Elucidation of Correct Bathroom Habits

6/5/2021 How To Use Toilet Paper?
My Experience With Toilet Paper Instead Of Water
I Tried Using Toilet Paper Instead Of Water For A

Week And This Is What Happened
Arushi Kapoor
23 shares | 2K views
Note: I absolutely do not recommend this to anyone.
I now have massive respect for the Western world and a borderline unhealthy attachment to my beloved jet
spray.
It all started when I was grossly overplaying my level of cool at an office party.
I claimed I was first-world enough to wipe my butt with toilet paper (and not use water) for a week.
In two days, I unwittingly imbibed this golden life-lesson — Never shout “MAIN KAR KE DIKHAOONGI!” under
the influence of 6 vodka shots with 17 witnesses.
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/i-used-toilet-paper-for-a-week/ 1/8
6/5/2021 How To Use Toilet Paper? My Experience With Toilet Paper Instead Of Water
Source: b'Source: Imgflip'
For the sake of proving how metal I am, I planned to stick to my guns and brave it out for a week. This is how
things went. If you’re faint-hearted and squeamish, turn back now.
Day 1
It’s just another day of pooping and overstaying on the pot to watch hot glue DIY videos. However, overstaying
is not an option today. Because, what if poop residue gets too dry for tissue to get to it? Legit concern.
So, I was finally done in record time and got to the cleaning part.
Now, the first wipe is always the worst. You have to accurately calculate how much TP you need. And then
intricately fold this multi-layered mini-mattress to make it thick enough to pick up the maximum poop and not let
anything get on your hands while at it.
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Soon, I had a few primary concerns:
At what point does one stop?
Does everyone examine each piece of TP to know when they’re done?
How many times do you have to keep wiping until you finally feel clean?
Source: b'Source: Memegenerator'
And finally…
When will I truly feel clean?
And the answer to that is NEVER. You never feel clean, no matter how much you obsessively wiped your way
into hemorrhoids.
What’s more? When you use toilet paper, that’s essentially the only thing that goes on in your mind the rest of
the day.
It constantly feels like there’s a piece of tissue stuck up your butt.
And your awkward penguin walk will eventually give you away.
At work, I was asked if everything is okay noticing the weird walk. I told them I tried anal to avoid
embarrassment.
The first day is nearly over. I already have one less friend.
I decided to treat myself to Mutton Korma for dinner as my reward for surviving day 1. Little did I realise that
with korma comes mirchi. And with mirchi comes consequences.
Day 2
Today, I am an upside-down dragon.
And while my burning butt is a genuine issue, this was my legit post-TP concern.
Source: Reddit
This was the day I got to know what it’s like to be a literal butthurt.
The problem with wiping on a spicy butt morning is that you have to be hard enough to clean and soft enough
to not cause chemical erosion.
After trying my best to achieve perfect TP and spicy food synergy, I stepped out. And the rest of the day pretty
much went like day 1 — in pain, with borderline first-degree burns, and tonnes of regret.
Source: b'Source: Quickmeme'
Day 3
After the 2-day ordeal, today my poop decided enough was enough. My butt lead this aggressive protest and
basically shut shop.
My bum be like:
I’m pretty sure the toilet paper made my bum revolt with constipation. I stuck around for a while hoping against
hope, but no luck. On the plus side, I now know 16 different ways to use a hot glue gun. Toilet paper has
changed my life after all.
I was in so much discomfort, I had to take leave due to the stomach ache. I clearly failed this challenge. And I
vow never to third-degree-torture myself this way. The leftover TP rolls at my home are now going to be used as
makeup wipes and for hot glue DIYs
Guys, if you're used to the luxury of the jet spray, bidet, or even mugga and lota, I do not recommend
this abomination.
As for everybody who regularly uses this method. You certainly deserve an Oscar.
Source: Pinterest
4/22/2015 Why do we use toilet paper instead of water showers? Quora
Why do we use toilet paper instead of water
showers?
In India, many toilets provide miniwater showers instead of just toilet paper
which requires *manually* cleaning your bottom.
Why do most western cultures still use toilet paper?
Want Answers 23
14 ANSWERS
Svan Nathan, "Quit India, Sonia! And take your ent... (more)
95 upvotes by Jessica Hyndman, Jubin John, Susan Bearry, (more)
Thanks for the A2A.
This is one of the topics on which I have written a few times on Quora, when I
felt there was much objection towards using water to wash.
History of Toilet Paper:
Toilet paper was in use, dating back to the 6th century AD, in early medieval
China, a nation which invented paper in 105CE. Even during early 14th
century, a huge quantity of toilet paper used to be produced for use in the
Emperor’s court. The commoners used to defecate in the rivers.
In Roman times, they used what was called a ‘gompf stick’ a sponge on the
end of a stick, which was kept in a container, containing salt water, in the
privy. All those who used the toilet would share the gompf. The wealthy
Romans would use wool and scented water. Ancient Greeks are said to have
used stones called ‘pessoi’ and pieces of clay.
In the Viking Age, discarded sheep and lambs wool was used. The Hawaiians
used coconut shells. Sailors from Spain and Portugal were said to have used
the frayed end of an anchor line, while the Eskimos used snow and Tundra
moss.
Before the invention of the modern toilet papers, the English Lords used to use
paper from inexpensive books to wipe down after using the toilet. The French
Royalty are said to have used lace.
The colonial Americans used rags, newspaper and corncobs (yes, and they
were sometimes reused); and in the coastal areas, they used mussel shells.
When they became available, the Americans also used the absorbent sheets
from the Sears Roebuck company’s catalog, the Farmer’s Almanac and the
telephone directories.
In medieval Europe, toilets were simple buckets or ‘chamberpots’. The rich
would have a small room called ‘garderobe’ which was basically a wooden
plank with a hole in it. They would use hay, grass, straw and scrapers/gompf
sticks to wipe. The wealthy French would use lace, wool, hemp and bidet. The
French writer Francois Rabelais (14831553) wrote extensively in his book
‘Gargantua’, about his experiments to find the ideal material to wipe his
bottom. Some of his ideas were very strange.
http://www.quora.com/Whydoweusetoiletpaperinsteadofwatershowers 1/14
Countries in Middle East and other Islamic nations have traditionally used
water and the left hand to wash. The Islam religion has laid down a set of
practices to follow when going to the toilet and prayers to say afterwards. This
code is called the Qadaa' alHaajah.
For centuries, in South and SouthEast Asian countries, including India,
people have used water to wash themselves using the left hand. In the 10,000
yearold ancient Hindu scripture called ‘Manusmriti’, a section that was
supposed to have been written sometime between 1500BC500AD gives
detailed instructions about the proper times and places for urination and
defecation, as well as the purifying rituals that follow. One must definitely wash
both hands well after the act. In Muslim and Hindu cultures, the right hand is
