Most of us never think much about toilet paper until the last roll disappears. It’s one of those everyday items we expect to be there, quietly doing its job. Yet this simple household product has a surprisingly long history, a few strange stories, and even debates that people refuse to settle.
The toilet paper industry generated about $55 billion in 2023, and that figure is expected to climb to $96.2 billion by 2036. From ancient China to outer space, toilet paper has had quite a journey. Here are 21 facts that might make you look at that humble roll a little differently.
It’s Older Than You Think
Toilet paper has been around much longer than many people realize. The earliest known record of paper being used for personal hygiene dates back to sixth-century China. Historical writings describe paper being made for that exact purpose, making it one of the first known examples of toilet paper.
Long before modern plumbing or grocery store shelves filled with different brands, people were already searching for cleaner and more comfortable ways to take care of daily hygiene.
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The First Modern Roll
Commercial toilet paper arrived in the United States in 1857 thanks to inventor Joseph Gayetty. He sold what he called “medicated paper,” with each sheet printed with his name. It was infused with aloe and packaged in bundles of 500 sheets, selling for about 50 cents.
It may sound unusual today, but putting his name on every sheet was a clever way to advertise a brand-new product that many people had never considered buying before.
Quilted or Not: Ply Matters
The word “ply” simply tells you how many layers make up each sheet of toilet paper. Single-ply has one layer, double-ply has two, and premium versions may have three or more.
Some shoppers won’t buy anything except thicker paper because they like the extra softness. Others are perfectly happy with single-ply, especially if it costs less or works better with older plumbing systems.
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Over or Under?
People have argued for years about the proper way to hang a toilet paper roll. Should the loose end hang over the top or underneath?
The original 1891 patent for the toilet paper holder gives a pretty clear answer. The drawing shows the paper hanging over the front of the roll, giving “over” supporters plenty of ammunition whenever the debate comes up.
Of course, plenty of “under” fans still refuse to admit defeat.
TP’s Shortage Scare Wasn’t New
Empty store shelves during the COVID-19 pandemic caught many people by surprise. Panic buying in 2020 made toilet paper one of the hardest items to find in many countries.
That wasn’t the first toilet paper scare. Back in 1973, a rumor about a looming shortage spread so quickly that shoppers rushed to stores and cleared the shelves. The panic created the very shortage people feared.
It was another reminder that rumors can sometimes create bigger problems than the events that sparked them.
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The Ultimate Multi-Tasker
Toilet paper does far more than its main job. Plenty of people reach for it to wipe up spills, clean glasses, blot makeup, or stand in for tissues when the box is empty.
It has also become a favorite supply for school crafts, holiday decorations, and homemade projects. Then there’s the classic prank of covering someone’s yard or house with streamers of toilet paper, a tradition that has survived for decades.
For something so ordinary, one simple roll has found plenty of unexpected uses.
Gold-Flaked Toilet Paper
Luxury reaches almost every product you can think of, including toilet paper.
An Australian company created a roll made with 22-carat gold flakes, selling it for around £1.37 million. Buyers also received a bottle of champagne with the purchase.
It’s clearly meant as a novelty rather than an everyday necessity, but it easily ranks among the most expensive bathroom products ever made.
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Average Usage
The average person goes through roughly 100 rolls of toilet paper each year, adding up to around 20,000 sheets.
Producing that much toilet paper takes millions of trees, large amounts of water, and plenty of energy. Because of that, more shoppers have started choosing recycled paper or bamboo-based products to reduce the environmental impact without giving up everyday comfort.
Space TP
Astronauts need toilet paper just like everyone else, but using it in space isn’t quite the same. NASA sends specially made toilet paper to the International Space Station that is thinner than many brands sold on Earth but strong enough to handle life in zero gravity.
Since every item sent into orbit adds to the cost of a mission, even something as ordinary as toilet paper becomes part of a carefully planned system.
The World’s Largest Roll
Running out of toilet paper wasn’t a concern when Charmin created the world’s largest roll in 2011. The giant roll earned a Guinness World Record and measured more than eight feet tall.
It contained about one million square feet of toilet paper, making it more of a publicity stunt than something anyone could fit in a bathroom.
