How To Make A Trophy Out Of Toilet Paper Rolls? The 13 New Answer

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4 ways to make toilet paper rolls safe for crafts

Many schools, kindergartens and kindergartens have “banned” toilet paper rolls for safety reasons. They also do not accept egg cartons for crafting for fear of spreading disease. Experts say the risk of contamination is minimal. Some even declared it an urban myth.

The risk of getting illness or infection from bacteria and germs on toilet paper rolls is minimal and negligible. Using toilet paper cores for crafting poses no health hazard if you follow simple, everyday hygiene practices.

For example, wash your hands before and after crafting and don’t touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) during the activity (you shouldn’t do that anyway).

However, if you’re still scared because you want to tinker with your kids (a toddler can put anything in their mouth in nanoseconds) or you have a disability (you have a chronic or an autoimmune disease) that makes you more susceptible to infections, I have covered you.

Read on and I’ll show you four easy tricks to make toilet paper rolls safe to craft.

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Do toilet paper rolls have germs?

People started getting worried after hearing/reading about a study that looked at germs and bacteria in toilets. The study states, “If a toilet flush occurs without the lid closed, aerosol production can lead to surface contamination in the toilet environment.” (source)

Toilet paper rolls and anything in the bathroom can have germs on its surface. Especially if you flush the toilet without the lid closed.

But everything else does!

I bet your phone has more germs than a toilet paper roll. Also a remote control, keys, money, ATM are much dirtier than you think.

Now let’s be honest.

Do you wash your hands after touching your keys or money?

I think I know the answer. Then you spread all those irritating germs to your phone, face, hair, food and everything you touch.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the toilet paper rolls.

Can you use toilet paper rolls for handicrafts?

Yes, you can use them for crafting. They will not put you on your deathbed or make you sick.

I haven’t seen or heard of anyone getting tired of tinkering with toilet paper tubes. As I mentioned before, wash your hands and don’t touch your face. As simple as that!

I love using them! They are versatile, easy to use and practically free.

I have posted two cardboard tube crafts on this blog. They are super easy and cheap to make. All you need is some paper tubes and a hot glue gun.

Check out my popular mandala wall art and these beautiful snowflake ornaments made from toilet paper cores.

How to clean toilet paper rolls

The most common bacteria found in stool are E. coli and Salmonella.

Learn about the other “bad guys” in the stool.

You can easily kill them with a few simple hacks and make your toilet paper rolls safe for crafting.

How to disinfect with the sun

Several studies examined the effects of sunlight on bacteria.

They showed that UV radiation can kill bacteria (see study).

This paper also shows that UV radiation killed most E. coli in 15 minutes.

So if you live in a very sunny part of the world or find this article in the summer, you can use sunlight to disinfect toilet paper rolls. For best results, leave them in the sunlight for at least 15 minutes.

How to sterilize with a disinfectant

chemicals? OR natural?

You can choose two types of disinfectant to disinfect the cardboard tubes. You can either purchase or make your own natural germicidal liquid.

For example, Lysol or other products that contain bleach are the most commonly used disinfectants. The only problem: they are chemicals. It can also be dangerous for children to put the rolls in their mouths.

Vinegar alone isn’t a good disinfectant, but it does kill certain germs and bacteria, like E. coli and salmonella.

You can make an effective blend by mixing water, vinegar, and essential oils (best for killing bacteria and viruses are tea tree, lavender, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon).

The process is pretty simple, spray the toilet paper rolls with the disinfectant.

The only concern most people have with this method is that it only kills the bacteria that are on the surface.

ATTENTION! Never mix vinegar and bleach (hoping to make your mix more effective) as it will release toxic fumes.

How to disinfect with heat

You can use two methods of heat sterilizing: in a microwave oven or in a regular oven. Both generate heat that kills germs and bacteria.

Let’s take a closer look at how to do it and the potential downsides.

How to sterilize in a microwave

“Microwave ovens produce high-frequency waves that cause the water molecules in an object to vibrate. This vibration causes friction, which can heat the object to a temperature that can kill germs.” (Source Insider)

According to this 2006 study, microwaves can kill bacteria. They showed that 30 seconds of microwave radiation killed almost all E. coli bacteria.

So the microwave toilet paper rolls are a legitimate way to sanitize them for the craft.

The only concern? – the effectiveness of microwaves. In many cases they are not fully heated by an object.

I’m sure almost everyone has experienced food that is hot on the outside and cold in the middle after being microwaved.

How to disinfect with an oven

This is my favorite (and most trusted) way to sanitize toilet paper cores.

Bacteria thrive in temperatures of 40-140 degrees (Fahrenheit). Between 140 and 160 degrees they stop multiplying and die.

To make sure all the bad guys are gone, you need 212 degrees.

So, preheat your oven (on a low heat), place the toilet paper rolls on a baking sheet and set them in for a few minutes.

ATTENTION! Never leave paper rolls unattended in the microwave or oven. There is a small risk of paper catching fire, but it can happen. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and watch the bacteria go away.

are you a maximalist Use several of these methods to make them super safe. For example, put them in the oven first. After cooling, spray them with a disinfectant and finally let them dry in the sun. Triple hit!