exclusively used for eating.
Current Practices:
Toilet paper is used to clean up in the restroom in almost all parts of North
America. A large variety of softness, patterns and textures of toilet paper are
available to choose from.
Most countries in Europe also use toilet paper. In Finland, ‘bidet showers’ can
also be very often seen in use.
Most parts of Russia use TP to wipe, and it is flushed down the toilet
afterwards. However, in some parts of Russia, where the plumbing may not be
that good, people using the toilets are asked not to flush the TP down the toilet,
but to place the soiled paper in a waste bin provided in the stall (Mmmm… Yes,
it is true…). Some toilet papers that are available in Russia are abrasive. I’m not
really sure why they’re even manufactured that way.
Many parts of Africa use toilet paper, newspaper or other paper products to
wipe down. Where squat toilets are in use, water is usually used to wash.
People in Arab countries and in parts of Muslim world, in South Asian
countries like India and Pakistan, and in SouthEast Asian countries like
Indonesia and Singapore use water and the left hand to wash. Almost all the
toilets have a water source with a ‘bidet shower’ or a ‘health faucet’ in the toilet.
If not, they have a bucket and/or a mug of water inside the room. Those who
can afford it also use toilet paper to dry the area before pulling on the pants.
Compost toilets are found in some Arab countries. Some use water, and some
others use toilet paper.
Nearly 47% of the population of India does not have toilet facilities at home.
This leads to open defecation in fields, near railway tracks and other open
areas. However, even under these circumstances, Indians carry water in a ‘lota’,
plastic mug, or a can to wash afterwards.
In Japan, though squat toilets may be found in public restrooms, modern
Westerntype flush toilets from Japan are supposed to be one of the most
sophisticated and comfortable in the world. They boast remote controls, heated
seats and bidet functions.
Squat toilets and modern Westerntype toilets are found in China, similar to
the ones in India. China also has very modern toilets like the ones found in
Japan. Some have only toilet paper, and some have water, depending on how
it is planned.
Water Vs Toilet Paper:
Those who use water to wash swear by it, and those who use only toilet paper
also seem to think that their practice is the best. Let us compare them.
Water:
1. Water is more hygienic, since all the urine and poop gets washed off,
leaving a clean bottom.
2. There is no poopy smell left in the underwear. No matter how much you
scrub with a toilet paper, a residual smell is always left behind.
3. With water, there is less friction against the skin. No matter how soft the
toilet paper is, you still have to scrub it against your skin. Water is a boon
for people who are sensitive to toilet paper.
4. If clean water is used, it reduces the inherent chances of infection that
toilet paper causes when one forgets to wipe from front to back.
5. You don’t need to spend a fortune on buying toilet paper every month.
6. Too much toilet paper in the bowl can clog it, but water will not.
7. Toilets that use water often have wet floors. And so, they also have a drain
on the floor, so that the entire toilet and floor can be washed clean
regularly.
8. The hems of pants and skirts are liable to get wet in a wet bathroom, and it
takes a lot of careful planning and contortions to ensure that the clothes
stay dry.
9. After a hard day of dusty labour, one would not feel really clean by just
wiping down with a dry paper towel. A shower would do the job. Just like
that, wiping poop with a dry toilet paper is not going to actually clean the
area well. Washing with water would.
10. When a woman has given birth to a baby, especially by vaginal delivery, the
doctors insist that she wash her private parts with warm water to help heal
better and prevent infection. If water can keep a woman safe during the
most vulnerable period of her life, then why can’t it be used at all times in
daily life?
11. When women have their monthly cycle, washing with water is
recommended as most hygienic and bestpractice by doctors.
12. People use wet wipes to clean babies’ bottoms and private areas. Wet, not
dry. Best practices for newborn baby care recommends washing the private
areas with water, since their skin might be too sensitive for even wetwipes.
The water actually cleans the messiest of messes. If that is the case, then
why do people stop using water when they become older, and use dry toilet
paper instead?
13. Doctors recommend washing the genital area with water under the
following circumstances, for hygiene and also to reduce the chances of
infection:
Injury from foreign body insertion
Anal intercourse
Sexual abuse
Candidiasis & Balanitis
Sexually transmitted infection
Various genital infections in men and women
The list is much more extensive, and I've listed only a few conditions here.
[Edit2]
Toilet Paper:
1. One doesn't have to actually touch the poop when using a toilet paper.
2. Toilet paper is easy to carry anywhere you go.
3. The toilet floors are not wet, making it easy to keep it clean.
4. The underwear of a person who wipes, not washes, smells awfully bad after
a trip to the bathroom. For those with pubic hair, the smell is particularly
strong. [Edit2]
5. The farts of people who wipe with toilet paper are a lot more noxious than
of those that use water. The smell of farts of the toilet paper users have
been described as 'garbage left out in the sun', 'rotting meat' and
'unflushed toilet'. Ugh!! If you can, kindly confirm or deny this piece of
information. [Edit2]
6. If a man with a thick mustache and/or beard, gets sticky gravy or
chocolate syrup on it, he can never clean it properly without washing it
with water. For adults who have light to thick genital hair, wiping with
toilet paper does not remove all the poop and urine. This leads to various
rectal and genital infections. [Edit2]
7. Pain associated with various rectal infections can be reduced, if not
eliminated by practicing good hygiene. All of the below problems get
aggravated by use of toilet paper instead of water.
Rectal itching (Pruritus)
Diarrhea
Constipation
Itching caused due to use of scented toilet paper, scented soaps and
ointments (like some that contain benzocaine)
Hemorrhoids
Infection caused by some viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast, etc.
Anal Fissure
Fistula
Rectal Prolapse
Prostate infection
An abscess
Pilonidal cyst [Edit2]
I honestly cannot think why anyone would want to use toilet paper to wipe,
instead of using water, and so I’m not able to come up with any more points in
favour of using toilet paper.
Why do people who have traditionally used water switch to toilet
paper?
Here again, there is a vast psyche at work. Those who do switch from water to
toilet paper would normally have one or more triggers.
1. They would have moved to a country that does not use/provide water for
washing in the toilet. So they might have had to take some extra effort to
get water and use water there.
2. The general populace would be using toilet paper and it would have been
easier to ape them than stick to their original habits.
3. They might have had to face social stigma and ridicule for revealing that
they use water to wash. It might have been easier to switch.
4. They might not have the conviction and confidence to not only stick to
using water, but also to explain the reasoning and benefits of the same to
