How Bad Is It Really to Use Wet Wipes?

Are they bad for your bum or your plumbing? Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy.

Many people swear by wet wipes, believing they offer a more thorough clean than traditional toilet paper. But are wet wipes bad for you — specifically, for your bum?

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Here's everything you need to know about using wet wipes in the bathroom, including how they can affect the plumbing in both your body and your home.

So, Are Wet Wipes Bad for You?

While you can wipe your bum with antibacterial wipes from time to time without having to worry, using wet wipes excessively can potentially harm your health. Here's how:

1. They Strip Away Good Bacteria

Wet wipes can make you feel extra clean, but they can be harmful if they completely replace tissue paper.

That's because wet wipes can upset your microbiome by "stripping away the good bacteria in your tush, leaving the bad bacteria, which may cause rashes, irritation and fungal infections," gastroenterologist Victoria Glass, MD, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

In other words, while adults can use wet wipes instead of toilet paper every now and then, wiping your butt with them too often can deplete protective microorganisms and pave the way for potential health issues.

Tip

This can also apply to your vagina. For instance, using wet wipes can eliminate healthy vaginal bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus. Without it, you may be more prone to inflammation or infections like bacterial vaginosis, per the Mayo Clinic.

2. They Contain Irritants

According to Nancy Chung, MD, a New York City-based gastroenterologist, the skin around your posterior can be sensitive.

Because of this, "it is best to avoid exposing the area to unnecessary fragrances and chemicals," Dr. Chung says.

Unfortunately, many wet wipes contain chemicals, fragrances and perfumes, which Dr. Chung says can lead to itching, irritation and inflammation.

Can You Flush Wet Wipes?

Not only are wet wipes less-than-ideal for your bum health, but they can also potentially cause plumbing problems. Here's why:

1. They Don’t Break Down

Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down in water before and after you flush, wet wipes don't disintegrate well, says Daniel Moore, service manager of Boston Standard plumbing company. That's because they're often made of synthetic materials and plastics that don't break down in water.

"This greatly increases the likelihood that they will get caught in the drain pipes and clog up the system," says Enoch Heise, training coordinator for Legacy Plumbing.

And yes, this rule even applies to "flushable" wet wipes. Indeed, they can also cause blockages and take hours to clear, Moore says.

"We highly advise against putting any wipes into your drainage system, regardless of whether it says flushable or not," Moore adds.

2. They Can Easily Clog Older Plumbing Systems

If you live in a building with an older plumbing system, chances are you'll experience clogging issues. That's because when one wipe gets caught in the drain pipe, "it forms a micro-stoppage that will quickly collect more wipes and waste until the pipe is completely clogged," Heise says.

While it may not seem like your toilet is clogged at first, Heise says to look out for water surrounding the wax seal at the toilet's base. This means that backed-up water is escaping.

Another sign: When your toilet gurgles after flushing or blows out air bubbles. "This is often caused by a partially clogged pipe," Heise says.