Pioneers and early American settlers relied on readily available materials before commercially produced toilet paper became widely accessible in the late 19th century. Their go-to options were dictated by what the local environment and trade routes provided, and they frequently relied on the following:
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.
Leaves and Grass: This was the most common solution globally. Large, soft leaves from plants like mullein (often called "cowboy toilet paper") were especially prized.
Before the availability of mass produced toilet paper in the mid-1800s, humans had to resort to using what was free and available, even if it didn't provide the most effective (or comfortable) results. Options included rocks, leaves, grass, moss, animal fur, corn cobs, coconut husks, sticks, sand, and sea shells.
Before modern toilet paper, humans used readily available natural materials—including leaves, moss, sand, seashells, snow, and sticks—or water to clean themselves, depending on their environment and social status. Historical options ranged from Roman sponges on a stick (tersorium) to corn cobs, old rags, and, later, newspapers.
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.
Romans used a sea sponge on a stick, called a tersorium, to wipe after using the latrine. The sponges were often washed in water containing salt and vinegar, kept in a shallow gutter below the toilets.
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.
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.
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.
I'm going to the john" means you're going to the toilet.
In 2007, Sheryl Crow suggested limiting toilet paper usage to just "one square per restroom visit" to help the environment. She also proposed using a detachable "dining sleeve" to wipe mouths instead of paper napkins. She later clarified the bizarre suggestions were meant as a joke.
Around 70% of the global population does not rely on toilet paper, instead using water-based methods for personal hygiene. This practice is especially common across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, where cultural and religious traditions emphasize cleanliness through water.
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.
So basically just like everyone else they try to breastfeed and they often do breast feed the babies but sometimes the babies don't latch or the mother doesn't have enough breast milk for the baby. In that case they do buy formula at the store.
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.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
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.
Wiping Front to Back
If you don't have any physical limitations preventing you from reaching around your body to wipe from front to back, it's generally considered the safer route to go. You'll be moving feces away from your more delicate parts, lowering the risk of infection.
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.
Rules. A Muslim must first find an acceptable place away from standing water, people's pathways, or shade. It is advised that it is better to enter the area with the left foot, and it is prohibited to face directly towards the Qibla (direction of prayer towards Mecca) or directly opposite from it.
Yes, modern kings wipe their own bottoms. Today's royals manage their own personal hygiene like everyone else.
Roman enslavers treated pregnant enslaved women primarily as economic assets. Under Roman law, a child’s status was determined by the mother, meaning any child born to an enslaved woman automatically became the enslaver’s property. Because of this, pregnancy was highly valued as a way to grow a household's wealth without the cost of buying new captives.
Roman Emperor Vespasian is the most famous historical figure to die from severe diarrhea. In 79 AD, while battling a sudden illness at his summer estate, the famously witty ruler famously joked about his impending mortality, declaring: "Dear me, I think I'm becoming a god".