their peers.
5. If the bathroom is a dry bathroom, then using water might make a mess in
the bathroom, which is very difficult to clean, especially when there is no
drain on the floor (like in wet bathrooms that have ‘health faucets’).
6. When using water to wash, if any water were to spill on the floor and
someone were to slip on it and get injured, there would be additional
doctor bills to pay in a foreign land.
7. They may be living in a place where water is scarce. Every drop saved
would be water used for drinking.
8. They might have had no option but to use toilet paper when they went to
public toilets.
Why isn’t the Western World converting from Toilet Paper to
Water?
Some Westerners who had always used toilet paper have been to countries
where they were forced to use water to wash. Of these, some people got used to
the comfort of using water, especially those who have been to Japan. A few of
them have even brought back the ‘Toto Washlet’ toilet seats from Japan, for
installation in their own homes in the US and elsewhere. Almost all of these
converts swear by the water technique and would not go back to using toilet
paper.
However, a majority of Westerners still think that toilet paper is the best, and
washing with water is gross.
In my opinion, there are several reasons for this mindset.
1. The use of toilet paper has been going on for so very long that it is very
difficult to convince people of alternative methods.
2. Though toilet paper was invented and extensively used in China, an
American called Joseph Gayetty is said to have invented the first
commercially available modern toilet paper in the United States in 1857.
Considering the fact that people used to use newspapers and corncobs
before this, the toilet paper must have seemed like an amazing invention
designed to improve hygiene.
3. After this, from the early 20th century onward, different companies tried
to commercially manufacture toilet paper. As their manufacturing process
and products improved, more people wanted to buy them.
4. People became more dependent upon these toilet papers. This thought
process was not only encouraged, it was marketed in such a way that any
other form of cleaning process (like water) was looked down upon.
5. By the 1970s, America could no longer conceive a life without toilet paper.
Even now, every family spends a considerable amount of money on toilet
paper every month.
6. Currently, the US alone spends over $10 billion a year on toilet paper. One
tree produces about 100 pounds (45 kg) of toilet paper and about 83
million rolls are produced per day. Global toilet paper production
consumes 27,000 trees daily. The average American uses 50 pounds of
tissue paper per year, which is nearly 50% greater than that of other
Western countries. Millions of trees are harvested in North and South
America, leaving fears of ecological footprints.
7. The Toilet Paper Industry provides employment to thousands of people all
over the world. There are people who work as loggers for getting the trees,
in processing and manufacturing plants, as distributors and retailers for
the finished product. It is an industry where profits are sometimes
upwards of $500 million for a single company in the US alone. With rising
manufacturing costs, toilet paper can get only more expensive as years go
by. Why would they even want to spread the awareness about more eco
friendly practices used in Asia and the Middle East? It is simply a business
decision not to.
8. One of the reasons why some Westerners persist on using toilet paper in
spite of knowing about the benefits of water is: they have a superiority
complex and a big ego. They feel that since 'they' use toilet paper, that is
the only right thing to do, and everybody else is wrong. Some of them
ridicule and harass those who use water, and call them 'backward', 'third
worlder' and a whole lot of things which I can't repeat in this forum.
Hence, a lot of waterusers switch to toilet paper, or they hide the fact that
they use water. It is sad to hear, but it is a true fact. [Edit2]
Every country and culture has its own practices and they have their own
reasons for following them. On the whole, however, I strongly believe that using
water is a better option.
Edit1: After someone commented that trees are not harvested to make toilet
paper, I've decided to add this link.
http://www.madehow.com/Volume6/...
It describes the process employed in manufacturing toilet paper.
Edit2: My friends, who read my post, wanted me to add additional details. So
adding the ones we discussed.
Sources:
Toilet paper
What were bathrooms like in medieval times?
Toilet Paper History & FAQs
How the Romans wiped (history of toilet paper pt. 1)
What did people use before toilet paper was invented?
Indian toilets: How To Use An Indian Toilet
Home Toilets of the World
Islamic toilet etiquette
Toilet Paper History: How America Convinced the World to Wipe
Infant & Newborn Hygiene
Hygiene After Delivery: Tips
Simple Menstrual Care Tips for a Healthy Period
Rectal Blleeding, Itching, and Pain
Updated 28 Jun, 2014. 15,977 views.
Upvote 95 Downvote Comments 8+
Musolĕ Kmb
2 upvotes by Anonymous and Jessica Uresti.
It could be a cultural thing. The bidet, which is what this mini-water shower is, is not widely
accepted in the US or other countries. Also, there is the wet wipe which I believe can be very
effective and less time consuming or just easier than using a bidet. Actually, Americans largely
believe that using bidets poses the danger that one person's excrement is somehow
"transmitted" to the other person. They think that crappy stuff clings on to the bidet and
remains left behind, ready for the subsequent person to come and get contaminated. Also, they
don't really relish the experience of having water sprayed all over their private parts. Icy-cold
water on skin does not feel comforting, or you have to heat it up to the right temperature,
which is too cumbersome and expensive a thing to do; so, they just wipe off and walk away.
Written 6 May, 2014. 2,744 views.
Upvote 2 Downvote Comment
Kenneth Wallace Jr, student
3 upvotes by Milind Ravindranath, Leah Chacko, and Haluk Işık.
I was asked to answer this, but I really don't know! I can guess it's because the
US is still, in some ways, a cultural backwater.
I don't know when the prevalence of bidets took over the world, but I would bet
the US's reliance on toilet paper has a lot to do with the slow adoption of
indoor plumbing. A lot of the US was not actually the US until the mid 1800's.
And, even then, much of the western part country was mostly wilderness with
scattered towns. The best innovations in the world cannot catch on if they
cannot get to the people who need them.
The US is also somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, because it occupies
most of it's own continent. The next most isolated democracies are probably
Australia and Canada, and they have very strong ties to Great Britain. We
rarely visit other countries because you have to cross oceans to do it. Never
visiting other countries means never experiencing all their cool stuff, like bidets.
This is just my idea, though. There might be a more specific reason...
Updated 22 Jun, 2014. 2,458 views.
Raymond Paterson, Another low level Autodidact. Counsel... (more)
11 upvotes by Pratyush Tewari, Quora User, Svan Nathan, (more)
Hi Mr/Ms Anonymous, I guess I'll probably never know why you thought I
might know something about this topic. However, I do have more than 50
years experience in the field!
