One of the reasons some countries have always favoured toilet paper, it appears, is the climate. Most countries in Northern Europe are cold for a good part of the year, and although we live in the 21st century and water heating is available today, it's just a habit that's been passed down the ages.
TOILET PAPER. In the UK, most people use toilet paper to wipe themselves after they use the toilet. If you use toilet paper, only use what is necessary to clean yourself. Do not take reams and reams of toilet paper because it is wasteful and it can block the toilet (see below).
And some countries do not have systems that can break down toilet paper easily, so it's customary not to flush.
Washing with water is a much more effective and long-lasting way of cleaning, and removes more germs and bacteria than paper. Using water is a much more gentle and soothing way of cleaning after using the toilet and the feeling of freshness and cleanliness is incomparable to when using paper.
France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.
Not the hoarding. The avoiding. Because despite Australians' newfound passion for TP, it's actually pretty gross when you think about it. Yes, we're all used to our Western method of post-bathroom cleansing, which involves large wads – folded or scrunched – of this increasingly rare commodity.
Visitors to this country are often mystified by the seemingly universal rule that you can't flush toilet paper in Costa Rica. Typically, they learn of this from a sign on a bathroom wall instructing them to place toilet paper in the trash can and not in the toilet.
Unlike Westerners, Indians use their hands and water to clean their bottoms. First, they touch the excreta with their fingers and then they clean those fingers subsequently. At one level, this highlights the particular emphasis that the Indian psyche gives to the removal of impure substances from the body.
Bidets can arguably be considered more sanitary than traditional bottom-cleaning methods. Quite simply, a bidet can provide a better hygiene experience compared to toilet paper. It starts with the basic fact that water can top a few squares of dry TP in removing trace amounts of fecal matter after you poop.
Flannel squares, bidet, spray bottle, socks, baby wipes, plant leaves, and snow are only a few of the possible options you may be using if you neglect to stock up on toilet paper. History can be an amazing teacher.
In the majority of Asian countries, the water management process is not as nice as compared to the West. Due to the sanitary issues it may cause, flushing toilet paper should be avoided. This is the result of why people there commonly use water bowls, bidets, or bidet showers in place of paper.
So, why can't you flush toilet paper in Greece? Well, the country's plumbing system is not designed to handle large amounts of paper. The plumbing pipes are narrow, and paper or other waste materials would clog most Greek toilets, including those at rooms, hotels and restaurants.
Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.
This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.
Public toilets often do not equip each toilet stall with toilet paper in Russia. Sometimes toilet paper is available outside the stalls. Sometimes there is none to be had. You can purchase small, travel-sized rolls from hygiene-product travel sections in supermarkets or convenience stores.
Toilet paper is used in Japan, even by those who own toilets with bidets and washlet functions (see below). In Japan, toilet paper is thrown directly into the toilet after use. However, please be sure to put just the toilet paper provided in the toilet.
Europeans think it's unsanitary to use a restroom without a bidet. Conversely, many Americans think of bidets as unsanitary. There's a lack of information and knowledge around bidets and their use — and it's likely to remain that way for many years to come.
Squat toilets are common in many Asian countries, including China and India.
"Spray all [potty] surfaces with a 10% bleach solution, and let it soak for at least ten minutes," says Duberg. "Then be sure to wash and rinse thoroughly with hot, soapy water, because you don't want any bleach remaining on a surface that children or pets might put their mouths on."
In Mexico, toilet seats are sold separately, meaning that they are just one extra thing to purchase when installing a new toilet. Other reasons for include sanitary factors and the country's warm climate, which makes sitting on a cool porcelain seat, not very pleasant.
Do not throw water on the floor as someone might slip and get hurt. Females should always sit on the toilet seat while peeing. Male employees should always stand a little close to the toilet seat to avoid dripping. Never forget to use flush once you are done. Check the toilet seat for unwanted stains or substance.
It has to do with the plumbing of the house or resort. Cheap traditional homes are plumbed with 2” pipes and often have 90 degree angles which will clog easily when TP is flushed. High-end and modern Mexican plumbing is minimum 3” and properly piped to prevent clogs. It has nothing to do with the “city” sewer system.