Why Do Most Aussies Rely Solely on Toilet Paper after Doing No.2?

BrunoBear on 01/05/2024 - 20:20
Last edited 03/05/2024 - 13:50

Most Australians only use toilet paper to wipe after taking a dump. To me this seems a bit unhygienic - poo remnants are left behind on your arse not to mention potential skid marks on your undies later. You really need water to clean up.

Those of you who have travelled around Asia know how great toilet bidets are. So why aren't they standard in Australia? I'm not even talking about a fancy Japanese bidet. Just a simple hose gun would do.

Along with being more hygienic, this would also greatly reduce the toilet paper used and save money in the long run.

Health & Beauty Toilet Paper

Comments

  • JimmyF on 01/05/2024 - 20:30
    +48

    To me this seems a bit unhygienic - poo remnants are left behind on your ass not to mention potential skid marks on your undies later.

    If you have skid marks, then you haven't wiped enough. It amazes me how many people don't understand the simple process of wiping until clean ;)

    Those of you who have travelled around Asia know how great toilet bidets are. So why aren't they standard in Australia?

    Asia is this way as toilet paper costs money……and when you have little, you buy other things.

    • arkie0 on 01/05/2024 - 20:39
      +32

      It amazes me how many people don't understand the simple process of wiping until clean ;)

      When I accidentally get poo on hands, I wipe 2 times and it's so clean that I skip using water afterwards.

    • prinsenhof on 01/05/2024 - 23:49
      +25

      People are generally told to wipe, but that just smears everything around and takes excessive toilet paper.

      It's really a pat until 95% is gone, and a final wipe to prove it.

      Imagine dropping ice cream on carpet, how would you clean it up without spreading the mess.

      There's probably also an art in the clean drop, dogs seem to do it 90% of the time. I maybe get 1 or 2 a year and I come out cheering when they happen.

      Come to think about it, there should be a university course studying this type of shit.

      • iCandy on 02/05/2024 - 08:27
        +19

        Skin isn’t carpet. Come on!

        • s1Lence on 02/05/2024 - 20:57
          +17

          you clearly haven't seen prinsenhof's ass… shudders

      • dealsucker on 02/05/2024 - 11:47
        +6

        And poo is more solid than an ice cream on the floor which is essentially a liquid

      • payton on 02/05/2024 - 12:37
        +5

        If you had an ice cream sized goop hanging off you then you were not done in the loo.

        Dog walkers, parents, most adults would know how to pick up ice cream without making a mess.

      • AnophthalmiaCervidae on 03/05/2024 - 06:57
        +4

        Imagine dropping ice cream on carpet, how would you clean it up without spreading the mess.

        Get the dog to come in and lick up the ice cream?
        I guess it would save toilet paper and end up fairly clean but I think I'll pass on having the dog lick my ass.

      • redfox1200 on 03/05/2024 - 11:18
        +11

        dogs wipe their ass on carpets, and they look pretty clean after

      • vid_ghost on 06/05/2024 - 14:57
        +1

        dropping ice cream on smooth leather would be a better analogy..

        I don't know about everyone here but a shower at night before bed every day should be enough to clean yourself and Toilet paper is good enough until that point.

        For people who have skid marks.. WOW.. they need to go back to potty training class with the other 2 year olds.
        Unless your eating your own poo… its extremely unlikely your own poo will ever make you sick. In fact its proven that your bottom has less germs and bacteria on it then most peoples hands throughout the day

        No one ever got COVID from butt to butt contact :)
        When using public bathrooms you can use the sit on your hands method or make a toilet paper cushion

    • LFO on 02/05/2024 - 10:59
      +2

      Asia is this way as toilet paper costs money……and when you have little, you buy other things.

      Good old newspaper to the rescue!

      • bbinc on 02/05/2024 - 11:35
        +2

        Hansard

      • JimmyF on 02/05/2024 - 11:51
        +3

        Good old newspaper to the rescue!

        Also things you don't buy when you don't have money.