I have often felt that using water to clean myself was a smarter and more
sustainable option than chopping down trees and processing wood into very
fine soft, absorbent paper (which also uses nasty chemicals like bleach etc) .
Initially I learned the art of using water in South East Asian countries where
toilet paper is no go.
However I was surprised to discover (on Wikipedia) that toilet paper is a
Chinese invention dating back to the 13th century. Very upper class Chinese
people used paper whilst others used cloth, hemp or wool.
I dream of one day being able to set up my toilet in a manner that allows the
use of a water jet as I personally believe that it is more efficient and hygienic. I
don't know if there are clinical studies (I haven't looked) but my bet is that a
great deal of anal discomfort would be alleviated if we just moved over to the
water jet.
I am interested to know if, conversely, using paper is initially very difficult and
confronting for the "Easterner" if you have not been taught since birth?
In my humble opinion, the reason we "Westerners" don't use water is simply
Written 6 May, 2014. 2,959 views.ignorance. Water is better!
Octav Lupu, observer
1 upvote by Ellie Kesselman.
Because it's much more practical (fast) and people are used in this way.
In the past, poor people cleaned themselves with leaves or shreds. Chinese
invented the toilet paper and it became widely adopted in Europe before water
streams into each apartment/house became common.
Still, there are bidets in some western houses:
Bidet
Dhanvanth Raveentharan
2 upvotes by Haluk Işık and Jessica Uresti.
It all comes to two things..
Which do prefer?
A . a cleaner hand
Or
B . a cleaner perineum
??
Cleaner hand toilet paper
Cleaner perineum water
Toilet paper
prevents hand from touching fecal matter.. So if a waiter brings your food, you
wud feel safer if you knew he used toilet paper instead of water.. It prevents
transmission of germs
Water
Cleans the anal orifice better.. No doubt about that.. In hotter and sweatier
places that's one less thing to worry about..in places where over all hygiene
standard is little less, this is amongst the lesser evils..
Environmental point of view
Obviously the number of trees cut down per year to make toilet paper is very
high (around 27,000 )..and the energy consumed by those factories and
pollutants released are very high, especially when done years together.. I m not
saying this is why we avoid toilet paper in India, I m just saying the benefits are
negated by the damages.. So its essentially the same hazard..
BOTTOM LINE :
* Toilet paper is better for hand hygiene than water..
* Water is better for perineal hygiene and environment than paper..
Written 11 Feb. 878 views.You can choose depending on what disgusts you less..
Upvote 2 Downvote Comment 1
Mike Lee, American expatriate in China
2 upvotes by Milind Ravindranath and Leah Chacko.
I'm not sure why. I'd have to mirror Marit's answer though, based on
assumptions. I'd also say it's a mix of his answer, reluctance to touch feces,
strong plumbing that can handle paper (an honest problem with a lot of
developing countries), having the standard in place, and cleanliness.
I've seen these miniwater showers in some places before, such as Indonesia,
and it always seems to make the bathrooms really wet. The whole floor will be
wet and everything seems dirtier when it's wet and you know people are
Written 6 May, 2014. 1,636 views.touching feces barehanded.
Wendell p Warren, Father w/ 32 yrs exp. Husband extraor... (more)
I am going to wing it because I only think I know a plausible answer. The US
was colonized by the English, the Spaniards , the French, amongst others.
Now as far as I know all if these countries use paper or paper/bidet combo. So
for the most part it sprang from tradition.
Personally I can't imagine rinsing with my hand and a stream of water. It
would seem less sanitary. For instance, paper wipers know when the job is
complete due to lack of poop on the paper. Water/hand wipers rely on what?
A sniff test? It seems like rinsing your residual poop with a stream of water
would splatter and does it not require a final wipe down to dry your butt? If so
then why would abybody choose to use their bare hand
Upvote Downvote
Quora User, Embrace your robot overlords, meatbags.
2 upvotes by Milind Ravindranath and Jessica Uresti.
For one thing, toilet paper is less splashy than a jet of water which might spray
fecal matter all over. Although one could firmly clamp one's bottom to a seat to
seal it, then unleash the deluge.
TP is also more convenient, as I can see taking a roll on a camping trip but
certainly not lugging a water tank and sprayer into the woods.
I use toilet paper because one can print the picture of a President of the US on
it and express one's opinion of how well they're doing their job.
Finally, in the future mankind will use robots equipped with corncobs for this,
or possibly three seashells. [Demolition Man reference]
Marit Amit, Mama bear, er... Tiger, er... Poodle.
4 upvotes by Alon Amit, Quora User, Aaditya Narasimhan, (more)
Because we don't want our hand to physically touch the poop.
Because toilet paper is abundant and cheap.
Our sewer system has no problem handling the paper.
Muthulakshmi Varadarajan
5 upvotes by Anonymous, Omar Vadakkan, Bling Ring, (more)
tp will not remove the poop completely only water can remove the poop; westerners
must be out of their minds
Written 27 Nov, 2014. 1,060 views.
Adam Turner, virtual loudmouth and a different kin... (more)
1 upvote by Milind Ravindranath.
Thanks for the A2A.
It's mostly a matter of convenient sanitation, I'd say. Toilet paper is a lightweight, portable commodity, unlike
water which has to be piped in, or carried, which would be a ridiculous reason to carry it.
To that end, drinking water is a valuable commodity. First, though: Would you allow water to touch your
pucker that you wouldn't drink? Then, why use to clean your bum what you can drink? Toilet paper is made
from stuff that humans can't digest, water is made from stuff we must conserve, because it is precious and
valuable to us. If you use a shower, you still need to dry. So, you are using water and paper. If you use paper,
you only use paper. And you don't need to worry about messing your clothes in the process.
Besides, water feels too forceful and intruding on the anal region, whereas the specialized tissue that toilet
paper is made of feels soothing and comforting against that really delicate part of the body. People have started
using all sorts of things in place of toilet paper; wet wipes and baby wipes and scented wipes and what-not are
flying off the shelves. First, these things don't break down in the sewer-system as easily as toilet paper does.
Second, the zeal for superior hygiene can result in super aggressive wiping, which is in itself disastrously
harmful for the delicate tissues in and around the anal region, but not only that, the chemicals they use to give
you the scent could potentially end up giving you an allergy.
The only occasion on which I see why somebody would want to use water specifically on the anus is when
they're getting ready for some energetic and penetrative anal play!
Anonymous
The pressure of the water depends on the extent the button is pressed on a handheld bidet
which is a common, if not standard item in most Asian countries, many European, South
American and Middle Eastern countries. Almost every Japanese home, and public restroom,
has this as a standard item. It just makes sense to use this item for sanitary & hygienic
