Should the toilet paper be under or over?

Author: Giles Weissnat  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

It's best to hang the toilet paper over the roll so that your fingers only touch what you need. This practice minimizes how much bacteria is deposited on the wall and ensures you peace of mind when touching something a stranger has just used.

Should toilet paper go over or under the roll?

Seth Wheeler's 1891 patent shows the original placement of the toilet paper roll using an "over" approach. Not that you should ever blindly follow the crowd, but a whopping 70% of the population prefers the “over” position.

Why should toilet paper be hung over?

Now consider my second point: hanging the toilet paper over reduces the spread of bacteria from fellow poopers, which can lead to very upset stomachs. Science says! When you reach for the toilet paper, you've got little bits of bacteria all over your hands.

Which way does a toilet paper holder go?

In other words, the patent, created by the inventor of toilet paper Seth Wheeler, reveals the correct way to hang toilet paper on the holder is actually over. Sorry under folk. Re-surfacing it seems to the only way to tackle the ongoing debate years later.

What is the psychology behind toilet paper placement?

And evidently how you hang your toilet paper can reveal clues about your personality. Dr. Gilda Carle surveyed 2,000 people and determined that: Those who roll over (leaving the loose end away from the wall): Like being in charge, like organization and order, and are likely to overachieve.

Argument Academy: Toilet roll - Over or under?

Where does toilet paper go?

In water, those fibres quickly come untangled and form a thin sludge that's easily carried by the water flow in the sewage system.By the time it reaches the sewage treatment plant, most of the toilet paper has completely disintegrated, and goes straight to the sludge digester tanks to be broken down into compost, along ...

What are the 2 ways of hanging toilet paper?

If the toilet paper is hung “over” their fingers only touch the toilet paper that they'll be using, which will subsequently be flushed. However, if the toilet paper is hung “under” there's a good chance their fingers will brush the wall as well, leaving a deposit.

Why is toilet paper mounted so low?

To maintain inclusivity and accessibility, adhere to the ADA guidelines. The ADA specifies that the maximum height for a toilet paper dispenser should be 36 inches (91.4 cm) above the finished floor. This way, individuals in wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges can comfortably and safely access toilet paper.

What is the proper way to wipe with toilet paper?

After wadding up a ball of toilet paper (or neatly folding a few sheets), "reach either behind you or between your legs, if that's easier" to make the front-to-back wiping motion, said Dr. Borkar. Keep wiping until all the poop is gone and you feel clean.

What is the correct toilet position?

Make sure your feet are flat on the stool and that your knees are made higher than your hips. Lean forwards slightly. Breathe in, then as you breathe out , try to either make a sound in your throat, for example say the word 'Idge' or 'Ooo'.

Do you fold toilet paper before wiping?

Whether you crumple or fold toilet paper, both methods have their pros and cons. Folding offers better control, less waste, and a cleaner wipe, while crumpling is quicker and provides more texture. When it comes to personal hygiene, particularly in the bathroom, everyone has their own unique habits.

Should toilet paper be flushed or thrown away?

Treatment plants effectively remove toilet paper from wastewater, but all other garbage should go in the trash can. These Items belong in the trash can. The only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper.

How many pieces of toilet paper do you use?

First, let's figure out the numbers. Most people use the toilet about 5 times a day, but anything in the 4-10 range is deemed “normal”. And the average person is said to use nearly 7 sheets1 per wipe – approximately 6.41 sheets per toileting occasion for women, and 8.1 sheets per occasion for men.

Should toilet paper be over or under and why?

It's best to hang the toilet paper over the roll so that your fingers only touch what you need. This practice minimizes how much bacteria is deposited on the wall and ensures you peace of mind when touching something a stranger has just used.

What is the correct way to install toilet paper?

The over position reduces the risk of accidentally brushing the wall or cabinet with one's knuckles, potentially transferring grime and germs; makes it easier to visually locate and to grasp the loose end; gives the option to fold over the last sheet to show that the room has been cleaned; and is generally the intended ...

Where is the correct placement of the toilet paper holder?

For most users, the toilet paper holder should be a distance of 8 to 12 inches from the toilet bowl. For children, or shorter users, 8 to 9 inches is ideal. For taller users, 10 to 12 inches is preferred.

Why you should always close the toilet lid?

Earlier studies have concluded a closed lid reduces the exposure of bacteria contamination on nearby surfaces, and researchers have sought to raise awareness about how lidless toilets can eject a germ-laced plume in public restrooms.

What is the correct way to use toilet paper?

You get to choose whatever way you like best:
  1. Folding. Generally preferred by men, folders will fold the toilet paper into neat squares before they wipe. ...
  2. Crumpling. Crumplers will press the toilet paper into a loosely shaped ball before they wipe. ...
  3. Hand Wrapping. ...
  4. Combination. ...
  5. Wetting toilet paper before wiping.

What did people use to wipe before toilet paper?

Options included rocks, leaves, grass, moss, animal fur, corn cobs, coconut husks, sticks, sand, and sea shells. Water and snow were also used to wash and clean. The material used depended on various factors, such as socioeconomic status, weather conditions, social customs, and location.

Why do some people not flush toilet paper?

Some places have narrow pipes, or they don't have systems that can break down toilet paper easily, so it's customary to throw your toilet paper into a waste bin, not the toilet, or use a bidet instead.

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