    • npnp on 04/05/2024 - 17:28
      +7

      "Asia is this way as toilet paper costs money"

      That's not entirely true; it's more a cultural and habitual difference (even those with money as well wouldn't use toilet papers as we do here).

      I'm a migrant and when my mum comes over, she would flat out refuse to use toilet paper and will always go to shower after doing the number 2. And she would not believe me when I say that most aussies will just wipe not water / soap clean after number 2 LOL. In her eyes, that seemed dirty and unhygenic. Coming from the same background, I quickly adopted by the way (and loving the quick and easy wipe now rather than having to soap and wash etc… also loving the dry toilets instead of wet ones over there). But she won't easily change like that. While she's in our house, I have to wash as well (otherwise she simply won't come near me looking at me as if I'm a dirty pig.. LOL)

      • bargaino on 06/05/2024 - 17:58

        The cultural habit comes from when paper was expensive. And Asian plumbing often cannot cope with paper.
        Of course, 200 years ago nobody used paper.

  • Benoffie on 01/05/2024 - 20:32
    +74

    After spending a fair bit of time in several Asian countries, there are few that manage water in toilets at the level the Japanese do. They are the exception, not the rule.

    Sick of walking into toilets flooded with water or excrement combinations, leaks etc. Then there's the multiple hand touching of the device etc.

    Dont even get me started with the lack of hand washing. That's with or without soap.

    People on OzB forums go on about how Aussies or Westerners just dont get other cultures but there seems to be a lack of understanding as to customs in the other direction sometimes.

    And just on fundamentals. Australia produces large amounts of sustainable pine plantations and has little water. Places like Japan have easy access to water and few trees.

    • JimmyF on 01/05/2024 - 20:52
      +15

      People on OzB forums go on about how Aussies or Westerners just dont get other cultures but there seems to be a lack of understanding

      So much this…. People who go on about how Aussies don't get other cultures, all while they don't get the Aussie culture.

    • Ramrunner on 02/05/2024 - 10:47
      +11

      100% this. Walking into a lot (not all) of asian toilets is like a bloody war zone. Usually water everwhere, I wonder how anyone feels comfortable sitting down on a water covered seat. Wonder how any people familiar with using these things come out remotely dry without spraying their waste onto themselves or everywhere else.

      Diffrent culture, different habit. I actually feel wiping is MORE hygenic but that's because that's how I've been brought up.

    • LFO on 02/05/2024 - 11:29

      and has little water

      So a bidet potentially uses excessive water but +18 liters of toilet flashing doesn't' ?

      • foursaken on 02/05/2024 - 11:47
        +12

        Mate, both toilets have to be flushed. Which country was the double-flush toilet invented in?

        • LFO on 03/05/2024 - 10:18

          Compost toilet to the rescue.

        • Harold Halfprice on 04/05/2024 - 00:17
          +1

          Mate, both toilets have to be flushed.

          Yeah, but a bidet uses very little water in comparison to a flush. You still wipe, and then use the bidet at the end to make sure it's all clean. You're not using multiple litres with a bidet.

          Which country was the double-flush toilet invented in?

          Japan…

    • WinterStar on 02/05/2024 - 16:58
      +4

      Not to mention Japan's water recycling system is tonnes better than Australia's. There's a reason why each prefecture always brags about how their tap water tastes so much better than other prefectures in Japan.

  • AustriaBargain on 01/05/2024 - 20:37
    +2

    A heated bidet would be nice. But if you rent then what, you buy one for each house you're in? Pay a plumber to connect a portable one? Too much of a headache. My Thai landlords installed the water gun on a hose next to all the toilets and while that's a good idea, the water is icy cold in winter.

    • Jake D on 02/05/2024 - 10:20
      +4

      While i'm not pro-bidet, you dont need a plumber to install one. it takes about 5 minutes.

      • iDroid on 02/05/2024 - 11:43
        +23

        …… 2 hrs later …..

        • nugstar on 02/05/2024 - 12:29
          +3

          Took me about 2.5hrs the other day to install one. 2hrs was waiting for my neighbour to lend me a wrench cos mine was the wrong size. Another 10 mins was replacing the toilet seat from where the bidet was moving from, and 5 mins to clean up pre/post install.