reasons and using toiletpaper afterwards for drying the area squirted with water. Why
American and British countries don't realize this I cannot understand.
Written 10 Nov, 2014. 927 views.
Upvote Downvote Comment
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Have Westerners switched over from (having realized the benefits) using tissue paper to using water to wash themselves?
Does the need to use water to clean your behind after going to the toilet arise as a result of eating spicy stuff? Do spicy foods somehow make your
'output' more viscous and difficult to wipe off?
How do foreigners traveling in India adapt to Indian toilets and method of washing using water (instead of toilet paper)?
Hygiene: Which cultures still find wiping with hand instead of toilet paper nasty?Will humans be using toilet paper or an alternative 100 years from
now?
Why do some people prefer to wipe themselves with toilet paper when a bowl of water and even some soap shavings is arguably more thorough?
Do most of people in India don't use toilet paper after the process?
What cultural background people prefer collecting used toilet paper in a bin next to the toilet instead of flushing the used paper?
What alternatives do international students who are not comfortable with toilet paper use in US universities?
What are all the cultures that don't use toilet paper to wipe after defecation, and what do they do instead?
How wash yourself after your work in western toilet (without toilet paper or water jet)?
16/06/2015 Wash, don
t wipe, your butt. | thevu
the-vu
An Online Magazine – since 2000
Wash, don
t wipe, your butt.
December 10, 2010 Health, Objects, Philosophy bidet, clean, shattaf, shower, spray,
tabo, toilet
By Sparklee A Hole.
If you can read this, you are a human, and you poop. A subject that may delight a few, and disgust
many more. but opinions don t count, because we all have to go and poop. It is what happens
afterwards that is rarely discussed. People from different cultures have different ideas about what
you should do next. An American or a Brit, who has only ever seen a toilet roll next to a toilet, may
travel abroad and find one of the five following devices at his or her disposal.
A porcelain bidet
A bucket or barrel of water with a scooper
A shower spray connected to the toilet tank water supply with a T-adaptor
http://www.thevu.com/2010/12/washdon%E2%80%99twipeyourbutt/ 1/12
16/06/2015 Wash, don
An electronic toilet seat that dispenses sprays or jets of warm water and may also air-dry the
area
A pipe that shoots water upwards.
There may be more systems than these five, but these are the common alternatives to simply using
dry tissue paper to clean up.
Conversely, someone from the Arab world, or the Philippines, or parts of Asia, might visit The USA
and be appalled to find out that Americans believe they can clean their anal area following
defecation with nothing more than dry tissue paper. And they would be right, because it really does
take more than tissue to be clean following the business.
Clearly, washing is more efficient than tissue-wiping when it comes to removing the after effects of
going, especially if a lather from detergent is introduced, so what do these mysterious foreigners do
in the bathroom?
The Bidet.
Often seen beside a toilet, the bidet has featured in travel jokes for decades. It is basically a little
bathtub that one squats over to wash the area. These usually have hot and cold running water and
can squirt, rinse and spray. Anyone who has used a bidet is probably emerging from the bathroom
clean.
The electronic bidet toilet seat.
The Japanese have pioneered this field. To have one of these, your toilet needs to have electricity as
well as water. These devices, controlled with the push of a button are designed to wash and then dry
the area, without the user leaving the seat. Some are simple and some are full of hi-tech features.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
The Tabo
Called the tabo in the Philippines but known by other names in South Asia, this system is basically a
jug of water, filled in a bucket or barrel or from the tap. The user raises up slightly from the toilet seat
and pours water towards the small of the back where the space between the butt cheeks is. The
water naturally flows down and over the skin and washes the area. In practice, although rarely talked
about, the user usually puts soap on his or her fingers and washes the butt, just like everyone does in
the shower and then rinses with the tabo. Of course this means touching the unclean substance in
question (poo) but the hand is using soap and water so with practice it ends up clean when all is over.
In the Philippines, bathrooms are wet, meaning there is usually a floor drain and a faucet on the wall,
which is used to fill the vessel. The tabo is difficult for lifelong wipers to accept, but it does remove all
traces of waste and associated bacteria, so should not be criticized. Anyone with a sink within arm s
reach of the toilet, and a plastic jug or jar, can try the tabo right now, with nothing to install. In rural
areas, the tabo is also used for outdoor, full body bathing.
The bidet shower spray.
The Arabs call it a shattaf, (sounds like shit off, which is basically what it does), but this is nothing
more than a handheld water shower that connects to the water inlet valve for the toilet via a T-
connection. Room temperature water is sprayed on the anus after the business is done. As with the
tabo, hand washing the area with soap is an unmentioned option. These sprays are often called
diaper sprays or nappy sprayers, because they can also be used to wash off most of the baby poo
from your baby s diaper before tossing it in the bleach pail. The baby poo just goes right down the loo.
The downside to using a handheld shower spray in a colder climate is, in winter, the tap water can be
extremely cold. In some places these are called the muslim bidet and other names, because the
muslim world is apparently quite particular about keeping clean down there. But if your bathroom is
in Thailand or Saudi Arabia, to name a couple of places, you ll probably have a sprayer adjacent to the
toilet, and the water will not be a cold shock.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
The sprayer pipe.
In Egypt you are likely to see a curved brass pipe at the back of the toilet bowl. This is water spraying
at it
s most basic. Just turn on the tap and a jet of water shoots towards the butt for hands-free
washing, or manually assisted soaping, as discussed under the tabo.
So here is the taboo subject of cleaning the ass being discussed in a magazine. Some will find the
whole subject unthinkable and live their whole lives failing to properly remove poo and bacteria with
their little pieces of tissue paper, and others will never use tissue paper instead of washing. While it
may be obvious which idea is more effective, preconceptions about what is civilized may keep most
westerners in the dirt until they are buried in the dirt. But whatever you do following a poo, follow by
washing your hands with soapy lather, and you ll stay safe.
Sparklee A Hole is always ready for inspection and never has to hide his underwear deep in the laundry
basket.
Editor’s note: At time of writing there are well over a hundred comments on this article. Some of them
are a little disturbing so be forewarned if you go there. Anyone can say anything so this is the result.
130 thoughts on “Wash, don

