The age-old toilet paper debate – should it hang over or under? While a seemingly trivial point, this polarizing bathroom fixture positioning elicits strong opinions. Examining the pros and cons of each orientation can help determine the optimal toilet paper hanging method for functionality and etiquette.
The Case for Over
Hanging toilet paper with the loose end draped over the top is the conventional orientation. Proponents emphasize convenience and aesthetics as key benefits of the over-position.
Easy, Quick Access:
The loose sheet positioned on top allows simply grabbing and pulling down easily with one hand. The roll unravels smoothly without impediment. This enables quick, seamless tissue access for wiping.
Visually Pleasing:
The cascading fall of paper down the front looks neater and more considered. It has a presentation quality suggesting care was taken in staging the bathroom space.
Follows Public Restroom Norms:
Public bathrooms almost universally position toilet paper over the top. Hanging it this way provides familiarity and consistency with public norms and expectations.
Reduces Backward Reaching:
An over orientation places the loose end in front, avoiding the need to reach behind the roll awkwardly after sitting down. Less bending and straining reduces chance of injury.
Prevents Wall Smudges:
Grazing the wall is more likely with a backward reach to a reversed under roll. Keeping paper positioned up front minimizes wall wiping and resultant smudges or marks.
The Case for Under
Those favoring toilet paper hung under cite toddler safety, tidiness and kitten civility as key rationale.
Toddler Safety:
Young child safety experts recommend under because toddlers can unroll the whole roll when positioned on top, creating a falling tripping hazard. Under prevents this.
Prevents Free-Spinning:
Placing paper underneath restricts exuberant spinning when unroll direction is reversed. This curbs waste and maintains tidiness. Cats also have difficulty unraveling under-placed rolls.
Stays in Place Better:
With the loose end against the wall, rolls are less prone to wiggle off the holder unexpectedly. Under may hold tighter and in place better when hit or grabbed.
Creates a Shelf:
The top of an under roll can provide a handy temporary shelf for phones, reading glasses, or other bathroom items. Over doesn’t allow resting or stowing things.
Facilitates Neater Tearing:
Tearing off paper is cleaner against the wall edge rather than up top. Less dangling paper remains against the wall to tidy after tearing.
The Verdict: Personal Preference Prevails
While spirited debates exist on proper toilet paper orientation, no clear universal right way prevails. The many merits to both over and under hanging styles make either workable. The choice ultimately falls to personal preference, household norms and bathroom design considerations. Seek consensus for shared bathrooms. For residential settings, indulge your toilet paper direction desires. And always opt for quality bulk toilet paper rolls from professional toilet paper wholesale suppliers.