Replacement for toilet paper rolls

Not a fan of the DIY disinfection methods?

I totally get it! How on earth can you tell if what you did was effective or not?

So if you’re still worried about the germs and infections you can get from toilet paper rolls, just replace them with other things.

Here are a few suggestions.

1. Wrapping paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls work great as replacements. They are like toilet paper rolls in a longer format.

They are also cleaner and safer for children and people at higher risk of infection, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.

In my experience they are usually better quality. They are not as thin as toilet paper cores.

Also, they have similar diameters, so you can get the same size with one cut.

I prefer to use paper tubes from kitchen towels. I found a brand that I really like. It’s white on the inside and fairly sturdy, but also easy to cut.

Don’t use kitchen towels? Maybe because you don’t like them, or you’re using the fabric version and embracing a zero-waste lifestyle? Cool!

2. You can buy paper rolls online. I found a pretty good deal on Amazon, 30 rolls for less than $20, check them out here. They look like toilet paper rolls. They are clean, smooth and sturdy!

Perfect for quality crafts and DIY projects!

Conclusion on using toilet paper rolls for crafting

Toilet paper rolls are safe for crafting. The risk of catching or spreading disease is minimal. A few precautions like flushing the toilet with the lid closed, washing your hands before and after crafting, and not touching your face while working with the tubes will do the trick.

However, there are four easy ways to sanitize toilet paper rolls to make crafting safer.

These are the following:

Leave them in the sun (UV rays kill bacteria), spray the tubes with disinfectant, microwave the toilet paper cores, bake the cardboard tubes in the oven for a few minutes.

I hope this article has helped you, or at least calmed your anxiety! Happy crafting!

You can join my community for great crafting ideas and related crafting information posts by signing up for my newsletter.

Related articles with toilet paper rolls:

ARE TOILET PAPER ROLLS SANITARY FOR CRAFTS?

Whether you’re preparing for the apocalypse or just want to know if buying that bulk pack of toilet paper is worth it, you’re here because you asked the question, does toilet paper expire?

Toilet paper can last for years or even decades if stored properly. Toilet paper will last the longest when stored in a cool and dry place or sealed in a watertight container. However, toilet paper can rot and mold when exposed to the elements.

That’s our quick summary, but there’s a lot more detail below, including a deeper explanation of the toilet paper process and a few tips on storing toilet paper properly. Let’s dive in!

Does toilet paper expire?

While toilet paper doesn’t actually degrade in the same way as some foods, it can still “spoil” under the right conditions.

Toilet paper is just that, super thin paper. And like any paper, it doesn’t mix well with water. When your toilet paper gets damp or wet, it can start to get moldy.

Since toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, if it gets too wet before you can use it, it could disintegrate. This could also be a problem with similar paper products like toilet seat covers or paper towels.

If you live in a climate where it’s very humid and warm most of the time, you might want to consider storing your toilet paper to prevent it from going moldy quickly.

Toilet paper can also be affected by heat. Exposure to the sun and dry heat can cause it to dry out and decay. Basically, your toilet paper turns to dust.

Now, while this might make it seem like toilet paper is quite fragile, you don’t need to worry too much. The two things I mentioned earlier usually only happen over a period of time and under the right conditions.

If, like most people, you store your toilet paper in a bathroom cabinet, your toilet paper should last long enough for you to use, even if you decide to buy the bulk pack.

If you’re concerned about storing it for a long time, we have some tips for storing your toilet paper to make it last in the next section.

3 tips for storing your toilet paper

1. Keep it up and dry

If you’re like most people, you probably keep your toilet paper under your sink or near your toilet. That’s all well and good until your sink leaks or you spill water on your perfectly unused paper.

To prevent this, try storing your toilet paper somewhere higher in your bathroom or not in your bathroom at all. If you have a linen or towel closet near your bathroom, you can store it there.

Not only does this keep your toilet paper out of the reach of leaky faucets, but it also helps free up extra space under your sink for other more waterproof items.

But you might still want to keep a roll or two under your sink for easy access in an emergency.

2. Use waterproof containers

If storing your toilet paper elsewhere isn’t an option and you’re concerned about exposure to water, try a waterproof container.

These things are not too expensive and they come in all shapes and sizes.

If you want the container to fit under your sink, be sure to measure before purchasing. This saves you the hassle of going back to the store and trying again.

Waterproof containers can also be used if you want to store some toilet paper for longer term use. It’s a good idea to have some paper for an emergency such as bad storms/weather.

If you put toilet paper in one of these containers and store it, it could easily take years or possibly even decades, depending on the quality of your container.

Predicting decades is a hypothesis as you can imagine not many people have studied the life cycle of toilet paper.

3. Original factory packaging

When you buy a bulk pack of toilet paper, the rolls are often sealed in smaller packs of 4, 6, or 9 rolls that are sealed inside the larger pack.

These smaller packs are a great way to keep your toilet paper “fresh” for what better word.

