History of Toilet Paper

We’ve all discovered that toilet paper has become an essential part of our lives, especially since everyone started desperately stockpiling it two years ago. Seriously, what would we do if we didn’t have toilet paper while doing our thing in the small room? Ever wondered what life was like before toilet paper?

Different cultures, different methods

Before toilet paper was invented, different methods were used by different cultures. In Japan, they used thin sticks of varying lengths called chuugi. The Romans used the same sticks but with a sponge attached. Other cultures used things like grass, hay, leaves, or even potsherds. Yep, potsherds to clean your butt... Hey, we didn't invent it. Starting in the 14th century, rice paper was developed for the Chinese empire. Back then, a sheet was about a meter long and a half wide and they tore it into small pieces before using it.

In the 18th century, the spread of newspapers also increased the number of newspapers used as toilet paper. Corn on the cob also seems to be a favorite with the public, and no, we don't really understand why.

The first commercial toilet paper

1857 seems like a lifetime ago and it is, but that was the year that the first commercial toilet paper was introduced! Unfortunately, the inventors were unlucky, paying for paper that would be thrown away in a second was not something people were looking forward to. But later, when the first colored newspapers came on the market, newsprint became smoother... About 20 years later, the Scott brothers founded the Scott Paper Company. In Philadelphia, toilet paper as we know it today was produced and packaged under 2000 different brand names.

First toilet roll holder

Research has shown that the first patent for the toilet roll was filed by Seth Wheeler in 1871. 20 years later, the same man also filed a patent for the first toilet paper holder.

And guess what? The patent also clearly shows the only correct way to hang your toilet paper. Seriously, it's drawn on a 150 year old photo, no argument there. The patent shows a drawing of toilet paper hanging over the roll, so the loose end is draped over the top.