In the United States and most developed regions, it is highly recommended and standard practice to flush toilet paper down the toilet. Toilet paper is specifically engineered to dissolve rapidly in water, safely passing through plumbing.
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.
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.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
These items should NEVER be flushed down the toilet:
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
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.
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.
Goldstein, wet wipes should never, ever be used. Even moist towelettes are a no-go. Instead, your best options are toilet paper and bidets, and Dr. Goldstein is an advocate of the latter.
In China, the primary method of cleaning is toilet paper rather than water. Chinese people commonly carry their own small packets of facial tissues or wet wipes, as many public restrooms do not provide toilet paper. Used paper is typically placed in a trash bin rather than flushed to avoid pipe clogs.
Yes, Amish people bathe regularly, though the frequency and methods vary significantly depending on the season, how physically active they are, and the strictness of their specific church district.
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.
Plumbers strongly advise against flushing ultra-plush, 3-ply, or heavily quilted toilet papers (such as Charmin Ultra Soft/Strong and Kirkland Signature). These premium, highly absorbent brands are designed to be thick and durable, meaning they dissolve slowly and are notorious for forming stubborn clogs in pipes and septic systems.
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.
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.
Using wet wipes after pooping can provide a cleaner, more refreshing finish than dry toilet paper, but experts recommend a measured approach to avoid skin irritation or plumbing issues.
Instead of disposable baby wipes, French parents traditionally use liniment—a gentle, all-natural cleansing lotion made from a simple mixture of olive oil and limewater, sometimes with a touch of beeswax.
The best alternatives to toilet paper range from reusable cloths and bidets to household paper products and natural foliage. Crucially, never flush anything other than actual toilet paper and human waste, as items like paper towels and baby wipes will severely damage your plumbing.
Eating any food while on the toilet is forbidden. After defecating, the anus must be washed with water using the left hand, or an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles called jamrah or hijaarah (Sahih Al-Bukhari 161, Book 4, Hadith 27). Many jurists agree that toilet paper suffices in place of these stones.
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.
Yes, it is completely permissible and highly encouraged for a husband and wife to shower together in Islam. There are no restrictions on spouses seeing or touching each other's naked bodies, and doing so is considered an act of love and affection.
Religions like Islam and Hinduism do not traditionally use toilet paper as a primary means of cleansing. Instead, their scriptures and cultural traditions mandate washing with water for maximum hygiene and ritual purity.
Yes, cleanliness is highly emphasized in Islam. In fact, it is considered "half of the faith". The religion commands both physical hygiene and spiritual purity in everyday life.