Use of toilet paper and paper towels in different countries of the world

In our everyday lives, numerous aspects influence the formation of our culture, from culinary preferences and musical tastes to how we use toilet paper. Although for us, it may seem unusual, there are countries where after visiting the toilet they do not use toilet paper at all.

It can be difficult for us to realize that different cultures have different approaches to hygiene. For most of us, it may seem strange – how do people maintain hygiene after using the toilet? So, if you plan to travel the world, perhaps carrying toilet paper with you is a good idea!

Paper, water, or hands: What’s better?

If some countries don’t use toilet paper, what do they use instead? In many cultures, bathroom habits come from what was available, rather than what is comfortable and hygienic. Instead of wiping with paper, some people rinse themselves by pouring water into a bowl or even a hole.

In other cultures, it’s a common practice to cook, eat, and greet with the right hand and only the right hand. This is because the left hand is specifically used for using the bathroom. In these countries, you should never greet someone with your left hand because it can be considered rude, impolite, or even disgusting. When visiting another country, it is polite to learn about its customs before arriving to avoid accidentally offending or embarrassing the local residents.

• India. Tourists are often surprised to learn that toilet paper is not readily available here. Although you can find toilet paper in hotels and some shops in tourist areas, most homes and public places do not have it. People of this culture use water to wash themselves when necessary.
• France, Portugal, Italy and Japan. Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries usually have bidets in their bathrooms. A bidet looks like a toilet but also has a spout that sprays water like a fountain to thoroughly cleanse you.
• Big European cities and America. In large European cities, there is usually a fee for using public toilets or even for access to toilet paper. But here there is a cult of toilet paper and it is on the shelves of any supermarket and store.
• Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. In these countries, they also use water for cleansing during toilet use, although the “restroom” is not so much a toilet as a “hole” in the floor.

Why do we use toilet paper?

We are conscious consumers of toilet paper. Almost every Ukrainian uses toilet paper in their daily life. Toilet paper is freely available in every bathroom and public restroom.

We use toilet paper for hygiene purposes, such as cleaning up after using the bathroom, wiping our noses, and more. Toilet paper is cheap, convenient, and practical in our culture. However, there are several theories about its effectiveness. There are those who claim that toilet paper is not a very “hygienic” option.

According to their research, many people still have some fecal residue on their bodies even after a “thorough” cleaning with toilet paper. They also point out that some diseases, such as hemorrhoids or infections, can occur due to improper use of toilet paper.

However, our culture is very used to using toilet paper, and it is unlikely that we will change our toilet habits, especially when it comes to quality paper made from environmentally friendly materials with the addition of broad-spectrum antimicrobial disinfectants. This is the composition of Kokhavynka toilet paper, which is love at first touch. It is gentle to the touch and helps prevent irritation and skin damage.