Hotel Presentation
If you’ve ever stayed in an upscale hotel, you may have noticed the end of the toilet paper folded into a neat triangle. That small touch tells guests the bathroom has been cleaned and prepared for the next visitor.
Some hotels take it a step further by folding the paper into fans, flowers, or other decorative shapes. It’s a simple detail, but it leaves the room looking tidy and well cared for.
TP Was a Wartime Essential
During World War II, toilet paper became much harder to find. Shortages affected civilians and the military, and the paper available was often rough compared to today’s products.
For soldiers, every roll mattered. It was one of those everyday supplies that helped make difficult living conditions a little more manageable. Back home, families learned to make do with less while manufacturers focused on supporting the war effort.
It’s Environmentally Costly
Making toilet paper takes a tremendous amount of wood pulp, water, and energy. Millions of trees are harvested each year to keep up with worldwide demand, and the manufacturing process also creates waste and emissions.
Many companies now offer recycled toilet paper or products made from bamboo, which grows much faster than traditional trees. Choosing those options can reduce the demand for virgin wood pulp while still providing good quality paper.
Toilet Paper Conventions
Yes, there are events where toilet paper takes center stage.
One of the best-known gatherings is the World Toilet Summit, where experts discuss sanitation, hygiene, and ways to improve access to safe toilets around the world.
The meetings aren’t all business, though. Some events include toilet paper fashion contests, complete with wedding dresses, costumes, and creative designs made entirely from rolls of TP. It may sound unusual, but the goal is to draw attention to sanitation issues that affect millions of people.
Global Differences
Toilet paper isn’t the first choice everywhere. In many countries across Asia and the Middle East, water is the preferred method for personal hygiene.
Japan is especially well known for its advanced bidet toilets, many of which include heated seats, adjustable water pressure, warm air dryers, and other comfort features.
Travelers who try these systems for the first time are often surprised by how clean and comfortable they feel afterward, and many end up wishing they had one at home.
National Toilet Paper Day
Every year on August 26, people celebrate National Toilet Paper Day. It’s one of those lighthearted holidays that gives a little attention to something most of us never think about until it’s gone.
There’s no traditional way to celebrate, but it’s a good excuse to appreciate one of the most dependable items in every household. Some people even use the day as a reminder to restock before they run out.
Bamboo Toilet Paper
Bamboo toilet paper has become a popular choice for shoppers looking for a more environmentally friendly option. Bamboo grows much faster than most trees and grows back after it’s harvested, making it a renewable source of fiber.
Many bamboo brands skip harsh dyes and heavy bleaching, which appeals to people with sensitive skin. As more companies add bamboo products to their shelves, it’s becoming easier to find an option that fits both your budget and your values.
Color and Scent
There was a time when pink, blue, peach, and even green toilet paper could be found in plenty of bathrooms. Scented varieties were also popular, adding perfumes that promised a fresher bathroom.
Those products have become much less common over the years. Many people now avoid added fragrances and dyes because they can irritate sensitive skin. Plain white, unscented toilet paper has become the preferred choice for many households.
Toilet Paper Trivia Games
Believe it or not, toilet paper has inspired plenty of party games over the years.
One favorite is the mummy challenge, where teams race to wrap someone in toilet paper from head to toe. Others compete to unroll a roll without tearing it, build the tallest tower from empty rolls, or answer toilet paper trivia questions.
These simple games are inexpensive, easy to set up, and usually lead to plenty of laughs, making them a popular choice for family gatherings, classrooms, and parties.
The Science of Perforation
Those tiny perforated lines running across each sheet aren’t there by accident. Manufacturers carefully design them so the paper stays together on the roll but tears easily when you pull on it.
Finding that balance takes more engineering than most people realize. If the perforations are too weak, the roll falls apart. If they’re too strong, you’ll end up fighting with every sheet. It’s a small detail that makes using toilet paper much less frustrating.
The Future of Toilet Paper
Toilet paper has changed a lot over the centuries, and there’s still room for new ideas. Companies are working on products that break down more quickly after use, reduce water consumption during manufacturing, and rely on renewable materials instead of virgin wood pulp.
Some bathrooms are also becoming smarter, with dispensers that monitor usage and alert owners when supplies are running low or even reorder new rolls automatically. Toilet paper may seem like a simple product, but it’s still finding new ways to fit into modern life.