t wipe, your butt.”
May 19, 2014 at 07:58
“Disgusting! So unsanitary. This water that rinses your asshole falls on the very
devices that spray water on the next person. Just what I want: someone else’s
fecal matter and bacteria shooting up my ass.”
Tremaine
A reasonable concern, but also the medical introduction of human fecal bacteria
into the rectum and colon is a powerful and effective new intervention for serious
digestive problems.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
May 20, 2014 at 17:48
Sounds like you think someone else’s diseased a-hole contents will fix mine. Not
buying your voodoo. I would shove Yogurt up my butt before I mix someone else’s
crap with mine.
Dewbert
McClinton
June 4, 2014 at 00:38
I have experienced both of these methods of removing decal matter after a bowel
movement. I was raised wiping until the process of water clueing was introduced
to me and I “what a Great idea”.
Nurse
Only a few problems with the whole idea of being a “Water Girl” rather than a
“Wiper Girl” were a few obstacles….
1. I live in a wiper society

2. Not sure of anyone’s sanitary habits or concern for others
3. I practice in my home for messy times (I have IBS), but without being properly
equipped and your already on the “go”… You become a wiper and a washer (even
if you do have a bidet as I do).
I completely agree with the reading and would recommend it to anyone- along
with proper technique and infection control practices(HANDWASHING!)
Like they say…”don’t knock it before you try it”. Ignorance may be bliss, but most
always at a loss…
Love to all, From your white, italian, university graduate(x2) Nurse.
Happy Cleaning!
June 12, 2014 at 03:16
Yes, how much cleaner is washing yourself rather than wiping.

