In North America, toilet paper is so embedded in daily life that we rarely question it. It’s as automatic as reaching for your phone in the morning or brushing your teeth before bed. But what if this everyday habit — using dry toilet paper — wasn’t as effective or hygienic as we think?
The Ineffectiveness of Dry Toilet Paper
Despite its routine use, dry toilet paper fails to clean away bacteria and waste effectively, leaving many people feeling unclean. The friction from repeated wiping can also lead to irritation and discomfort, highlighting a gap between what we've grown accustomed to and what might truly support our health and comfort.
Exploring Healthier Alternatives to Toilet Paper
Considering these factors, it’s worth exploring alternatives that not only enhance cleanliness and comfort but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. What if there was a better, healthier alternative that could improve our personal hygiene, wellness, and comfort?
Introducing the WASHLET by TOTO
This is where WASHLET bidet seats by TOTO come in, offering a revolutionary alternative that addresses both hygiene and many of the hidden issues with using toilet paper. Much like Malcolm Gladwell’s idea of a "tipping point,” the shift from toilet paper to a WASHLET bidet might seem small, yet it could lead to massive improvements in your personal hygiene and wellness.
The End of Toilet Paper? Survey Results Tell All
A recent Harris Poll conducted by TOTO revealed that three in five Americans (60%) don’t feel “completely clean” after using only toilet paper. This widespread dissatisfaction suggests that traditional wiping leaves a large portion of the population feeling less clean and confident than they’d prefer.
Further, nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans feel like they have to use a lot of toilet paper to feel clean, which leads to increased waste and clogged toilets.
To make matters worse, one in seven people (14%) reported calling a plumber for severe clogs. Additionally, nearly a third (31%) have resorted to using wet wipes because toilet paper alone isn’t enough.
But using more toilet paper doesn’t solve the problem. Approximately one in five Americans (21%) has experienced streaking in their underwear as a result of not being fully clean after wiping with toilet paper.
And it’s not just an issue for older generations — over 60% of Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X adults admit they don’t feel fully clean after using toilet paper, compared to just about half of Baby Boomers (51%).
From Wiping to Washing: A Better Way to Get Clean
Now, imagine a different approach — one that doesn’t rely on endless wiping but on the gentle, effective power warm water cleansing of WASHLET bidet seats with AIR-IN WONDER-WAVE® technology. WASHLET cleans you with warm, aerated water, providing a much more effective way to remove waste than dry toilet paper.
Why Water is Better for Personal Hygiene
After all, if you spilled something sticky on your hands, you wouldn’t just wipe it with a dry towel, would you? You’d use water. The same logic applies to your personal hygiene.
Customizable Comfort with WASHLET®
WASHLET’s gentle warm water stream is soothing and customizable, allowing users to adjust both temperature and pressure for a truly personalized cleaning experience. This means better hygiene and comfort without the rough, abrasive feeling that comes with frequent use of toilet paper. The AIR-IN WONDER-WAVE technology also helps minimize water consumption by creating larger water droplets infused with air, delivering an efficient and refreshing cleanse.
Supporting a Sustainable Lifestyle with WASHLET
Beyond cleanliness, the WASHLET supports a more sustainable lifestyle. By reducing or eliminating the need for toilet paper, you save money, reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and make an eco-conscious choice for your household and the planet. The design of the WASHLET enhances the bathroom experience, blending modern technology with thoughtful features to your daily routine feel like a spa-like ritual.
Additionally, the WASHLET’s self-cleaning wand adds a layer of reassurance, automatically cleaning itself with EWATER+® technology inside and out, before and after each use. This feature maintains optimal cleanliness, offering a more hygienic and user-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. For those with sensitive skin or conditions like hemorrhoids, the gentle, warm water spray offers a soothing alternative to wiping with dry, abrasive toilet paper.
The Environmental and Economic Impact of Reducing Toilet Paper Use
The average American uses about 57 sheets of toilet paper per day, contributing to deforestation, hidden water consumption, and pollution from the chemicals used in production. Each of these factors has a substantial impact on the environment. Deforestation for toilet paper production reduces vital tree cover, affecting ecosystems and contributing to climate change. Moreover, the water used in the toilet paper manufacturing process adds to the product’s environmental footprint, consuming natural resources that are already under stress. The chemicals involved in making toilet paper, such as bleaching agents, harm waterways and ecosystems, leading to further pollution.
