Whether people flush toilet paper depends largely on geography and local plumbing infrastructure. The practice varies by region:
Yes, flushing toilet paper is completely normal and encouraged in the United States. Modern plumbing and municipal sewage systems are specifically designed to handle it.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Though toilet paper is safe to flush, some variations may clog the toilet, says Sam Chmielarski of Full Flow Plumbing and Drainage. "I don't recommend the ultra-thick 4-ply toilet paper. The extra thickness takes longer to break down," Chmielarski says.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
Muslims use water instead of, or in addition to, toilet paper to clean themselves after using the restroom. This practice, called Istinja, is rooted in Islamic hygiene and purity laws.
Yes, an estimated 70% of the world does not use dry toilet paper to wipe. Instead, many cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe prioritize washing with water.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
In most of Mexico, you should not flush toilet paper. Because the country's plumbing and septic systems feature narrower pipes than in the U.S., flushing paper easily causes major clogs. Instead, you are expected to dispose of used toilet paper in the small waste basket provided next to the toilet.
Plumbers often advise against using Charmin toilet paper because it is known for being particularly thick and plush, which can lead to clogs in plumbing systems.
Amish men generally do not use condoms. Because the Amish view having children as a blessing from God, the use of artificial contraception is typically forbidden by their religious doctrine.
Other ways of wiping before the invention of toilet paper
Early North American settlers used corn cobs. They were abundant, they were soft and they were easy to handle. Sailors used something called a 'tow rag'. A tow rag was a long piece of frayed rope that dangled in the water.
Amish wedding nights prioritize community, tradition, and practicality over the modern idea of a private honeymoon. On their wedding night, the bride and groom typically return to the bride’s parents' home, where the newlyweds must wake up early the next morning to help clean the house after the large celebration.
We would like to remind you of the three P's – Pee, Poop, and Paper. Those are the only things that should be flushed in your toilet. Other items, including wipes, napkins, and feminine products, do not break down and can cause clogs in your pipes. Clogged pipes lead to drains in your wallet – and you don't want that!
In many countries across the globe, you should throw used toilet paper into a waste bin rather than flushing it. In these regions, plumbing infrastructure and narrow pipes cannot handle paper waste.
People do not flush toilet paper primarily due to fragile plumbing systems, septic system maintenance, or regional cultural norms.
Gynecologists recommend choosing white, unscented, and unbleached toilet paper to maintain vaginal health. To prevent irritation, burning, or recurrent infections, doctors suggest avoiding heavily dyed, fragranced, or "ultra-soft" papers that leave behind lint.
Ultra-soft, thick, and multi-ply toilet papers clog toilets the most. Brands like Charmin Ultra Soft and Cottonelle are notorious for clogging because their thick, plush fibers are designed for softness and do not dissolve easily.
Bidet. France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain all use bidets, they'll often have toilet paper available in public spaces for tourists, but homes would all have bidets installed. Japan is the one Asian stand-out in that they adopted bidets rather than other ways of washing the bum.
Muslims purify themselves after using the toilet using a practice called Istinja. The Islamic tradition places a strong emphasis on personal hygiene, and the protocol involves washing with water using the left hand.
Key Findings
Around 70% of the world's population does not use toilet paper. Instead, they rely on water-based methods, such as bidets, handheld "bum guns," or water jugs (e.g., lotas). This applies to numerous cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa.
The Japanese do shave their faces, arms, legs, and pubic areas. Those with hairy pubic areas are considered sexy. However, as the Western culture has influenced the country, this practice has become more accepted in Japan. A Japanese woman who is hairless is not considered sexy – she is like a neutered man.
The "5-minute rule" in Japan refers to a strict cultural practice of punctuality where you are expected to arrive at least five minutes before a scheduled meeting or appointment. Arriving "exactly on time" is often viewed as late, while being too early can also be seen as an imposition.