When Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef joked about packing a portable bidet alongside passport and cash for international travel, he highlighted a daily reality for much of the world: toilet paper is far from universal. Recent data confirms that only a minority of the global population relies on this product for personal hygiene after using the toilet.
According to verified figures from Mongabay, a respected environmental science organization, between 25 and 30 percent of people worldwide use toilet paper. This means that as many as 70 percent of humanity employs alternative methods, primarily water-based cleansing, for post-toilet hygiene. The stark contrast in practices underscores how deeply cultural norms shape even the most routine aspects of daily life.
The geographic divide is clear. Toilet paper use is predominant in Europe, North America, and parts of Latin America. In contrast, the majority of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East predominantly use water for cleansing, often through bidets, handheld sprayers, or simple containers. This method is not merely a substitute but a deeply ingrained hygienic standard in many cultures, sometimes tied to traditional practices such as using the left hand for cleansing and the right for eating and social interaction.
Global consumption patterns further illustrate this imbalance. The highest per capita usage of toilet paper occurs in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, while the lowest levels are found in India, Indonesia, and across many African nations. These disparities reflect not only cultural preferences but also variations in infrastructure, economic access, and historical hygiene practices.
Water-Based Cleansing: A Global Standard
For much of the world, water is the primary tool for anal and genital cleansing after defecation or urination. This practice takes various forms depending on regional customs and available facilities. In many South Asian and Southeast Asian households, a small vessel known as a lota or a gat is used to pour water for cleansing. In East Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea, high-tech bidet toilets with warm water jets, adjustable pressure, and air drying are commonplace in homes and public facilities.
In the Arab world and parts of North Africa, a handheld bidet sprayer, often called a shattaf, is a standard fixture beside toilets. Users cleanse with water using the left hand, a practice rooted in Islamic hygienic traditions (istinja) that emphasize purity (tahara). Similar customs exist in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, where water and sometimes natural materials like leaves or stones are used, followed by thorough handwashing with soap.
These methods are not makeshift alternatives but are often considered more effective and hygienic by their users. Water cleanses without leaving residue, and when combined with soap, it removes bacteria more thoroughly than dry paper alone. Medical studies have noted that excessive wiping with toilet paper can cause irritation, micro-tears, or exacerbate conditions like hemorrhoids, whereas water-based cleansing is gentler on sensitive skin.
Cultural Norms and Historical Practices
The preference for water over paper is not a modern trend but reflects long-standing traditions. In Islamic hygiene teachings, cleansing with water after using the toilet is part of wudu (ablution) before prayer, making it a religiously encouraged practice. Historical records demonstrate that ancient Romans used a sponge on a stick (tersorium) soaked in vinegar or water, shared among public latrine users—a precursor to modern bidet concepts.
In contrast, widespread toilet paper use in the West is a relatively recent development. While paper for cleansing existed in China as early as the 6th century, mass production and commercialization began in the United States in the mid-19th century. Joseph Gayetty introduced the first commercially packaged toilet paper in 1857, marketing it as a medicinal product. It took decades for the habit to spread, only becoming common in American households after World War II with the rise of indoor plumbing and disposable consumer culture.
Even today, some Western countries retain hybrid practices. In parts of Eastern Europe, it is common to find a bidet alongside the toilet, reflecting older European traditions that predate the dominance of toilet paper. In France and Italy, bidets remain standard in many homes, though their use has declined among younger generations.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
The environmental impact of toilet paper production is significant. Manufacturing one ton of toilet paper requires approximately 17 trees and over 20,000 gallons of water, according to environmental assessments. The process also consumes energy and contributes to deforestation, particularly when virgin wood pulp is used rather than recycled materials.
In contrast, water-based cleansing, while dependent on access to clean water and plumbing, avoids the ongoing waste stream of paper products. However, in regions facing water scarcity, the sustainability of increased water use for hygiene must be balanced against conservation needs. Innovations such as low-flow bidet sprayers and recycled-water systems are being explored to address these concerns.
Economically, toilet paper represents a recurring household expense. In the United States, the average person uses about 141 rolls per year, according to industry estimates. For large families or low-income communities, this cost can be notable. Water-based systems, once installed, typically involve minimal ongoing costs beyond water usage, making them economically advantageous over time in suitable climates.
Changing Attitudes and Global Exchange
Globalization and travel are gradually shifting perceptions. As people from water-centric cultures live in or visit countries where toilet paper dominates, and vice versa, cross-cultural exchange is fostering greater awareness of alternative practices. In recent years, bidet attachments and sprayers have gained popularity in North American and European markets, driven by heightened hygiene awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing interest in sustainable living.
Manufacturers report increased sales of non-electric bidet seats and handheld sprayers in regions traditionally dominated by toilet paper use. Similarly, some hotels and airports in Asia and the Middle East now provide toilet paper dispensers alongside water cleansing options to accommodate international guests, reflecting a move toward inclusive hygiene infrastructure.
Public health experts note that offering multiple hygiene options can improve accessibility and comfort, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, certain medical conditions, or cultural preferences. Inclusive design in restrooms—providing both water cleansing and paper options—supports dignity and autonomy for diverse users.
As of April 2025, no major international health organization has issued a global standard for post-toilet hygiene, leaving practices to national, regional, and cultural norms. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes access to safe sanitation and handwashing facilities as critical to public health but does not prescribe specific cleansing methods, recognizing the validity of varied approaches when performed safely.
The reality that only a third of humanity uses toilet paper serves as a reminder that what feels universal is often deeply local. Hygiene, like food, language, or clothing, is shaped by environment, history, and belief. Recognizing this diversity fosters not only better design of sanitation systems but also greater mutual understanding across cultures.
For readers interested in learning more about global sanitation practices, sustainable hygiene options, or the cultural history of personal cleansing, reputable sources include UNESCO’s water and sanitation programs, the WHO’s guidelines on safe water and hygiene, and peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Environmental Health Research.
What are your experiences or observations regarding hygiene practices around the world? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider sharing this article to spark conversation about the diverse ways people care for their bodies and communities.