You're standing in the aisle at CVS. It’s 11:00 PM. You just need some bath tissue, but the prices for the name brands—the ones with the bears or the blue-and-red packaging—are honestly getting a bit ridiculous. Then you see it. Total Home toilet paper. It’s the store brand. Usually, "store brand" is a polite way of saying "sandpaper," but this stuff is different. It’s a bit of a sleeper hit in the world of household essentials.
People have feelings about their TP. Strong feelings. If it’s too thin, it’s useless; if it’s too thick, your 1970s plumbing decides to give up on life. Total Home toilet paper sits in that weird, perfect middle ground that a lot of shoppers overlook because they’re blinded by the marketing of the big guys.
What’s the Deal with Total Home Toilet Paper?
Basically, Total Home is the proprietary brand for CVS Pharmacy. They’ve designed it to compete directly with the "big three" tissue giants. But here’s the thing: most store brands just try to be a cheap imitation. CVS actually put some thought into the ply and the texture of this specific line.
It’s surprisingly soft. Like, really.
When you compare the Total Home Soft & Strong version to something like Quilted Northern, the difference is negligible for your wallet, but noticeable in your monthly budget. The "Premium Ultra" version is the one that really gets people talking. It uses a specific embossing pattern that traps air between the layers. That’s what gives it that "pillowy" feel without making the roll so thick it won't fit in a standard holder.
The Physics of the Flush
We have to talk about septic safety because it matters. A lot of people assume that because a toilet paper is "premium" or "ultra soft," it’s going to wreak havoc on their pipes.
Total Home is generally rated as septic-safe. This is because they use shorter cellulose fibers in the manufacturing process. When these fibers hit the water, they begin to lose their structural integrity faster than the heavy-duty industrial stuff you might find in a hotel or a stadium. It’s a delicate balance. You want it to hold up during use, but you want it to disintegrate the moment it hits the bowl. According to various consumer testing benchmarks, Total Home breaks down significantly faster than some of the ultra-plush national brands that tend to "clump" in older cast-iron pipes.
👉 See also: Why Every Glow Recipe Gift Set Actually Saves You Money (And Which Ones to Skip)
Breaking Down the Variations
Not all Total Home toilet paper is created equal. You’ve got options, and if you pick the wrong one, you’re gonna be disappointed.
- The Ultra Soft (Purple Packaging): This is the flagship. It’s 2-ply, but it’s thick. Honestly, if you’re used to Charmin Ultra Soft, this is the direct competitor. It’s got a quilted texture that feels substantial.
- The Soft & Strong (Blue Packaging): This is for the pragmatists. It’s a bit more "lint-free." If you hate it when toilet paper leaves behind little white dusty bits, this is your winner. It’s slightly thinner than the Ultra Soft but has a higher tensile strength.
- The Recycled Version: CVS has been pushing their "Earth Essentials" or recycled variants under the Total Home umbrella lately. Look, I’ll be real—it’s not as soft. It’s 100% recycled fiber, often with a high percentage of post-consumer content. It’s better for the planet, but it’s definitely "scratchier" than the premium stuff. It’s a trade-off.
Is It Actually Cheaper?
Pricing is weird. If you just walk in and buy a 4-pack, you’re paying a premium for convenience. But CVS is the king of the "ExtraBucks" rewards system.
The real pros never pay full price for Total Home toilet paper. They wait for the "Spend $30, Get $10" deals. When you stack a store coupon with a manufacturer-style CVS digital reward, the price per square foot drops well below what you’d pay for a bulk pack at a warehouse club.
Let's do some quick math. Most people look at the "roll count," which is a scam. You have to look at the square footage. A "Mega Roll" of Total Home often contains around 280 to 300 sheets. Compare that to some "Double Rolls" from competitors that have shrunk down to 150 sheets. You’re getting more actual paper per roll here, which means you aren't changing the spindle every two days.
The "Lint" Problem
Let's get into the weeds. One of the biggest complaints about high-end toilet paper is the "dust." You know what I'm talking about. You tear a piece off, and a cloud of white particles settles on your bathroom floor.
Total Home Ultra Soft has a moderate amount of lint. It’s the nature of the beast; the softer the fiber, the more likely it is to shed. However, the Soft & Strong version uses a more tightly wound fiber bond. If you have dark tile in your bathroom and the dust drives you crazy, stick to the blue package. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that makes or breaks a product for some people.
Why People Stay Loyal to Store Brands
There’s a psychological shift happening. For decades, having the "name brand" in your bathroom was a weird status symbol. Now? People realize it’s literally money down the toilet.
The quality gap has closed. The machines that make Total Home are often the same machines (or at least the same technology) used by the major national brands. Often, these products are "white-labeled," meaning a major paper mill produces the product to CVS's specific softness and thickness specs. You aren't buying "cheap" paper; you're buying paper without the $50 million Super Bowl ad campaign.
Environmental Considerations
CVS has made some public commitments regarding their Total Home line. They have been moving toward SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified sourcing. This means the trees used to make the pulp are grown and harvested in a way that protects water quality and biodiversity. It’s not quite the same as using bamboo or 100% recycled paper, but for a mainstream 2-ply tissue, it’s a step in the right direction.
If you’re truly eco-conscious, the Total Home recycled line is one of the more accessible options on the market. Most "green" toilet papers are only available online or at high-end grocery stores at a massive markup. Finding a recycled option at a corner CVS is a win for accessibility.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think that "Value" means "Rough." That’s the biggest misconception about Total Home toilet paper.
In fact, in blind touch tests, many consumers can’t tell the difference between Total Home Ultra Soft and the leading "Blue Bear" brand. The texture is designed to be slightly "grippy" without being abrasive. It doesn’t feel like plastic, which is a common complaint with the super-cheap, single-ply rolls you find in gas stations.
Practical Tips for Your Next CVS Run
If you’re going to give Total Home a shot, don’t just grab the first pack you see. Check the "Price per 100 sheets" on the shelf tag. CVS is actually pretty good about printing this in the corner of the tag.
- Wait for the 12-roll packs to go on sale. They often hit a "Buy One Get One 50% Off" rotation.
- Check the CVS App. There is almost always a $1 or $2 digital coupon that can be applied to Total Home paper products.
- Feel the pack. It sounds weird, but give the side of the package a little squeeze. If it feels "airy," that’s the Ultra Soft. If it feels dense and heavy, that’s the Soft & Strong.
The reality is that household expenses are climbing. Finding a "house brand" that doesn't feel like a sacrifice is a small but genuine victory. Total Home toilet paper isn't going to change your life, but it might save you $100 a year while keeping your plumbing—and your family—perfectly happy.
Next time you're staring at the wall of paper at the drugstore, ignore the flashy mascots. Grab a pack of the store brand. It’s a lot better than you think.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of switching to a brand like Total Home, start by checking your CVS app today for "Store Brand" coupons, which are often higher than national brand offers. Look for the "Mega Roll" designations to ensure you're getting the highest sheet count per dollar. If you have older plumbing, start with the Soft & Strong variant to ensure the quickest breakdown in your pipes. Monitor the weekly circulars; the best time to buy is during a "Spend $20, get $5 ExtraBucks" event, which effectively acts as a 25% discount on top of the already lower price point.