          It's fairly easy if you have taps in the right spot. Taps hidden in cisterns makes it much harder.

          • rumblytangara on 02/05/2024 - 15:56
            +2

            @nugstar: Yeah, that's the problem though. We don't have taps in the right spot, and we're not going to run hoses and electrical extension cords across a bathroom.

            Having had a properly set up bathroom in my old place, if we ever renovate the current place, first priority is to get a Japanese washlet installed. They are so vastly superior to only using paper. The only problem is the crazy expense of a full bathroom renovation.

            It's interesting to see some of the Luddites in this thread rail against water. No, we're not talking about trying to follow some developing SE Asian country with third world infrastructure (why would we?), and we're not talking about purely using water. Anyone who has spent any appreciable amount of time in Japan should be well aware of how much better the bidet (heated seats, heated water, adjustable streams) are, especially when used in conjunction with paper to finish off.

            • GnarlyKnuckles on 05/05/2024 - 03:44
              +1

              @rumblytangara: Rumbly, you seem to be under the impression that Japan is representative of all of Asia in this respect. They are not. Go to a toilet in a standard restaurant or bar in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, etc., then get back to me. Those toilets are dank, damp, dark, filthy concrete swamps, with a large bucket of water next to the bog, with a sticky and filthy looking 'grain scooper-type-thing' floating in it. There is no way to dry your ass after you wash the crap of it with water. It's bizarro.

              • rumblytangara on 05/05/2024 - 09:32

                @GnarlyKnuckles: I've probably seen more of Asia than 95% of people on this forum.

                The only countries comparable on a development scale to Australia would be Japan. We're far, far ahead of even South Korea by per capita measures.

                So it makes as much sense to compare Australia to the Philippines as it does to compare Australia to Somalia.

      • Minimum chips on 03/05/2024 - 10:18

        When the water inlet is below the toilet, sure. But my own house and several of the places I've rented have the inlet inside the cistern, and the cistern flush with the wall. There's no way to piggyback off of it without cutting a hole in the Porcelin.

      • banana365 on 03/05/2024 - 17:33
        +2

        Need? No. Legally require? Yes (plus backflow prevention valve etc.)

  • Gunnar on 01/05/2024 - 20:43
    +3

    I always thought Australians were passionate about their bidets
    https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/e5192087-89a4-4495-a040-383fa21…

  • ronnknee on 01/05/2024 - 20:46
    +14

    Those of you who have travelled around Asia know how great toilet bidets are. So why aren't they standard in Australia?

    Simply because of wrong assumption. Not everyone finds them great.

    • JimmyF on 01/05/2024 - 20:54
      +23

      Not everyone finds them great

      I'm in this boat…. The public ones in Asia are far from great. Water everywhere, shit everywhere, gross stuff everywhere.

      • scotty on 01/05/2024 - 21:09
        +21

        The public ones in Asia

        Found public toilet in Asia. Opened door. Saw a squat toilet. Close door and try to find the next public toilet…

      • Ezekiel2320 on 02/05/2024 - 10:49
        +3

        A bum gun is not a bidet

      • whyisave on 04/05/2024 - 19:30

        I'm in this bidet

        FTFY

      • GnarlyKnuckles on 05/05/2024 - 03:47
        -1

        Yes totally this. They are disgusting, and no doubt at all that they spread disease.

    • MeesusEff on 02/05/2024 - 02:18
      +5

      Lol what. In KL, lots of them are just no nozzle rubber hoses on the floor. Maybe some have the metal sprays but I rather have a dirty butt then touch something off a public toilet floor. Much less when I know people rich it after taking a shit

      • Harold Halfprice on 04/05/2024 - 00:20

        What and our public toilets here are clean? Please… They're covered in piss and shit too.

        Why make the judgement based on the standard of a public toilet? In a private home or a hotel, bidets aren't gross.

        • MeesusEff on 04/05/2024 - 03:10

          Because the general assumption of 'travelling around Asia' means you're visiting public toilets more often than not, unless your idea of travelling involves just staying in your 5 star hotel or multiple homes?