I think the old bidet is the best one, just like a mini bath. Not to sure about this new
spray pipe but the others are good!
Aminah
Need to buy one for my home.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
July 31, 2014 at 07:39
After a bowel movement

I use toilet paper to remove everything, then I wash myself.
If I’m not able to wash, then I use wet wipes instead
Kathy Best
(I don’t put them down the toilet,
they don’t disintegrate like paper)
I don’t feel clean, just using Toilet paper!
I don’t think anyone is really,
maybe that’s why some people smell of “dity-bum!”
August 4, 2014 at 17:33
Personally, I will not date any woman who doesn’t wash after ‘going.’ I’ve dated
two women in the past who smelled there, and it was such a turn off, it was part
off the reason I was happy the relationship didn’t work out. How can you not wash
JAK
after doing that?! Your undies are going to stink! Gross!
October 7, 2014 at 23:33
Great article!! I’m not a fan of the bidet, but I do like the Shataf (sprayer) and my
second choice is a small jug (a netipot, actually) that directs the stream of water to
the right spot. When I’m outside, I put some water on paper towel before entering
matricpass
the stall. I am not even a religious Muslim, but I’m glad that our parents
emphasized cleanliness in this way. I could never date a guy who doesn’t use
shataaf after going to the bathroom, but the problem is, how do you ask?? It seems
like Westerners have the best dental hygiene, and Easterners have the best genital
hygiene. I hope to find a guy that combines the best of both worlds..let’s see.. :$
October 17, 2014 at 10:17
My mother in law uses a tabo and her bathroom smells like piss. She splashes
water (and God knows what else) all over the bathroom and the rug around her
toilet is filthy. I wish she would get a bidet because her technique with her tabo
Sweet
isn’t working out that great. In addition to her tabo, I’ve seen used toilet paper for
November
number one sitting on the roll for later use. What’s the point of the tabo if she is
wiping her privates with used toilet paper? Just gag!
16/06/2015 Wash, don
October 17, 2014 at 10:27
Just like a drinking fountain does not deliver the last person’s germs to the next,
the handheld sprayer does not contaminate the next user. Water only flows out of
it. The handheld sprayer is ideal for cleaning this personal area after going, and
Harasumi
can even deliver a shallow jet enema and the device is so simple to use and so easy
to install under the tank that I am amazed they don’t come on every new toilet.
Tissue is good for drying but it is not designed to clean anything, and it does not.
October 28, 2014 at 09:36
AnalrinseA jet of water directed carefully and deliberately is better than a bidet or
wiping alone. Consider a tool designed by an MD to clean your anus. Let’s face it,
nobody likes a smelly bum.
Clean Your
Butt
November 2, 2014 at 23:55
Coming from a Muslim family living in the gulf countries, washing after urinating or
defecating is a must for both genders; so having a sprayer (shattaf) next to the
toilet is normal for us.
Fatima
On the rare occasions that the sprayer is broken then we use the tabo ( I had only
used it once ; when i was somewhere away from home , and was very
uncomfortable to use ).
So I was shocked to stay in a (5 stars; not even worth it) hotel in Dubai only to find
that their toilet has only rolls next to it O.O! I took a fast shower everytime I use the
toilet, and then a long shower before going to bed! That’s how filthy I felt.
And don’t get me started to talk about how much my younger brothers
complained about the whole ordeal -_-;
Next time I might buy a portable shattaf ( just saw one on youtube) for the
convenience or even change the hotel all together.
December 16, 2014 at 07:22
For many years – can’t remember when I started – I’ve soaked a wad of toilet
paper in order to wash my anus – then followed up with dry paper until I’m as
clean as possible. I installed a bidet in my last home but my wife poo-poohed the
Chris
idea (yes – I know) . It seemed unhygienic to actually use ones hand and soap and
16/06/2015 Wash, don
Steiner there’s the rinsing of the bowl afterwards. Actually it must be more hygienic than
using dry paper. There are huge gaps in the matrix of toilet paper through which
bacteria can pass. That’s why wet paper is better. But washing ones hands
thoroughly should kill fecal bacteria. A year ago I was in Sri Lanka and, although
we were provided with toilet tissue, there was also a spray. They’re available
through the web in the UK and I shall be installing one sooner than later. Less
rubbing on the sensitive rectum – no doubt evolution never catered for bum
wiping – else we’d all have longer arms! But there’s still the problem of drying a
wet bum – with what?
December 18, 2014 at 09:41
I am a guy who was raised using a bidet. It is a matter of personal hygiene and
cleanness. I bought a handheld bidet sprayer online from
http://www.idealbidet.com and to be frank with you, I loved the quality of the
Ziad Al-
product (made of stainless steel!), its design (so sleek), the easiness of installation
Husseini
and the water pressure!
Happy bums to all
December 19, 2014 at 18:01
Thanks Ziad! I was looking for something like this, I will buy it online from
http://www.idealbidet.com and will post on here how it performs
sarah
December 24, 2014 at 22:54
A former wiper, I’m currently using a small plastic spoon and a squirt bottle to
clean my anus, but I’m also investigating a bidet sprayer. One vendor mentions
that a sprayer is good for “directing a blast of water into the pipes” for a light and
trast
refreshing sensation. Well, once the squirt bottle water stream accidentally
breached my sphincter muscle and the water entered my rectum. After releasing
the water, I did like the light and refreshing sensation, so I repeated the action
several times. After about two hours, I discovered considerable mucus running
down my leg as I was walking, so moderation may be indicated. I assume that the
water made my rectal mucus thinner and it pooled at the bottom of my rectum
and then leaked out when my anus was forced open slightly from internal
pressure.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
December 31, 2014 at 15:58
Hi,
I’m from south asia and was never ready for the toilet paper wipe down here in the
US. I installed the bidet from http://www.rinseworks.com called aquaus and boy
Raw
all of us in the family are ever happy. Its proudly made in the US and the best part
is that they have 2 models to chose from. One that is connected to the toilet flush
tank water line with only cold water and the other model that attaches to the
bathroom faucet tap wherein you have the hot and cold water option !!!! Yup no
more cold splash on the bum !!! We have been using it for the past 3 years with no
issues ! They have 2 variable length tubings too for the bidet.
GO for it and you’ll never be dirty again down there
December 31, 2014 at 16:02
Oops typo in my comment – they have 2 models to choose from !

