Which cultures do not use toilet paper?

How the World Stays Clean Without Toilet Paper

Believe it or not, around 70% of people on Earth don’t reach for toilet paper after using the restroom. Instead, cultures across much of Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe rely on water as the primary method for personal hygiene. This simple yet effective practice is often seen as both more sanitary and kinder to the planet.

In countries like India, Japan, and Turkey, it’s common to find a small jug, handheld sprayer, or bidet next to the toilet. In many Indian households, for example, a lota—a small vessel filled with water—is used to clean thoroughly after using the bathroom. In Japan, high-tech toilets with built-in bidet functions are the norm, offering a warm, targeted spray with the push of a button. Southern European nations like Italy, Portugal, and Spain also widely use bidets, viewing water as a gentler and more effective cleanser than dry paper.

Water-based hygiene isn’t just tradition—it’s practical. Many argue it's more hygienic, reducing the risk of irritation and ensuring a more complete clean. It’s also better for the environment. Toilet paper production consumes vast amounts of water and trees, while reusable water methods leave a much smaller footprint.

Despite this, the idea of ditching toilet paper still surprises some in Western countries where it’s the default. But as sustainability becomes more urgent and global cultures continue to influence one another, attitudes are shifting. Some American homes are now installing bidet attachments, quietly following a global norm.

So next time you're abroad and find no toilet paper in the bathroom, don’t panic—look for the tap. You might just discover a cleaner, greener way of doing things.