          Didn't say Aussie public toilets are great. I wouldn't touch a bidet or a hose that's flopped on the floor here either.

          • Harold Halfprice on 04/05/2024 - 13:00
            +3

            @MeesusEff:

            travelling around Asia' means you're visiting public toilets more often than not

            No, it means you're more than likely to have come across or used a bidet. OP isn't making that remark to point out how good bidets are in public toilets. I travel a fair bit, especially around Asia. I very rarely need to use a public toilet for #2 - in fact that's the case whether I'm home or abroad. That doesn't mean I stay exclusively in a fancy hotel and never leave it.

            I certainly wouldn't touch a filthy hose that's flopped on the dirty floor either - but that's not representative of what a bidet is. You've picked the absolute filthiest and worst example of a bidet - and gone "see bidets are gross".

            In Japan, most public toilets I came across had Toto washlets. No filthy hose.

            • MeesusEff on 04/05/2024 - 14:13

              @Harold Halfprice: I didn't say bidets are gross, I personally would like to have one at home. I'm ONLY talking about the fact that yes 'bidets + hoses' are very available in public toilets in KL but I would never use one in there. I've used it in Japan hotels and liked it. I think I did reply on the wrong thread so that might have added to the confusion.

            • GnarlyKnuckles on 05/05/2024 - 03:52
              +1

              @Harold Halfprice: Another dude bizarrely implying that Japan is representative of all of Asia. LOL. Go to Indo, Thailand, PH, etc. Harry-Highpants, maybe eat something at a restaurant that does not agree with you/forces you into a public toilet, then get back to us.

              Sheeeeesh …

              • Harold Halfprice on 05/05/2024 - 08:43

                @GnarlyKnuckles: I'm not implying it's the same as all of Asia. I'm using it as an example at the other end of spectrum to saying "Aussies don't use bidets because have you been to a public toilet in KL? They're filthy."

                Bidets in homes are clean. If you're at some filthy public toilet, don't use it.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/05/2024 - 21:14
    +6

    Life never been the same after this handy 3d printed water bottle bidet adapter

    • smhto on 02/05/2024 - 10:41

      I clicked on the link but doesn't tell you how to order

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/05/2024 - 11:11

        It’s a link to a 3d print resource (3d printer required)

        • Grunntt on 02/05/2024 - 13:19
          +1

          Hmmm… buy a rather expensive 3d printer or maybe just punch a hole in a bottle cap?

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/05/2024 - 14:52
            +2

            @Grunntt: i originally meant my original comment as basically a 'shit'post for cheap laughs but 3d printing has actually become my whole damn personality as an otherwise dull middle aged man in middle management. Its actually capable of soooo much.

            • Grunntt on 02/05/2024 - 22:16
              +2

              @Jimothy Wongingtons:

              i originally meant my original comment as basically a 'shit'post for cheap laughs

              My comment wasn't intended to be critical - in print it doesn't resemble what I heard in my head as I typed it.
              As someone who was once "an otherwise dull middle aged man in middle management" I can see the appeal of a 3d printer - now if I could just get the approval of the home accounts manager I know how I'd be spending a lot of my time.

        • smhto on 02/05/2024 - 21:19

          Thanks, I thought it was for sale, LOL

    • singlemalt72 on 02/05/2024 - 14:45
      +1

      Damn, that is gonna tickle on my Pepsi!

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/05/2024 - 14:51
        +1

        you know how toothpaste ads sometimes show how gentle bubble action goes to the gum and around the teeth to magically clean around the hard to reach areas?
        yeah idk something like that i guess maybe

      • BoltThrower on 06/05/2024 - 01:51

        Drop a Mentos in it for extra pressure.

  • sumyungguy on 01/05/2024 - 21:16
    +1

    Smart toilets in Australia: some are too pricey; many need RPZ valves which demands the extortionate labour rate of a plumber; and a retrofit GPO which generally requires a second extravagant trade; the trusty Toto Washlets which are well-supported here fit hardly any existing pans so you're up for a rimless tornado flush toilet which is perhaps a welcome addition. If you can clear all those hurdles I concur with OP, it's the best thing ever. The hose gun is much like a pot-filler in your kitchen, not code compliant and a diabolical disaster in a multi-storey apartment building.