You only have to open one of the smaller packs if you run out of your previous rolls. This keeps the rolls you’re not using sealed in plastic, keeping them nice and dry.

So if you’re concerned about buying a bulk pack of toilet paper, just look for one that has smaller bundles of plastic within the larger one, and your toilet paper should last long enough for you to fully use it.

If you’re buying toilet paper from stores, however, that’s a different story.

Buying toilet paper from stores usually results in the toilet paper rolls being individually wrapped in paper. This poses the same problem as toilet paper itself, as the paper it is wrapped in could also become moldy if exposed to water or excessive humidity.

If you’re buying toilet paper from stores and concerned about exposing it to the elements, follow one of our other tips to find out what works for you.

related questions

Does toilet paper dissolve?

Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water so it won’t clog your plumbing or sewage system. Toilet paper should dissipate in about 20 minutes to avoid clogging your pipes.

How do you store toilet paper?

Toilet paper is best stored in a cool, dry place. Under a bathroom cabinet it usually works fine unless you have a leaky sink. If you have a large batch and are trying to preserve it, you can place it in a waterproof container or higher on a shelf to ensure it stays dry.

Do lightbulbs expire?

In general, light bulbs do not expire and can have an exceptionally long shelf life. To preserve unused lightbulbs, store them properly so they don’t break. Store the bulbs in their original packaging in a safe place.

We love projects that encourage upcycling, especially when the inspiration comes from the recycling bin! An empty plastic bottle is the base for this fun craft. And the result? A sparkling trophy to use as a special incentive in your classroom. Your students will love the chance to win this!

Deliveries:

plastic bottle

nail

pipe cleaners

Low temperature glue gun

spray paint

scissors

glitter (if you dare)

Once you’ve collected the supplies, follow the steps to create your trophy.

Step 1

Use scissors to remove the bottom of your plastic bottle.

step 2

Punch two holes in each side of the plastic bottle (we used a nail) that will be used to connect the trophy’s handles.

step 3

Twist two pipe cleaners together.

step 4

Insert pipe cleaners into the holes on each side of the bottle and secure by twisting the ends. Shape the handles as you see fit.

step 5

Place the plastic bottle’s mouth on the bottom of the bottle to create a trophy base. Secure with low temperature glue gun. (You want to use a low temperature so you don’t melt the bottle.)

step 6

If desired, paint the bottle with spray paint.

step 7

Once the paint has dried, apply a thin layer of spray adhesive. Immediately sprinkle the bottle with some glitter.

Watch our how-to video to see the magic come together on this trophy project made from recycled bottles:

Learn more about how your school can participate in the Recycle Rally and win big prizes just for recycling. Join now!

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Dads deserve an award for everything they do, which is why we have a DIY Father’s Day Trophy Card that you can craft and gift to your superhero!

The work of fathers often goes unnoticed and is sometimes a little underestimated. Maybe that’s the great thing about our superhero dads – they work quietly and seeing their families happy is their true reward!

If you think back to your childhood, you will remember many small but impactful things your dad did for you that even mom probably doesn’t know about! Fathers are evolving and today’s fathers are more hands-on parents. Don’t you think it’s time we showed some appreciation for our superheroes?

So while you prepare your Mother’s Day cards for Mom, let’s take some time to design our Father’s Day cards as well. And if you’re looking for ideas, today we have an easy one for you – a Father’s Day trophy card!

DIY Father’s Day Trophy Card

Required accessories:

Craft paper or cardboard in many colors

scissors

glue stick

pencil

marker

How to make the Father’s Day Trophy Card:

1. Take a sheet of cardboard and fold it in half vertically.

2. Draw a trophy on the side of the crease so that one side of the trophy rests on the crease of the crease.

3. Cut out the trophy so you have a trophy shaped card. Cut out two thin strips and the handles of the trophy from construction paper.

4. Glue the strips to the top and bottom of the trophy.

5. Attach the handles to both sides of the trophy. Cut out a rectangle and a star from contrast colored construction paper.

6. Stick the star and rectangle label on the card and we’re almost done! For the finishing touch, write a message for dad on the label and your card is ready!

Don’t tell me you don’t have time to make a Father’s Day card – this one won’t take more than 10 minutes of your time! Have the older siblings cut out the pieces and the younger ones to assemble. If you want to try something more personal, create a Father’s Day scrapbook layout with some cute photos. And don’t forget to combine it with a cute little handmade gift!

Learn how to make beautiful little origami lucky stars, sometimes called wishing stars. Use them as party decorations, add color to a room, add them to gift wrapping, or use them to add a little happiness to your life. Make one or dozens of cute little stars with this step-by-step guide.

These origami lucky stars are made from strips of paper cut about 10″ to 11″ long. Each strip can be up to 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, or 3/4 inch wide. Thinner streaks make smaller stars, while thicker streaks make larger stars.

Spend as much time as necessary tying the knot and wrapping your star’s pentagon as neatly and tightly as possible. Doing it neatly will ensure your little origami lucky stars become swollen but sturdy, even if you want to hold them while making a wish.