(wrongly typed in as chose)
Raw
January 8, 2015 at 18:26
As I promised I will update you on my experience with what Ziad recommended, I

bought the sprayer for $80 from Ideal Bidet and it arrived after 3 days. I was
surprised with the quality of the sprayer. I watched their installation video
sarah
http://idealbidet.com/pages/bidet-sprayer-installation it was very easy to install.
Thanks Ziad for the helpful post!
January 11, 2015 at 03:16
Those idiots who say they don’t like other people’s poop inside them they need to
grow up and educate themselves. Ignorant fools must be english or american
dumbass
Shabz
January 11, 2015 at 15:48
16/06/2015 Wash, don
Nice one Shabz – glad you could contribute to this article by causing all us English
and Americans to consider the alternative usage for the word ‘arsehole’ in this
thread – i.e. a person whose speech or behaviour identifies them as stupid, inept,
boorish, offensive or maladjusted. You fit those definitions quite nicely, Shabz.
Chris
Steiner
January 15, 2015 at 07:24
Hello! We from Indonesia proudly wash after each urination and defecation. Either
using plastic scoop, built-in bidet or sprayer. I personally prefer the sprayer. When
my family traveled to Europe a while ago, we only have toilet paper beside the
circirs
toilet. So, we used a mineral water bottle as a scoop. No worries.
February 5, 2015 at 10:29
I like the idea of the tabo, but your instructions are a bit “ass-backwards.” Pardon
me while a chortle smugly to myself….You can wipe with toilet paper first, I
believe ALWAYS with toilet paper first for any butt-cleaning method. And THEN
Jason
wash your butt to clean the residue. This is a much more effecient and sane
method.
February 19, 2015 at 09:25
We recently bought a toilet seat type bidet and everyone in the family (me, wife, 11
& 14 y/o boys) love it. Wife and I particularly feel much cleaner not having to stick
our hand in the toilet and wipe our butts. The seat rinses and dries with the press
Jim W.
of a button. We walk away as clean as getting out of the shower. We got ours at
http://www.clearwaterbidets.com. Everyone we’ve talked to that has one loves it
and the people that try ours at home like them a lot. It’s still new to many people
but we think it will catch on.
March 4, 2015 at 07:12
Yeah Shabz!! I agree. What kind of idiots don’t like other peoples poop inside their
butts? It befuddles me.. You people really need to grow up. This is why we can’t
have nice things.
16/06/2015 Wash, don
Ahole
April 9, 2015 at 21:22
i used to live in a country where all we use is shower spry to clean (and i think its
the best one rather than the one thats inside the toilet )and then i moved to north
america and i never saw any place with it unless the home owner install it and
engi
even when i mention it to people they think it wont do the job of cleaning but how
come ? its like taking a shower u will be cleaner than using paper in less time !
May 3, 2015 at 21:44
Wiping is better, there is no residual poop left on your bunghole after wiping.
Washing kind of makes you feel gay! Like queer gay not happy gay. I’ve tried both
and I prefer wiping, it is easy, there is no fondling poop, which is a huge drawback
ERIC
to the eastern style. I’ve heard it’s so bad that they don’t even extend their left
hands to offer a courtesy handshake…..
May 3, 2015 at 21:46
Washing waters down your poop causing it to dissolve making a nasty mess.
Wiping gets it all in a one and don’t clean sweep! Plus with wiping you aren’t
required to touch any poop!
ERIC
May 18, 2015 at 14:48
Personally i use tiolet paper then wipes for the rim and if i still dont feel clean use a
bit of soap ona flannel and shower spray then dry and use talk
molly
May 19, 2015 at 02:16
I was surprised that there are people in the world who don’t use water to clean
down there.
I am here because of a search about the word ‘Shattaf’, I was wondering why it has
Mohammad
16/06/2015 Wash, don
Qunbos an Arabic name, if it is universal thing

by the way the Shattaf means washer or cleaner
my search result is that it is not universal, and some people wipe their buts by
tissues. WOW.
May 22, 2015 at 06:08
The product I have found to help me with personal cleansing is not intended for
this purpose, therefore, I can’t, in good conscience, recommend it to anyone else. I
can only tell you that it works for me. When no other solution seemed right for my
susan
particular situation and needs, I was stumped. Then in a Eureka moment, I
peelman
thought of a hand-held pressure sprayer, the kind used to apply weed or insect
killer. I know,I laughed for three days. When I was done laughing, I ordered a 1
gallon tank with a psi of 35-45. It is totally plastic. I continued to laugh for days. I
fill the tank with a weak solution of vinegar and water. I call my contraption Poo-B-
Gon. I wish someone would manufacture a similar product meant for this use, but
until they do, I will just have to make do.

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6/5/2021 How To Use Toilet Paper?

My Experience With Toilet Paper Instead Of Water

I Tried Using Toilet Paper Instead Of Water For A

Note: I absolutely do not recommend this to anyone.

Soon, I had a few primary concerns:

At what point does one stop?

Does everyone examine each piece of TP to know when they’re done?

When will I truly feel clean?

It constantly feels like there’s a piece of tissue stuck up your butt.

Today, I am an upside-down dragon.

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The electronic bidet toilet seat.

The bidet shower spray.

The sprayer pipe.

130 thoughts on “Wash, don​

May 19, 2014 at 07:58

May 20, 2014 at 17:48

June 4, 2014 at 00:38

1. I live in a wiper society

Love to all, From your white, italian, university graduate(x2) Nurse.

June 12, 2014 at 03:16

Yes, how much cleaner is washing yourself rather than wiping.

July 31, 2014 at 07:39

After a bowel movement

August 4, 2014 at 17:33

October 7, 2014 at 23:33

October 17, 2014 at 10:17

October 17, 2014 at 10:27

October 28, 2014 at 09:36

November 2, 2014 at 23:55

December 16, 2014 at 07:22

December 18, 2014 at 09:41

December 19, 2014 at 18:01

December 24, 2014 at 22:54

December 31, 2014 at 15:58

December 31, 2014 at 16:02

Oops typo in my comment – they have 2 models to choose from !

January 8, 2015 at 18:26

As I promised I will update you on my experience with what Ziad recommended, I

January 11, 2015 at 03:16

January 11, 2015 at 15:48

January 15, 2015 at 07:24

February 5, 2015 at 10:29

February 19, 2015 at 09:25

March 4, 2015 at 07:12

April 9, 2015 at 21:22

May 3, 2015 at 21:44

May 3, 2015 at 21:46

May 18, 2015 at 14:48

May 19, 2015 at 02:16

Qunbos an Arabic name, if it is universal thing

May 22, 2015 at 06:08

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130 thoughts on “Wash, don