{"id":4012935,"date":"2021-04-14T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/?p=4012935"},"modified":"2021-12-20T10:15:47","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T15:15:47","slug":"is-toilet-paper-better-than-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/is-toilet-paper-better-than-water\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Toilet Paper Better than Water?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article discusses if toilet paper is better than water. In some cultures, using water while going to the toilet is part of their daily lives. On the other hand, some cultures would prefer to use toilet paper. Using water or toilet paper usually depends on the region of living as well as the practices that are done since childhood. However, when it comes to comparing toilet paper and water, which is the better choice?<\/span><\/p>\n

Is toilet paper better than water? <\/span>Water is better in providing toilet hygiene as compared to toilet paper. Dry toilet paper cannot clean in the same way as water. Moreover, excessive use of toilet paper can cause irritation and leave some residue on the body. Water is known as a universal solvent and is effective when it comes to cleaning the body.<\/b><\/p>\n

What are the Pros and cons of using toilet paper and water? Why should you use water instead of toilet paper? Is toilet paper sanitary? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Read the rest of the post below for more tips and information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Image by congerdesign<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Why Use Toilet Paper?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Toilet paper is disposable, handy, and readily available. They can easily be found in local stores and even online. Toilet paper is also a suitable alternative when water is not available.<\/b> Below are several reasons why toilet paper is used.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is Disposable<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the reasons why people use toilet paper is because it is disposable. It is made to be very light so that it easily dissolves in water and will not clog up the septic system. Some toilet paper is made to be flushable and will easily flush down the toilet and pass through the drainage system. We have also written this article that<\/span> discusses is bamboo toilet paper is flushable<\/span><\/a>. Check out the article for more information about the topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is Handy<\/b><\/h3>\n

Toilet paper is handy and can be carried inside a pouch or bag while traveling. To avoid being bulky, toilet paper is manufactured without cardboard, compressed gently, and stored in a small plastic bag. You can easily reach for it inside your bag in case you stop at a public toilet and there is no bidet or water supply available.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is Widely Available<\/b><\/h3>\n

Toilet paper can be easily found in supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, and even online. You can find a wide array of choices that you can opt from like recycled toilet paper and those that are made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and hemp. You can also check out this article titled,<\/span> which is better: hemp or bamboo toilet paper?<\/span><\/a> Find out the pros and cons of each type of toilet paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a Suitable Alternative<\/b><\/h3>\n

If water is not available or in areas where there is a limited water supply, toilet paper is a suitable alternative when going to the toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why We Should Not Use Toilet Paper?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Toilet paper does not guarantee total cleaning. There is also an increased risk of allowing germs in your hands when you use toilet paper. Since toilet paper is made from trees, it is not good for the environment.<\/b> Let us discuss more on why we should not use toilet paper below.<\/span><\/p>\n

You Can Get in Contact With Germs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Using toilet paper can increase the chances of getting in contact with germs from urine and stool. It also increases the chance of those germs staying in your hands if you do not properly wash them. Take note that germs can easily enter your body through your hands. Moreover, if you do not store toilet paper properly, it can get exposed to germs, dust, and bacteria. Toilet papers that are single ply are very thin and using them to wipe liquid and wet areas can easily leak in your hands. We have also shared this article that <\/span>discusses if toilet paper really cleans<\/span><\/a>. Check out the article for more information about the topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not Environment-Friendly<\/b><\/h3>\n

Toilet papers are made from trees and a single tree can create 200 rolls of toilet paper. Take note that there are<\/span> more than 80 million rolls<\/span><\/a> that are produced daily which is not good for the environment. Also, using toilet paper adds to water and land pollution because it requires time to decompose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Not Guarantee Total Cleaning<\/b><\/h3>\n

Using toilet paper to clean after going to the toilet does not guarantee total cleaning. There are small amounts of fecal matter that can stick to the skin and in the surrounding area as well which can increase the risk of germ accumulation and put your health at risk. Also, excessive wiping with the use of toilet paper can<\/span> cause the skin to get irritated<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Use Water Instead of Toilet Paper?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Using water promotes better personal hygiene and cleaning. Water does not irritate the skin and is also comfortable to use. Using water instead of toilet paper helps the environment and reduces deforestation. Water reduces plumbing problems and will not clog your pipes and drains. Besides, it saves money and also reduces your household waste.<\/b><\/p>\n

Helps the Environment<\/b><\/h3>\n

An American uses approximately<\/span> 57 sheets of toilet paper a day<\/span><\/a>. This can sum up to a total of over three million tons of toilet paper used in the US per year. Meaning, it requires 54 million trees to be cut down. Moreover, a large amount of water is needed to produce toilet paper. 3.7 gallons of water is needed to produce the 57 sheets of toilet paper used per day on average.<\/span><\/p>\n

Promotes Better Personal Hygiene<\/b><\/h3>\n

Wiping with the use of toilet paper after going to the bathroom can still leave you feeling unclean as there is some fecal residue that might remain on the skin. Using water will not leave any residue on the skin and will also make you feel thoroughly clean and refreshed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost-Effective and Minimizes Household Waste<\/b><\/h3>\n

Purchasing a bidet and using water can save money and will also minimize your household waste. Sure, you may still need to use a small amount of toilet paper to dry off but it will only amount to a fraction if you do not use a bidet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Good for the Skin and More Comfortable to Use<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry toilet paper is rough on the skin and is not that comfortable to use. If you are dealing with skin irritation and other skin problems, using warm water can be soothing and will also clean better. Furthermore, there are rectal and anal conditions that can make using toilet paper to be very painful. If you have hemorrhoids, water is the best choice to clean yourself after going to the toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoids Plumbing Problems and Prevent Clogs<\/b><\/h3>\n

Using water can help avoid plumbing problems and prevent drain clogs in your home. Toilet paper, especially those that have thick layers can get stuck on the drain and pipes which can require you to hire the services of a professional plumber and cause you a huge chunk off your budget. You can also read this article titled,<\/span> what is the worst toilet paper for septic systems?<\/span><\/a> We have shared the different types of toilet paper that can block or damage the septic system.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u2705\" Video – Using water instead of toilet paper (Sustainable Zero Waste Options)<\/h4>\n

Julie Cappello shared the video below on her YouTube channel. She talks about using water instead of toilet paper for a sustainable zero waste option. The many benefits of using water are discussed as well as the disadvantages of using toilet paper. Check out the video below for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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