Learn how to sanitize paper rolls for crafts with this easy tutorial!
Both toilet paper and paper towel rolls are very popular for crafts. They're virtually free, and who doesn't want free crafting supplies?
However, I've noticed a lot of concern about the safety of using paper rolls for crafts, especially toilet paper rolls.
I've seen people suggest spraying tubes down with Lysol or setting them in the window to catch some rays, but there's a better way that hardly receives any attention.
That's why today I'm sharing how to sanitize paper rolls for crafts without chemicals. You don't need any sprays and there's no sunlight involved, plus it's sure to kill off any lingering nasties!
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Are toilet paper rolls safe for crafts?
Anecdotally, I've heard that a lot of schools have banned bringing in toilet paper rolls for crafts due to safety concerns.
The logic is that bathrooms are pretty germy places and toilet paper hangs out right next to the toilet, the source of most bathroom viruses and bacteria.
Research shows that flushing the toilet with the lid open sends a plume of aerosolized contaminants into the air. These contaminants then settle on bathroom surfaces, increasing the risk of disease transmission. (source) Yikes! Good thing we're fantastic about shutting the toilet lid at our house.
This means that toilet paper rolls could be unsafe for crafts. Do plenty of people use them for crafts? Absolutely, but there is the potential for risk.
Although nothing is producing a "plume" in your kitchen the same way a toilet does, kitchen sinks are also notoriously filthy. Kitchen sponges are the worst offenders of all. The only thing with a higher bacteria concentration than a used sponge is poop! (source) That makes even paper towel rolls, especially if stored near the sink, seem a bit unsafe for crafts, too.
So how do you sanitize toilet paper rolls for crafts?
People frequently recommend spraying the rolls down with Lysol or a homemade solution including vinegar, bleach, or essential oils. Yes, bleach does kill viruses and bacteria, however it works best on hard, non-porous surfaces. Does that sound like a toilet paper roll to you? You may successfully kill some surface nasties, but if you're concerned enough to want to sanitize the roll, wouldn't you prefer to know everything has been killed off?
By the same token, the UV in sunlight absolutely can kill bacteria, but it can only kill surface bacteria that's exposed to sunlight.
Although many glasses do allow a significant amount of UVA radiation in, special coatings and films can reduce the amount of UVA coming through the glass. This is a pretty good thing for your skin! We put removable UV blocking film on our living room picture window to help protect ourselves and our furniture and that's great, but it can reduce the sun's sanitizing power.
So if spraying and sunlight may not really sanitize paper rolls, what can?
How to sanitize paper rolls with your oven
The idea occurred to me while I was baking some polymer clay on a piece of paper. Sculpey Premo, the clay I use most often, bakes at 275ºF and the paper comes out fine.
E. coli and salmonella die at 160ºF (source).
Staph and MRSA are killed by slightly lower temperatures.
Simply pre-heat your oven to low (as long it's above 160ºF!), position an oven rack to half way down the oven or lower, and pop the rolls in!
To be extra safe, bake them for 20 minutes to ensure the cardboard has the opportunity to heat all the way though.
You can also use this technique to sanitize cardboard egg cartons for crafts.
I'm kind of a freak out about poultry products and egg shells can be contaminated with salmonella! {{As a side note to show I'm not just being crazy: Although the USDA issued tougher limits on permissible quantities of salmonella on poultry products in 2016 (source), a few years ago Consumer Reports showed that 71% of chicken in grocery stores was contaminated with at least one harmful bacteria (source). Eek!}}
I have never had a piece of paper or cardboard catch on fire in the oven, but to be safe please keep all paper tubes away from the heating element and don't leave your oven unattended.
Alternatives to toilet paper rolls for crafts
If you're really concerned about toilet paper rolls, don't feel like stock piling them, or don't want to deal with baking them, here are alternatives to toilet paper rolls:
- Wrapping paper tubes
- Unused paper tubes for crafts. These come in a variety of lengths and in natural kraft color or white.
- PERFECT FOR CRAFT ACTIVITIES: 4-½ inches L each tube is smooth, thick, and durable. The plain brown cardboard rolls are great for making animals,...
- READY TO DECORATE: Smooth, free from debris, and easy to cut tubes are ready for paint, markers, stickers, and much more.
- SUPPORT LEARNING THROUGH ART: Craft rolls can be used for constructing and building STEM, art, and engineering projects.
Now that you know how to sanitize paper rolls for crafts, you can make projects like these driftwood napkin rings without worrying about bathroom or kitchen bacteria!
What will you make with recycled paper rolls now that you can confidently kill off the most common bathroom and kitchen bacteria?
Are you looking for screen-free activities to do with your kids? Download your free printable animal activity pack today!
GP
Has anyone tried the whole roll? Can the paper itself withstand low heat?
Natasha
Hello! I have never baked a whole roll of toilet paper, but paper does not burn until 451ºF. I don't know if the thin TP might get wavy or somehow damaged int eh oven, but it wouldn't catch on fire.