Why Do Americans Use Toilet Paper? (Surprising)
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Is toilet paper or water more hygienic?
Water is considered more hygienic since all feces and urine are washed off and leaves no bad smell in underwear whereas wiping does leave residual smell behind no matter how much one scrubs with toilet paper, according to the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research.
Unlike toilet paper, water has the ability to wash away feces particle that may get stuck in hairs around our bums. In fact, water is recommended by doctors as being more hygienic than wiping to avoid the risk of infection after pooping. Additionally, there is less friction against the skin with water.
While some people complain about the feeling of wetness in their underwear after using water after pooping, it can be solved by drying with tissue. While water can cause infection if the skin is moist over a long time, this is rare as the bacteria are washed during a shower or dried with tissue afterwards.
Why do Americans use toilet paper (instead of water or bidet)?
Did you know that the United States is the world leader in toilet paper usage?
Most American bathrooms, including public restrooms have toilet paper readily available. In fact, the average American uses a few feet of toilet paper in a daily basis (57 sheets of toilet paper every single day, to be exact).
In America, people use toilet paper for their hygiene, like cleaning up after using the bathroom, cleaning and clearing our noses, and more. Toilet paper is cheap, useful, and practical in their culture.
So, why do Americans use toilet paper instead of water or bidet?
Americans use toilet paper instead of water or bidet because of culture. Parents teach their kids, and kids grow up doing something that same way without ever considering a better alternative. Toilet paper has always been considered the go-to option to clean after yourself in the washroom.
Think about it for a minute. Whether you use water or toilet paper to clean after yourself in the restroom, it’s probably because you grew up in a household (and society) that does the same thing.
There are some theories about the effectiveness of toilet paper. According to several studies, clean “thoroughly” with toilet paper may still leave some traces of poop on one’s body. They also point out that some conditions, such as hemorrhoids or infections, can happen because of improper toilet paper usage.
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Fortunately, as information is spread around at a rapid pace thanks to the internet, younger generations are starting to become aware of better options, like bidets. You can even install it to your current toilet if you want to give it a try. Read more about non-electric bidet toilet attachment that fits your toilet.
Why did people start using toilet paper?
In medieval times, before toilet paper was invented, people used whatever was available for personal hygiene. Items such as wood shavings, hay, corn cobs, leaves, rags, moss and rags were some of the less-painful (and probably more sanitary) options. Wealthy people used wool, lace or other fabrics.
So why did people start using toilet paper?
The idea of toilet paper actually dates back to medieval China, when a Chinese emperor used 2-foot by 3-foot sheets of paper. Paper has been used for bathroom duty for thousands of years since then. In the late 15th century, paper became readily available, so newspaper was commonly used as toilet paper.
The first commercially packaged toilet paper was made in 1857 by Joseph Gayetty. The product wasn’t very successful, because most people hesitated to pay when there were so many free options available.
As indoor plumbing and flush toilets were becoming more common in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Americans were forced to buy toilet paper that would not cause clogs or damage to pipes.
Another big advancement in toilet paper came in 1928, when the Hoberg Paper Company introduced Charmin toilet paper and advertised its softness instead of its purpose. The product was a success, and toilet paper quickly became a necessity instead of a luxury item reserved only for royalty or the very wealthy.
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Which countries use water instead of toilet paper?
It is a good habit to be polite by learning about the customs when visiting another country. Not only does it help you to assimilate with the locals, but it also prevents you from accidentally offending someone.
If you are used to toilet paper and are planning to visit any of the following countries, you may want to consider bringing toilet paper for your travels. Here are the countries that use water instead of toilet paper:
- Argentina, France, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Venezuela - People from these countries usually use a bidet instead of toilet paper. A bidet spouts a stream of water that rinses your bottom after you poop. You’re likely to find bidets in the hotels and people’s homes. It is also common for people to use neutral soap with a bidet and ensure they are clean after using the restroom.
- China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand - In most Asian countries, it is hard to find toilet paper, even in stores. You will likely find a hand nozzle to spray water to your butt after you have finished pooping. In less developed areas, some of these Asian countries have a toilet bowl on the floor for you to do your business. Some studies suggest that if you squat, your bathroom activities will be healthier and easier because this position is more natural for the body.
- European countries - You are usually charged to use a public bathroom in big European cities. Sometimes, you even have to pay just to have access to toilet paper. This happens because some people work to keep this service clean and usable. It is also important that you consider tipping the person that is responsible for this maintenance service.
- Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia - Don’t be surprised to find that a “restroom” in these countries is not much of a toilet, but a “hole” on the floor. Just like Asian cultures, you have to squat over the hole. These countries also use water for their cleaning needs while in the washroom.
How to use toilet paper in the USA
If you’re visiting the United States, expect to use toilet paper after pooping. It is recommended to bring a box of wet wipes during your travels. Here’s a quick rundown of how to use toilet paper in the USA:
- Tear out about three rounded squares from the toilet roll.
- Wipe from front to back, avoid any skin-to-skin contact with stool.
- If you have wet wipes, take one and wipe from front to back.
- Tear out about three rounded squares from the toilet roll.
- Wipe from front to back until the paper is mostly clean.
- Never scrub the skin around the anus to prevent microtears in the skin.
The most important thing to remember about wiping after a bowel movement is to do so from front to back. This helps you to avoid urinary tract infections. Lastly, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly.
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Can you flush toilet paper in the USA?
You can flush toilet paper in the USA. In the United States, toilet paper is designed to be flushed as it disintegrates quickly in water. The sewage systems here are designed to handle the tissue.
However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages all Americans to only flush toilet paper, not disinfecting wipes or other non-flushable items that should be disposed of in the trash.
Flushing only toilet paper helps ensure that the toilets, plumbing, sewer systems and septic systems will continue working properly to safely manage the wastewater of the United States of America.
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