    • brandt on 02/05/2024 - 13:52

      Fundamentally there is very poor understanding of the laws, the laws themselves are oblivious of the world we live in and it feels like you can't comply with the laws even if you try. As an example, I tried to get quotes for a bidet in NSW. About 3 ghosted me saying its expensive, 1 threatened me saying he will report me to Sydney Water for contaminating water supply, 1 gave a $12,000 quote to install 2 RPZs (one at the toilet and one at meter) then proceeded to ghost me when I asked when he could start. Eventually, I met a guy socially whos a plumber who admitted he actually doesnt really do high hazard water systems workand so wouldnt quote.. and said most domestic plumbers are probably the same.

      RPZ requirements are an overkill and do not match requirements in any other developed country, not sure when these were written but its way too high a bar.

      Also, it seems a bit hard to have a conversation about this online because the two camps of 1/ just DIY and move on and 2/ you want Australia to be a 3rd world country with cholera in water. No one actually gives an answer of what can be done to make compliance simpler.

      Are there any bidet systems which can be installed without an RPZ in NSW? I honestly have no idea.

      • sumyungguy on 02/05/2024 - 14:46

        I believe at least some of the Toto models don't require an RPZ to be fitted. Spec sheet says: AS/NZS 2845.1 compliant with certified backflow prevention device as per AS/NZS 3500.1:2021 No further backflow preventer device required.

        • brandt on 02/05/2024 - 15:36

          Which Toto model is this? Can you please share a link to the spec sheet?

        • Gaz1 on 02/05/2024 - 16:07

          I don't understand why they all don't just include a backflow prevention valve in the hose.
          Is it actually essential to have one at the meter too?

      • kiwimex on 03/05/2024 - 19:18
        +1

        The Bidet Shop does Intelliclean bidets that have built in backflow prevention, no RPZ required, I have installed a number of these in Retirement villages in Brisbane, the run about $2k plus install. Great option and very easy to install. Also Bunning soo a whole toilet suite including bidet for about $1200 which is also compliant without the need for an RPZ.

      • zfind on 04/05/2024 - 13:33
        +2

        This is the technical reason why those of us who are enlightened don't have bidets - it's been regulated into impossibility with needless requirements like RPZs. If first-world countries like Sweden and Finland can have a hose bidet in practically every bathroom and not have disastrous water contamination issues, then I'm pretty sure we could too. Just using common sense, it's highly unlikely that any contamination could occur anyway.

        The cultural reason is "wiping works fine". But I'd guess that many people would convert if they tried it. It's just leagues better in every way.

        The easy solution is to get a $99 water-powered bidet from Bunnings and install that yourself in ten minutes. It comes with a tap adapter and has a built-in one-way / back flow preventer. As mentioned it's risky in an apartment situation, but if you're freestanding you're golden. Or just get a hose bidet off e-Bay.

  • Wiadro on 01/05/2024 - 22:04
    +10

    i used fancy Japanese bidets for 3 weeks, its nice, I loved it
    but I want warm water cleaning my ass and then it being air dried.
    not some cold crap from a random hose gun

    I don't have 15k for a dunny, so I'll buy 694 packs of 48 rolls of TP, which is 33312 individual rolls.
    i would have 91 years worth of TP, so ill keep wiping my ass

    • freefall101 on 02/05/2024 - 13:33
      +2

      You go through a roll of toilet paper a day?

      • Heisse1432 on 02/05/2024 - 17:03
        +6

        You ever lived with a female?

  • rumblytangara on 01/05/2024 - 22:11
    +1

    The Japanese toilets are bloody amazing- we had one overseas and going back to only paper is like entering the Dark Ages where people used to just toss it out the window.

    https://youtu.be/uRL4l2GOqXk?si=JWhdRDEJradMUOKO&t=95

    It was about 1K AUD, retrofitted to an existing toilet.

