Most Western countries primarily use toilet paper as the standard method for personal hygiene after using the restroom. While many regions globally rely on water-based methods like bidets or handheld sprayers, toilet paper is the cultural and infrastructural norm in the following areas:
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.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue. In many parts of Asia, the Middle East, South America and Southern Europe, bidets, handheld sprayers, and even simple jugs of water are common features of the basic bathroom setup.
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.
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.
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 number one cause of death in China is cardiovascular (heart) disease, followed closely by malignant neoplasms (cancers). Together, these chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for a vast majority of total mortality in the country.
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 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.
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.
In many countries across the world, plumbing and sewage systems are built with narrow pipes that cannot easily break down paper. Instead, the standard practice is to dispose of used toilet paper in the provided waste bin.
Yes, Japanese people use toilet paper. Even though most modern Japanese homes and public restrooms feature advanced washlet (bidet) toilets with built-in washing and drying functions, toilet paper remains an essential staple.
We use both because dry tissue doesn't clean the genitalia, it smears, dries and leaves odor and potential stains in the undergarments. Muslims cannot pray with urine or feces on their garments because it's unclean. Hassan Mbuthia so we use water to cleanse ourself after relieving.
Yes, modern kings wipe their own bottoms. Today's royals manage their own personal hygiene like everyone else.
The "poop rule" usually refers to a viral home-organization and decluttering hack, though it can also describe medical guidelines for digestive health.
Good anal hygiene
Gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before going to bed. Use wet toilet paper or a wet washcloth. Use plain water only, or an unscented soap. Wear cotton underwear that isn't tight.
Whether Amish girls wear bras varies significantly depending on the strictness of the specific church district or community. While some modern or progressive sects allow basic, store-bought bras, very traditional and conservative communities often prohibit them in favor of going without or wearing loose, homemade alternatives.
Because the Amish emphasize modesty and natural living, both men and women generally do not shave any body hair, including pubic hair.
Amish couples generally do not sleep together (have sexual relations) before marriage. While premarital sex is strictly forbidden in the community, some ultra-conservative sects historically allow or still practice an old courtship tradition called "bundling".
In the Wild West, most people bathed once a week or less. Because water and firewood were scarce on the frontier, full baths were usually reserved for Saturdays. Daily hygiene typically consisted of simple sponge baths using a washbasin and a small pitcher of water.
Most men (around 60% to 65%) wipe while remaining seated on the toilet, while the rest stand up. The most common technique is the "folder" method—neatly folding toilet paper—followed by reaching behind the back to wipe from front to back.
Pirates and sailors during the Golden Age of Sail did not have toilet paper, which wasn't mass-produced until the 19th century. Instead, they utilized the harsh conditions of the sea and readily available materials:
Historically and culturally, traditional Chinese beliefs favor burial. Ground burial is deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes filial piety, ancestral veneration, and the belief that keeping the body intact is the proper way to respect one's ancestors.
Yes, it is generally much cheaper to live in China than in the US. Overall, the cost of living is roughly 45% to 55% lower in China, with rent averaging about 60% to 75% less. However, your purchasing power largely depends on your lifestyle and the specific city you choose.
Monaco holds the number one ranking for life expectancy in the world, with a staggering average lifespan of over 86.5 years.