AN EX-CLEANER at Buckingham Palace has revealed the very common everyday item that was removed from all royal bathrooms.
Not only does banning this bathroom buy from homes “prevent plumbing issues”, but it’ll also “save money in the long term” too.
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So if you want to avoid serious damage, you’ll need to listen up and take notes.
To reveal all, Plumbworld spoke with Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire, who worked at Buckingham Palace for many years as part of the household staff.
Alongside Anne, a former royal maid with over 10 years of experience in the palace, the UK’s leading bathroom and kitchen expert shared the surprising everyday item that you won’t ever find in King Charles’ loo.
According to Anne, the seemingly harmless bathroom item was banned from royal bathrooms and experts now warn it should be removed from your home too.
Read more royal cleaning tips
With first-hand experience in ensuring the palace stays in tip-top condition, Anne claimed that disposable wet wipes will never be seen inside the palace toilets.
While wet wipes may seem convenient for quick clean-ups, it appears that they cause more harm than many realise, especially when flushed down the toilet.
Anne explained that the damage they caused in the palace bathrooms led to their swift removal, and it’s an issue that is much more widespread than many people think.
Anne shared: “At the palace, wet wipes caused significant plumbing issues.
“Despite being advertised as ‘flushable,’ they don’t break down in the system like toilet paper does.
“This led to repeated blockages and costly plumbing repairs.
“It became clear that they simply weren’t worth the trouble.”
The real damage wet wipes do to plumbing
The true problem with wet wipes is not just their convenience, but their durability.
When flushed, wet wipes get caught in pipes and can form blockages.
In the long run, this can result in expensive repairs, especially in older plumbing systems, which require professional intervention to clear.
The impact of using plastic cleaning products
Laura Harnett, founder of eco cleaning brand, Seep, said: “Many people have switched to eco friendly cleaning sprays and detergents but aren’t aware that cleaning tools (such as green and yellow sponges and microfibre cloths) are made of plastic and release microplastics every time they are used.
“Microplastic is a huge concern as they are released into our water every time a plastic sponge or cloth is used to wash up or is rinsed out.
“A yellow and green plastic sponge lasts approximately one month and when you see the green part go bobbly that’s all of the microplastic coming out of it.”
- 600 million plastic household items end up in landfill every year
- 13 million tonnes of plastic lead into our oceans each year
- 1.1 million marine animals die each year as they swallow, get strangled or are suffocated by plastic
In fact, wet wipes have become one of the top causes of plumbing blockages in households and businesses alike.
According to a recent survey by a leading plumbing association, one in five plumbing issues are caused by improper disposal of wet wipes, with a reported increase in blockages during the past decade.
Other dangers of disposable wet wipes
Not only this, but wet wipes also pose some other very serious risks.
Non-biodegradable wipes take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill waste and water pollution.
They can also harm marine life when flushed into rivers and oceans.
As well as this, wet wipes combine with grease and debris to form fatbergs, causing severe blockages in sewer systems and costly repairs.
In the palace, we switched to reusable cleaning cloths and avoided using wipes altogether
Anne Simmons
Additionally, wet wipes can lead to increased water treatment costs, as they put strain on sewage treatment plants.
To top it all off, they also pose a threat to wildlife, as animals can mistake wet wipes for food, leading to ingestion and potential harm or death.
Plumber’s perspective on wet wipes
James Clarkson, a professional plumber with over 15 years of experience, shared his expert perspective on the damage caused by wet wipes.
He highlighted: “In many homes, wet wipes have become a major cause of plumbing issues.
“Even though they may say ‘flushable,’ these wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, and over time, they accumulate and cause severe blockages.
What is wrong with flushing wet wipes?
UNLIKE standard toilet paper, wet wipes do not dissolve, and contain materials which do not disintegrate like paper-based tissue.
Wet wipes can congeal down the toilet, causing blockages that lead to build-ups of fat – known as fatbergs.
This can also lead to materials like plastics being released into the environment, which could have consequences for the human food chain.
Plastics in the wipes can also be eaten by whales and tiny plankton – and has been found in mussels set for human consumption.
“I’ve had to clear fatbergs created by wipes on multiple occasions, and the cost of repairs can be substantial.”
James advised: “The key is to avoid flushing them. Wet wipes should never be disposed of in the toilet, even if they claim to be ‘flushable.’
“Always throw them in the bin. And, if you need to use wipes, consider biodegradable alternatives that won’t cause the same problems.”
Not only this, but Anne then chimed in: “In the palace, we switched to reusable cleaning cloths and avoided using wipes altogether.
“Not only did this prevent plumbing issues, but it also saved money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs.”
Protect your home’s plumbing
The damage caused by wet wipes is not just confined to royal estates – it’s happening in homes across the UK.
Wet wipes should never be disposed of in the toilet, even if they claim to be ‘flushable’
James Clarkson
By switching to reusable alternatives or properly disposing of wet wipes in the bin, you can help protect your home’s plumbing and avoid costly repairs.
A spokesperson from Plumbworld commented: “Making small changes, like disposing of wet wipes properly, can prevent plumbing issues and save you money in the long run.”
Taking these simple steps can save you from future frustration and expenses, ensuring your plumbing remains intact, your home runs smoothly, and you’re doing your part to protect the planet.
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