cost-Effectiveness (Cost Per Sheet)
Savvy hosts know that package price alone doesn't indicate a good deal. The true measure of value is cost per sheet:
Cost Per Sheet = Total Package Price ÷ Total Number of Sheets
Toilet paper packaging can be confusing with terms like "mega rolls," "double rolls," or "1000+ sheets." Check the fine print for the actual sheet count to make accurate comparisons.
When searching for the best bulk toilet paper for rentals, remember that the cheapest option isn’t the most economical long-term. Mid-tier options often provide better value through:
- Fewer sheets used per visit due to better quality.
- Fewer roll changes for cleaning staff
- Reduced the risk of plumbing emergencies
4. Softness & Strength
While these factors are subjective, they significantly impact guest perception:
- Softness: It directly affects guest comfort and perceived quality of your rental. Harsh, scratchy paper creates a negative impression, regardless of your property's amenities.
- Strength: Determines how well the paper holds up during use. Weak paper tears easily, frustrating guests and causing more waste.
The ideal toilet paper for rentals balances softness and thickness to avoid plumbing issues. Test a few brands before bulk purchases.
5. Bulk Availability & Sourcing
Consistency is crucial for efficient rental management. Your chosen toilet paper should:
- Readily available through wholesale channels
- Bulk purchasable to reduce per-unit costs
- Consistent quality across batches
Many hosts find Costco toilet paper for Airbnb properties offers a great balance of quality, availability, and value. Excellent sources for bulk purchases with reliable delivery include warehouse clubs, online retailers like Amazon Business, and restaurant supply stores like WebstaurantStore.
Stocking & Presentation Best Practices
Choosing the right toilet paper is only half the battle. How you stock and present it impacts your guests' experience.
- How much toilet paper to leave for Airbnb guests: Provide two rolls per bathroom (one installed and one visible backup), plus two to four extra rolls stored somewhere obvious, like under the sink or in a linen closet. For stays longer than four days, increase this to one roll per guest per 2-3 days.
- Presentation matters: Never leave a loose roll on the back of the toilet or countertop. Use proper toilet paper holders in each bathroom, and consider a decorative basket or standing storage solution for extra rolls. This small touch looks more professional.
- The "Folded Triangle": Want to impress with cleanliness and attention to detail? Fold the first sheet of each toilet paper roll into a neat triangle, like upscale hotels. It takes seconds and signals that every detail in your property has been considered.
- Inventory Management: Add toilet paper to your recurring restock list and establish par levels (minimum quantities) to avoid running out.
Overwhelmed? Let an Expert Handle It.
Choosing toilet paper, scheduling cleaners, responding to guest inquiries at 2 AM, and managing listings across platforms add up to a full-time job. The details of running a successful short-term rental can be overwhelming. As a property owner, your time is best spent focusing on the big picture, not on comparing the cost-per-sheet of bathroom supplies.
That's where Checkmate Rentals comes in. As a full-service vacation rental property management company, we handle all operational details, from cleaning and restocking premium supplies to guest communication and marketing. Our co-hosting model ensures you retain ownership of your listing and reviews, while our nationwide local teams provide on-the-ground excellence. If you're ready to maximize your revenue and reclaim your time, learn more about our transparent, contract-free full-service vacation rental property management.
Conclusion
The toilet paper you choose for your Airbnb or short-term rental seems insignificant, but these thoughtful details separate good hosts from great ones. By choosing wisely, you balance guest comfort, plumbing safety, and budget considerations to protect your investment and enhance your guests' experience.
By making a smart choice, you're not just buying toilet paper. You're investing in your business, protecting your property, and building a reputation for quality that earns 5-star reviews and repeat bookings. Success comes down to the smallest details.
