Are Flushable Wipes Safe? How to Use Flushable Wipes

When it comes to convenience and cleanliness, flushable wipes are hard to beat—but are they really safe to flush? With growing awareness about household waste, plumbing safety, and environmental impact, many people are asking the same question: are flushable wipes truly safe to flush? It’s a valid concern—and one we’re here to address.

At Honest®, we believe thoughtful design and transparency go hand in hand. That’s why we’re diving into what "flushable" actually means, and how to use these wipes responsibly. In this guide, we’ll answer your most common questions and offer practical tips so you can feel confident about selecting safe, effective products for you and your family.

Here’s What We’ll Cover

“Flushable” refers to a wipe’s ability to break down safely in water without causing harm to plumbing or wastewater systems. Honest Flushable Wipes are engineered to break down similarly to toilet paper**, passing both the INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) flushability guidelines and the IWSFG (International Water Services Flushability Group) 2020 flushability assessment, both stringent standards in the industry.

Both associations have set forth guidelines that require products labeled as 'flushable' to go through specific testing and meet specific criteria. Both IWSFG and INDA have flushability assessment tests related to performance in toilet and drain line clearance, physical disintegration, settling of wipe (assessing buoyancy), and biodisintegration (breakdown of wipe by bacteria). However, the main difference between the two is the IWSFG requirement to 'pass' for physical disintegration is considered more stringent.

Both INDA and IWSFG standards ensure our wipes are designed to disintegrate quickly and thoroughly to help minimize the risk of home plumbing and municipal system damage.

In short, they can be—if they meet the proper criteria, and are used as directed in well-maintained systems. Honest Flushable Wipes are designed with a plant-based cloth that starts to break down after flushing, and are tested to be sewer and septic-safe.*

These wipes are purposefully crafted to reduce the risk of plumbing issues when used as directed. Still, proper usage and disposal techniques make all the difference.

Many plumbers remain skeptical due to years of damage caused by improperly labeled wipes. These concerns aren’t unfounded—non-flushable wipes have contributed to costly clogs and blockages in home plumbing and city wastewater systems for years. However, it’s important to distinguish between generic wipes and those designed with modern flushability standards in mind.

Our wipes are tested to ensure they meet leading industry standards, ensuring they break down efficiently to minimize accumulation in well maintained pipes or septic tanks. They disperse like toilet paper to help reduce the risk of clogging.**

By choosing flushable wipes that have been rigorously tested, you’re making a plumbing-conscious decision. Using them as directed means fewer worries and greater peace of mind for your household.

A Helpful Hint: For best results, flush one wipe at a time and do not exceed two wipes per flush. If you're ever in doubt or using older plumbing systems, consider tossing wipes in the trash as a precaution.

Most non-flushable wipes can take weeks—or longer—to start dispersing as they are not intended to be flushed, posing long-term risks to plumbing infrastructure. Honest Flushable Wipes, on the other hand, are designed to break down faster.**

Our wipes are made with materials intended to disintegrate quickly and pass safely through well-maintained systems—minimizing buildup and promoting smooth flushing.

Explore our Little Flushables Wipes for a compact, travel-friendly solution that meets the same high standards.

Using flushable wipes responsibly ensures better plumbing health and peace of mind. These tips help you get the most out of yours—and how to use and dispose of them properly:

• Flush one wipe at a time to avoid overloading your plumbing.

• Only flush wipes that are labeled as both flushable and compliant with INDA GD4 and/or the stricter IWSFG 2020 flushability guidelines — never mix with baby wipes, paper towels, or other non-dispersible/non-flushable items.

• Remember: Only flush in a well maintained sewage or septic system. If you’re unsure about your plumbing system or want an extra layer of precaution, simply toss used wipes into the trash instead of flushing.

Using your wipes as directed and disposing of them properly helps keep your home and community systems running smoothly.

From formulation to functionality, Honest Flushable Wipes are thoughtfully made with you and the your family’s needs in mind.

• INDA + IWSFG Requirements: Meet the strict industry standard for flushability.

• Made with soft plant-based cloth: Consciously selected for efficient breakdown.

• Removes up to 100% of residue: Feels fresher and cleaner than using toilet paper alone.***

• Hypoallergenic + formulated for sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, dermatologist + gynecologist tested, and EWG Verified. Suitable for the whole family.

• pH balanced: Supports your natural pH (down there) for gentle cleansing.

• Designed for versatility: Ideal for quick cleanups at home or on the go.

Explore our story to learn how Honest was built on transparency, trust, and a commitment to better living for families everywhere.

So, are flushable wipes really safe to flush? Honest Flushable Wipes are thoughtfully designed to meet strict flushability standards, support household needs, and offer a gentle, effective clean for everybody in your home. By choosing thoughtfully crafted wipes and learning to dispose of them properly, you’re taking a small but meaningful step toward a more thoughtful way of living.

Experience everyday care with purpose. Try Honest Flushable Wipes now and feel good about what you flush.