Ah, the great toilet paper debate has divided families, friends, and roommates for generations. Should the toilet paper hang over the top or down the back? It's a question we've all pondered at one time or another, and the debate might have finally been settled. We're here to report what history says on this age-old dispute, so hold onto your hats, dear members!

According to the history blog Historydefined.net, the first patent for perforated rolls of toilet paper was filed by S Wheeler in 1891, and the patent—which features US patent number 465,588—clearly shows the toilet paper hanging over the top of the roll. So, it seems 'over the top' might be the original, intended way to go.

The eternal question: Should toilet paper hang over the top or down the back? It's a dilemma that has crossed all of our minds at some point. Image by Alexa from Pixabay

However, despite this evidence, people have strong feelings about the topic. Some argue that the design is simply a suggested way to place the roll, and others passionately claim that hanging the toilet paper against the wall is the only logical choice.

Despite the disagreements, the key to maintaining a hygienic bathroom might give us the answer we've been searching for. Dr Christian Moro, an Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Medicine at Bond University in Australia, told ABC that the best option is to hang the paper away from the wall. This prevents your hands from coming into contact with the surface, limiting the spread of germs like streptococcus, staphylococcus, and E coli to the next user.

So, while historical accuracy suggests that hanging the toilet paper over the top is the 'correct' choice, it appears that there is also a practical, hygiene-conscious reason to adopt this method.

Maintaining Good Toilet Hygiene: Tips and Best Practices​

Keeping your bathrooms clean and hygienic offers more than just peace of mind; it helps stave off the spread of germs and bacteria, too. So, if you want to keep yourself and your guests healthy, you should consider following the advice of experts like Dr Christian Moro and go the extra mile to ensure your bathrooms are kept germ-free.

Wash Your Hands​

Fortunately, keeping up with good toilet hygiene isn't all that difficult. The simplest steps include washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keeping wet wipes on hand for cleaning the surface of the toilet bowl after each use. If you plan on using a toilet cleaner, make sure that it meets all relevant safety standards.

Check Over The Hardware​

Finally, the general consensus from experts is to check over the hardware periodically and keep it clean. It's also important to make sure that no water is left over on the surfaces, as this can breed germs and bacteria. Always check the toilet, sink, and bathtub for standing water and take extra care to get rid of any spillages or overflows.

Key Takeaways

• A historical patent image has potentially settled the long-standing debate on the correct way to hang toilet paper, clearly showing it should hang over the top;
• People continue to have strong feelings about the topic, with some unconvinced by the historical evidence;
• Minimising contact between people and surfaces is vital for maintaining a hygienic washroom, meaning hanging toilet paper away from the wall is preferable;
• The debate over whether it is better to leave the toilet seat up or down remains unresolved.

Now that we have settled the great toilet paper conundrum, it's time for some fun! We know these debates can be as ingrained as our brand preferences, but let's embrace the victory and keep the tradition alive for a cleaner, germ-free experience.

Speaking of household debates, let's switch gears for a moment. We've tackled toilet paper, but what about the timeless dilemma of the toilet seat—up or down? Share your thoughts and experiences on this question. Are you Team Up or Team Down? We're curious to know your take on it! Let the debate continue in good spirits!

 

[Shane/#]

Ah, the great toilet paper debate has divided families, friends, and roommates for generations. Should the toilet paper hang over the top or down the back? It's a question we've all pondered at one time or another, and the debate might have finally been settled. We're here to report what history says on this age-old dispute, so hold onto your hats, dear members!

According to the history blog Historydefined.net, the first patent for perforated rolls of toilet paper was filed by S Wheeler in 1891, and the patent—which features US patent number 465,588—clearly shows the toilet paper hanging over the top of the roll. So, it seems 'over the top' might be the original, intended way to go.

View attachment 21239

The eternal question: Should toilet paper hang over the top or down the back? It's a dilemma that has crossed all of our minds at some point. Image by Alexa from Pixabay

However, despite this evidence, people have strong feelings about the topic. Some argue that the design is simply a suggested way to place the roll, and others passionately claim that hanging the toilet paper against the wall is the only logical choice.

Despite the disagreements, the key to maintaining a hygienic bathroom might give us the answer we've been searching for. Dr Christian Moro, an Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Medicine at Bond University in Australia, told ABC that the best option is to hang the paper away from the wall. This prevents your hands from coming into contact with the surface, limiting the spread of germs like streptococcus, staphylococcus, and E coli to the next user.

So, while historical accuracy suggests that hanging the toilet paper over the top is the 'correct' choice, it appears that there is also a practical, hygiene-conscious reason to adopt this method.

Maintaining Good Toilet Hygiene: Tips and Best Practices​

Keeping your bathrooms clean and hygienic offers more than just peace of mind; it helps stave off the spread of germs and bacteria, too. So, if you want to keep yourself and your guests healthy, you should consider following the advice of experts like Dr Christian Moro and go the extra mile to ensure your bathrooms are kept germ-free.

Wash Your Hands​

Fortunately, keeping up with good toilet hygiene isn't all that difficult. The simplest steps include washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keeping wet wipes on hand for cleaning the surface of the toilet bowl after each use. If you plan on using a toilet cleaner, make sure that it meets all relevant safety standards.

Check Over The Hardware​

Finally, the general consensus from experts is to check over the hardware periodically and keep it clean. It's also important to make sure that no water is left over on the surfaces, as this can breed germs and bacteria. Always check the toilet, sink, and bathtub for standing water and take extra care to get rid of any spillages or overflows.

Key Takeaways

• A historical patent image has potentially settled the long-standing debate on the correct way to hang toilet paper, clearly showing it should hang over the top;
• People continue to have strong feelings about the topic, with some unconvinced by the historical evidence;
• Minimising contact between people and surfaces is vital for maintaining a hygienic washroom, meaning hanging toilet paper away from the wall is preferable;
• The debate over whether it is better to leave the toilet seat up or down remains unresolved.

Now that we have settled the great toilet paper conundrum, it's time for some fun! We know these debates can be as ingrained as our brand preferences, but let's embrace the victory and keep the tradition alive for a cleaner, germ-free experience.

Speaking of household debates, let's switch gears for a moment. We've tackled toilet paper, but what about the timeless dilemma of the toilet seat—up or down? Share your thoughts and experiences on this question. Are you Team Up or Team Down? We're curious to know your take on it! Let the debate continue in good spirits!

All this crap about which way you should hang your arse wipe simple go back to the old days and use newspaper on a string then there is no right or wrong way

 

[52KID]

the other thin if you have kittens under is the only way or you end up with it unravelled. Over is too easy for them and guarantees it unravels.

I was going to comment similarly. Our cat discovered the toilet roll recently and was very disappointed that nothing much happened except that it spun around. Definitely didn't keep her interest.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

the other thin if you have kittens under is the only way or you end up with it unravelled. Over is too easy for them and guarantees it unravels.

Or maybe just shut the door!

 

[Jennylolo]

Or maybe just shut the door!

Yep- single toilet door is shut as is guest bathroom, but ensuite isn't as I have hooks over the door for hanging things and it won't close. And so far no handyman has resolved it. Also happens the quarantine space or new introductions to the household stay when needed.