Most people use toilet paper every day without a second thought, but what did humans do before toilet paper was conveniently packaged and mass-produced? Over the centuries, there have been many solutions from different cultures and periods, although such creativity is rarely needed today. Find out what people did before toilet paper when the invention came around and the next innovation.
Where Did Toilet Paper Come From
Using paper to do your business can be traced back to ancient China, where large sheets of paper were broken up to wipe. After that, a man named Joseph Gayetty packaged the paper commercially as a means of wiping. His aloe-infused paper sheets were too highly-priced ever to succeed, but a couple of decades later, Zeth Wheeler came up with the toilet paper roll, complete with perforations. Later, in 1890, Scott popularized the product.
It hasn’t always been comfortable to use toilet paper, though, literally or figuratively. People were left with splintered rears and uncomfortable feelings about buying something to wipe with. However, the early 19th century brought more comfortable toilet paper, and people began to enjoy the concept of toilet paper. Today, there are countless brands, products, and variations of toilet paper that nobody has an issue buying; or hoarding.
Toilet Paper Alternatives
What did people use before the creation and mass-production of toilet paper? Depending on which culture you examine, there are thousands of answers to that question. Some cultures used clay, leaves, moss, cloth, or even their hand to wipe. Until toilet paper was produced, it was a “use what you have” situation, and hopefully, you had something to use.
It may not be something we think of daily, but many cultures still don’t use toilet paper. Whether due to a lack of accessibility or because of preference, not everyone utilizes paper products for wiping. Is that a bad thing, or are some people onto the next innovation?
Cleaning With A Bidet
Has the ultimate solution for wiping been under our noses for centuries? Many individuals would say yes, but that number would only consist of anyone who’s tried a bidet toilet seat. Bidets have been around forever, and many cultures ignore their existence, whether they are scared of change or don’t want to admit that bidets are better. The concept started with a basin of water and some splashing, but the concept of bidets has evolved incredibly in the past half-century.
Nowadays, bidets are the cleanliest, most elegant way to cleanse after you go, and they even include bonus features that make going more enjoyable. With bidet toilet seats like the Brondell Swash 1400, you unlock heated seating, customizable streams of warm water, and tons of other perks.
Interestingly enough, toilet paper was previously marketed as a way to improve your bowel health, eliminating the risk of hemorrhoids and other issues. Still, paper products may do the exact opposite of that. While TP can be abrasive and leave traces of matter behind, bidets are gentle, thorough, and can reduce your chance of infection.
Where Are The trends Taking you?
Humans have evolved over the centuries, creating products that save time, improve health, and reduce cost, so why stop with toilet paper when there is a better method out there? Bidet toilet seats can amplify your restroom visits and save you hundreds of dollars. With no monthly toilet paper expenditure, your one-time investment in a spray system will stretch much further. Get with the times and switch to a bidet seat for the most comfortable and affordable clean.
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