Correct way to hang toilet paper finally revealed as people see the original patent for the first time
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
While it really shouldn't be that big of a deal, the way people hang toilet paper is taken quite seriously on the internet.
I mean, there are a lot more serious questions to be discussed, but toilet paper etiquette is seemingly up there for a lot of people.
It really is an age-old question that no one seems to have an answer for: 'Should a toilet paper roll face over or under when on the holder?'
Advert
People have their reasons and explanations for both sides of the argument, though there is seemingly a right answer amongst all the discussion.
Where this answer is, you ask? Well, it's found in the original patent for the toilet paper roll.
Toilet paper was patented way back in 1871, with a man named as Seth Wheeler credited with the invention.
Come 1891, the roll-style toilet paper that we all buy was re-patented, with credit again to Seth Wheeler.
In the creator's improved patent for toilet paper, he described the idea of perforated toilet paper on a roll.
The sheets are meant to be "partially separated, having their points of attachment arranged in a novel manner, whereby each sheet will easily Separate from the series as it is drawn from the roll, there being no litter occasioned, and any Waste of paper is thereby prevented."
Wheeler then went on to illustrate his concept, including referring to the burning question of how it was to be used.
The drawings describe “a view of [the] improved roll suspended on the simplest form of fixture."
While the creator may not have directly addressed how toilet paper should hang, his illustrations make his thoughts pretty obvious.
The pictures show the roll facing out, with one particular illustration showing the roll on a toilet paper holder, still facing outward.
So, the answer as to whether toilet paper roll should face over or under when on the holder is, in fact, OVER.
Jackie, an expert in this sector, echoed this sentiment after speaking to the Daily Mail.
She said: "Research after research reveals that the proper and most hygienic way to hang your toilet paper is over and not under.
"Might I add, that goes for paper towels too, if hanging from the wall. Not only is it hygienic, it lends to maintaining proper hygiene, which is proper etiquette."
And she reminded people that Wheeler actually listed the correct way to hang toilet roll in the diagram.