Whether to scrunch or fold toilet paper is a classic hygiene debate, and both methods have distinct pros and cons. The right choice depends on whether you prefer maximum surface texture or methodical control.
Folding toilet paper gives you that smooth, orderly surface for a precise and efficient clean — perfect for anyone who likes their bathroom routine to run like clockwork. Scrunching, on the other hand, shines when speed is the priority.
It might not be an age-old question, but there is definitely a division (in both age and gender) as to how people handle their toilet paper. Most people fold, with only 15% choosing to scrunch, but those stats also depend on the group being considered.
Folding your toilet paper creates a smooth, tidy surface for a more precise wipe. It's efficient, uses fewer sheets and reduces waste — all wins for the environment.
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.
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.
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.
Most people wipe after using the toilet by reaching behind their back or between their legs to clean from front to back using dry toilet paper. This method is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra. While many sit to wipe, some stand up, and others utilize bidets, especially outside of North America.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, roughly 70% of the global population does not use toilet paper as their primary method of bathroom hygiene. Instead, the majority of people worldwide rely on water-based cleaning methods, which are considered more hygienic, sustainable, and culturally appropriate.
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.
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.
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.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
Plumbers consistently recommend single-ply or fast-dissolving 2-ply toilet paper that breaks apart easily. Avoid thick, multi-ply, or ultra-plush papers, which are designed to hold together when wet and are the leading cause of toilet clogs and septic buildup.
The "poop rule" usually refers to a viral home-organization and decluttering hack, though it can also describe medical guidelines for digestive health.
There is no single "correct" way to wipe; it comes down to personal preference, flexibility, and comfort. Both sitting and standing have their pros and cons, and both are widely practiced.
While hemorrhoids are often to blame, this article highlights other potential causes, including anal skin tags or an anal abscess. While these issues are typically well known to primary care providers, doctors are often unaware that pelvic floor dysfunction can also make wiping difficult.
Some rumors suggest an Amish blue door indicates an eligible daughter lives there. However, Amish representatives dismiss this as a myth. In reality, the blue door is largely a matter of aesthetic tradition, simple custom, or just using whatever paint was available at the time.
An Amish man can have only one wife at a time. The Amish strictly practice monogamy and do not condone polygamy. This common misconception likely stems from confusing the Amish with fringe fundamentalist Mormon groups that historically practiced plural marriage.
While individuals are born with LGBTQ identities within Amish communities, they cannot actively remain Amish while living openly. The culture does not allow for queer inclusion, and strict adherence to traditional gender roles means open LGBTQ members are typically excommunicated and shunned.