Before Toilet Paper

Joseph C. Gayetty was an American inventor credited with the invention of commercial toilet paper. It was the first and remained only one of the few commercial toilet papers from 1857 to 1890 remaining in common use until the invention of splinter-free toilet paper in 1935 by the Northern Tissue Company.

And though sticks have been popular for cleaning the anus throughout history, ancient people wiped with many other materials, such as water, leaves, grass, stones, animal furs and seashells. In the Middle Ages, people also used moss, sedge, hay, straw and pieces of tapestry.

Cowboys used the large velvety leaves of the mullein (Verbascum thapsus) plant while out on the range. Mullein is a biennial plant available for use in almost every bioregion.

As newspapers and catalogs started being circulated in the late 18th and 19th centuries, many Americans began using pages from the Farmers' Almanac and the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog.

22 Carat Gold Toilet Paper Roll is the Most Expensive Disposable Item. If you have money to burn, why not wipe your bum with it instead? This unbelievable 22 carat gold toilet paper roll provides you with a means to quickly waste a great deal of wealth -- but then, that's a measure of status.

Americans are the world's leader in toilet paper consumption. Every year, the average American uses over 140 rolls of T.P. each.

To reduce waste, lots of people look for re-usable toilet paper alternatives. The most common is probably cloth (commonly called 'The Family Cloth'). If you'd like to experiment with The Family Cloth, people recommend using a soft material like flannel or cotton (though you could use towels or washcloths).

Unlike in developed countries, most public toilets in China do not provide toilet paper onsite and users must bring their toilet paper. Moreover, an open waste bin is placed in each user's cubicle to collect used toilet paper and tissues.

For all you time travelers, hoping to visit the past and find their perfect mate...better realize it probably stunk pretty bad back then.

I've read that Romans used a sponge on a stick.


Now-a-days a bidet is the most environmentally friendly option.

just wondering why the bidet has not really caught on in North America .. Water has to be used either way , why not use it once in for all ... save money and the trees for a better environment...
on a lighter note ... if using TP , try using both sides ....ha ha !

Totally agree. And the booty-squirter hose. I have had either a bidet (which I have now) or a booty-squirter for the past 10 years. Now I can't imagine not having one. The US really needs to get toilets like they have in Japan. Those things are amazing.

Totally agree. And the booty-squirter hose. I have had either a bidet (which I have now) or a booty-squirter for the past 10 years. Now I can't imagine not having one. The US really needs to get toilets like they have in Japan. Those things are amazing.

I'm grateful for toilet paper.
It's the easiest thing to decorate
neighbourhood trees with.

Certainly gives a terrifying image of a super klingon. OUCH!

With a booty-squirter or a bidet don't you still have to dry your bottom?
Isn't that what the bathroom curtains are for? LOL


I guess that's what bunnies are for.


Yeah, they used the curtains.

Why is it called "Bathroom Tissue"
Why not call it "Turd Off"?

Here's your answer to that one:

Why do Europeans use toilet paper and not water?

One of the reasons some countries have always favoured toilet paper, it appears, is the climate. Most countries in Northern Europe are cold for a good part of the year, and although we live in the 21st century and water heating is available today, it's just a habit that's been passed down the ages.

I wouldn't be thrilled to use cold water. I don't even brush my teeth with that, hihi.
And waiting for the water to be warm enough would take too long and thus cause a lot of water spillage, and cost to heat it (gas).
It'd mean having a boiler in the toilet to constantly have instant warm water. Bit over the top...

I guess when it comes to living in North America , we are at an advantage .. any tap turned on will produce hot water or cold water . And any licensed plumber knows how to hook up a bidet to that water supply ... its not rocket science ... ha ha
But do agree .. old habits die hard ...