  • simplystu on 01/05/2024 - 22:28
    -8

    Bidets can cause irritation to skin.
    ESP - those of us with sensitive skin.

    Improper bidet use (water pressure too much or too close) - can cause rectal ulcers - OUCH !!!

    Personally - have always preferred TP + a small spot of water on it … But only at home, where basin is next to toilet (of course).

    Ultimately, that way uses less TP + less wiping + less water.

    [EDIT] : a good high fibre diet will also mean less use for TP … just saying.

    • rumblytangara on 02/05/2024 - 16:16
      +7

      Perhaps you haven't realised this, but even the fairly basic Japanese style ones have multiple levels of pressure control. Not really sure how a gentle flow of water is going to be more irritating than… rubbing your ass with paper.

    • smartazz104 on 02/05/2024 - 19:01
      +9

      Water will cause irritation but paper won’t, unbelievable…

  • try2bhelpful on 01/05/2024 - 23:07
    +7

    I have an old water bottle that I use to wet the toilet paper. I do that a few times and then use dry toilet paper to finish. I use less TP that way and it is much cleaner.

  • Some Human on 01/05/2024 - 23:19
    +1

    I spray, then I wipe anything that's left with TP. I only buy about 12 toilet rolls per year, much of which I use to blow my nose. Bit cold in winter, but you get used to it.

  • jv on 01/05/2024 - 23:20
    -3

    Most Australians only use toilet paper to wipe

    Proof ?

    • sumyungguy on 01/05/2024 - 23:36
      +4

      We ran out of telephone books years ago, hardly anyone buys newspapers and makeshift washable fabric wipes were just a COVID thing.

  • star-ggg on 01/05/2024 - 23:29
    +1

    Looks like Aussies don't travel much either. Bidets are popular in many countries on many continents.

    • Benoffie on 02/05/2024 - 00:11
      +3

      And they were actually popular here too back in the day for those that could afford them. Quick look at pre 90s houses before renovating and you're bound to find a bidet or two. Usually in some ungodly colour 🤢

      • Hegwah on 02/05/2024 - 09:28

        You've just described my Mums late 80s renoed bathroom to a T.

      • star-ggg on 02/05/2024 - 10:05
        +1

        maybe from the wave of Greek and Italian immigrants?

    • Sal in SA on 02/05/2024 - 09:19

      And many have such crap piping and infrastructure that a tiny bit of paper would also block them..
      Aussies are pretty well traveled, the term Jafa exists for a reason.

  • BoltThrower on 01/05/2024 - 23:56
    +14

    Clearly you're not using the right toilet paper. The one I use turns red when you're done wiping properly.

    • Nugs on 02/05/2024 - 07:04
      +6

      240 grit?
      .

      • JimB on 02/05/2024 - 10:11
        +4

        60

  • El cheepo on 02/05/2024 - 00:19
    +3

    I use to be skeptical about water being able to compete with TP, butt after spending a while living in Asia i can conclusively confirm water is the winner (with a bit of tp to dry off if its a bum gun and not a bidet).

    I have tried to convince people while visiting Asia to give it a go, butt to no avail.

  • slacker on 02/05/2024 - 00:23
    +6

    While I agree that wiping is not 100% perfect, there is no chance of getting skid marks. The arse cheeks stay closed unless you are trying really hard to spread them while sitting.

    Using water is also not 100% perfect. Poo can be greasy and not completely water soluble so without soap, water will not wash it all away.

    The ideal situation would be to have Japanese style bidets everywhere but you can imagine how well that would work. Bidets in public spaces will soon end up broken and unmaintained. The only reason I don't have a bidet in my home is I normally do my business in the morning before my shower and nothing beats a shower and soap for cleaning down there.

    The worst option is in some countries they use a bucket of water and their hand to clean up. No amount of hand washing will get rid of the smell on your hands or the parasites under your nails if you do that.

  • trapper on 02/05/2024 - 00:33
    +11

    Shit, shower, shave.

    Notice which one comes first?

    • El cheepo on 02/05/2024 - 00:54
      +5

      Shit, shower, shave

      Man, your drains must stink.

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