Economic Savings with WASHLET®
The overuse of toilet paper has implications beyond environmental damage. Many households find that excessive toilet paper usage quickly adds up in monthly costs, turning a seemingly small expense into a significant one over time. Additionally, flushing large amounts of toilet paper often leads to frequent plumbing issues, as TOTO’s Harris Poll revealed with the high number of clogged toilets.
Switching to a WASHLET reduces toilet paper consumption dramatically. With less paper being flushed down the toilet, plumbing problems decrease, saving homeowners time and money on repairs. Over time, this switch also leads to lower household waste and reduced pressure on the environment, making it a sustainable choice that benefits both individuals and the planet. The Washington Post reports that bidet seats like the WASHLET by TOTO pay for themselves in reduced toilet paper costs alone.
These benefits extend beyond comfort. A recent TOTO poll revealed that more than one in five Americans (22%) have experienced remnants of toilet paper left after wiping, with women particularly affected (24% compared to 19% of men). Furthermore, 21% of Americans report that toilet paper leaves their skin feeling irritated, dry, or itchy.
Switching to a WASHLET eliminates these common issues, providing a cleaner, more refreshing experience that leaves no remnants and prevents irritation, supporting overall hygiene and comfort.
Swipe Right for Hygiene: How WASHLET Bidets Boost Confidence in Love and Social Life
Feeling unclean after using the bathroom can significantly impact social and romantic interactions. In fact, over half of Americans (55%) admit they would leave a social event early due to feelings of being unclean. This concern also extends to dating, with 51% of individuals reporting they would end a date prematurely for the same reason.
The presence of a WASHLET bidet seat, however, could dramatically improve these experiences. More than half (53%) of Americans say a WASHLET bidet would boost their confidence on a date, with a similar percentage (56%) feeling more assured about intimacy if they could use a bidet after using the bathroom. Additionally, 53% of people would prefer their intimate partner to use a bidet, suggesting its potential to enhance personal confidence and relationship dynamics.
For men, the benefits of bidet use appear even more pronounced. 57% of men believe that having access to a WASHLET bidet would increase their confidence on dates, compared to 50% of women. Men are also more likely (58% vs. 47% of women) to prefer their partner to use a bidet, highlighting gender differences in perceptions of hygiene and comfort.
Millennials, in particular, feel the impact of cleanliness on their social life more than other generations. A significant 66% of Millennials would leave a party early if they felt unclean, which is higher than Gen Z (54%), Gen X (58%), and Boomers (43%). They also lead in bidet appreciation for boosting confidence on dates (67%) and during intimate moments (67%), surpassing both Gen X and Boomers by considerable margins.
WASHLET bidet seats not only help keep the romantic spark alive but also to sustain the festive spirit at parties. These insights underscore the WASHLET bidet’s role in enhancing personal hygiene, confidence, and overall social and romantic interactions. With millions of Americans recognizing these benefits, incorporating a bidet like the WASHLET by TOTO into one’s home is becoming a popular choice for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring ongoing comfort and confidence in both personal and social settings.
The Tipping Point: Why Make the Switch to a WASHLET Bidet Seat?
So, why hasn’t everyone made the switch yet? As with many cultural shifts, some people are slow to abandon long-standing habits, even when presented with clear advantages. But the tide is turning.
As more people realize the limitations of toilet paper — its discomfort, inefficiency, and potential health risks — there's a growing movement toward solutions that prioritize both personal hygiene and sustainability. The WASHLET bidet seat represents more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about cleanliness and wellness.
Imagine a bathroom experience that leaves you feeling clean, refreshed, confident, and secure in knowing that you’re making a choice that’s better for your body, your family, your pocketbook, and the environment. This is the future of hygiene — a future that’s cleaner, healthier, and more mindful of the planet we share.
With millions already embracing this change, the momentum is undeniable. The choice to switch to a WASHLET bidet seat is a choice for lasting comfort, peace of mind, and a step toward a more sustainable way of living. It's a small change with a big impact — a tipping point that’s waiting for you to join in.