This is a maaaajor debate in the TP community. Okay, maybe not really, but there is some disagreement. Don’t worry, we’re here to get to the bottom of it (hehe, bottom). So, who actually invented toilet paper? Let’s hop in the time machine, shall we? We hear traveling via the space-time continuum is much better for the environment.

Before we get to TP, there was a lot of weird stuff people used instead. People managed without toilet paper for centuries, relying on everything from leaves and corncobs to stones and communal sponges—methods that were far less comfortable and sanitary than what we have today. The first documented use of paper for your bum was in the 6th century in Medieval China. While paper had been used for padding and wrapping material for centuries, it wasn’t until scholar Yan Zhitui recorded its use for wiping in 589 AD that we have our first official TP movement. It was in China that the idea of using paper for personal hygiene first took root, with early sheets crafted from mulberry bark, hemp, and old rags.

Almost a thousand years later, paper became much more widespread in China. The Ming dynasty reportedly produced hundreds of thousands of sheets of paper in the 14th century. But this wasn’t like the rolls we’re used to today — we’re talking 60 by 90 cm (2ft by 3ft) sheets that were primarily for wealthy and royal families.

So it’s settled — the Chinese invented toilet paper, right? Well, not so fast.

How can there be toilet paper before the toilets were even invented? Sir John Harington introduced the flushable toilet in 1596, so any “TP” before that was just “P”. The adoption of flushable toilets also depended on advancements in plumbing, as effective plumbing systems were essential for handling waste and making modern toilet paper use possible.

Let’s fast-forward again to 1857.

Many give credit to Joseph Gayetty for inventing modern toilet paper. His first product slogan was, “The greatest necessity of the age! Gayetty’s medicated paper for the water-closet.” Gayetty sold flat sheets of paper, which had his name watermarked on them. Yep, you’d wipe with his name. Not our idea of good marketing, but we’re called Who Gives A Crap, so take our opinion with a grain of salt.

About 20 years after Gayetty’s big debut, in the year 1871, a New Yorker named Seth Wheeler patented the invention of perforated, rolled paper. This invention revolutionized personal hygiene by making toilet paper more convenient and accessible, and paved the way for the modern roll we know today. Both he and Gayetty added aloe to their sheets and marketed them as a remedy for hemorrhoids. Fun, right?

As flushable toilets became more common, so did toilet paper. By 1942, the first 2-ply paper was invented, kicking off an era of comfy TP. (If you’re curious, our rolls are 3-ply–how luxe, we know!)

Alas, until we obtain 1.21 gigawatts and a Delorean, we’ll never really know the truth about who really invented TP. But what do you think? Was it the people of Medieval China, Gayetty and his watermarked sheets, or Wheeler and his patented roll? Or was it us? After all, what even was toilet paper before our rolls hit the scene? If you want to find more answers about the history of toilet paper or find our products online, let us know!

Introduction to Personal Hygiene

Let’s face it: personal hygiene is something every human has always needed to think about, even if it’s not the hottest topic at the dinner table. From the earliest days of civilization, people have been searching for ways to stay clean and comfortable. The bathroom may look a lot different today than it did thousands of years ago, but the need for cleanliness has always been a part of human history. Toilet paper, in particular, has a story that stretches from ancient China all the way to the modern world. While we might take those soft rolls for granted now, the journey to get them into every bathroom around the globe is full of surprising twists and turns. So, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of who really invented toilet paper, let’s take a quick look at how personal hygiene has shaped the way people live, clean, and, yes, even think about their daily routines.

The Quest for Cleanliness: Ancient Civilizations and Hygiene

Long before the first roll of toilet paper graced a bathroom, ancient civilizations were already getting creative with their cleaning routines. These first sheets weren’t just for the toilet—they were used for writing, wrapping, and, eventually, cleaning. As people searched for better ways to stay clean, the use of toilet paper slowly became an important part of daily life, setting the stage for the modern bathroom experience we know today.

The Evolution of Cleaning Materials

The road to modern toilet paper is paved with some pretty unusual cleaning materials. Throughout history, people have used whatever was handy—leaves, sticks, water, stones, and even corncobs—to get the job done. Since then, toilet paper has continued to evolve, with modern rolls made from wood pulp, recycled paper, and other materials that are both soft, strong, and colorful. From ancient sheets to today’s plush rolls, the evolution of cleaning materials shows just how much people value a clean and comfortable bathroom routine.

Impact on Society and Health

Toilet paper isn’t just a bathroom staple—it’s a game-changer for public health and modern living. The widespread use of toilet paper has helped people stay cleaner and healthier, reducing the spread of diseases linked to poor sanitation. As toilet paper became a regular part of life, it brought a new level of comfort and security to bathrooms everywhere. Of course, the story doesn’t end there. The production and disposal of toilet paper have raised important questions about environmental impact, from deforestation to water use. Thankfully, we offer eco-friendly options made from sustainable materials, helping to protect the planet while keeping us clean. And let’s not forget the importance of a steady supply—if recent years have taught us anything, it’s that the security of toilet paper is something people take pretty seriously!