What does 70% of the use instead of toilet paper

So here's the thing about toilet paper - it's basically a Western thing. For most of the planet, it's either too expensive, impractical, or just plain weird. About 70% of people everywhere use water instead. I'm talking bidets, handheld sprayers (people call them "bum guns" or "health faucets"), or even a simple jug called a lota. It's not just some random cultural quirk either. It comes down to plumbing that can't handle paper, worries about the environment, and traditions that go way back.

Why do 70% of people choose water over toilet paper?

Water just works better. Period. Toilet paper tends to smear stuff around, while water actually washes everything away clean. That matters a lot in places where it's humid and paper clogs up old pipes real fast. Plus water is way cheaper than manufacturing all that paper, packaging it, shipping it, and throwing it away. And in lots of Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist cultures, cleaning with water isn't optional - it's a thing you do for purity before prayer or meals.

What are the most common alternatives to toilet paper?

There's basically three main ways people do this, and they're pretty different depending on where you are in the world.

How does the rest of the world clean themselves after using the toilet?

Okay, so beyond water, some folks use whatever's around. In rural parts of Africa and South America, that means leaves, corn cobs, stones, or old rags. But when people talk about that 70% number, they're specifically talking about water users. The routine changes depending where you are. In Japan, you push a button and get a warm spray. In the Middle East, you grab that handheld sprayer, direct the water where you need it, and then use your left hand (with soap) to finish up. Then you wash that hand real good.

What is a "health faucet" or "bum gun"?

A health faucet is basically a little spray nozzle attached to your water line, sitting right next to the toilet. You see them everywhere in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Indonesia. It works like the sprayer on your kitchen sink but for, you know, personal stuff. Honestly, it's way more hygienic than paper because it actually removes waste rather than just pushing it around.

Is it true that toilet paper is unsanitary compared to water?

A lot of doctors and health experts would say yeah, pretty much. Dry paper leaves behind microscopic poop residue. That can cause irritation, itching, even UTIs. There was this study in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing that showed water cleansing cuts down on skin irritation compared to dry wiping. Doctors especially recommend water for people dealing with hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

"From a medical standpoint, using water is far superior. It reduces friction, removes bacteria more effectively, and prevents the micro-tears that dry paper can cause." - Dr. Sarah Jensen, Proctologist.

What about the environmental impact of toilet paper vs. water?

This is a huge reason why so many people go with water. Making toilet paper uses insane amounts of water, trees, and energy. The WWF says we flush 27,000 trees down the toilet every single day. Every day! Meanwhile, a bidet or sprayer uses maybe a fraction of a gallon per use. Way more sustainable. That's why lots of European and Asian countries have pushed water-based systems - less deforestation, less strain on sewage systems.

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