Using just water to clean your bottom after pooping is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, there has been some debate over whether water alone is sufficient for full cleansing and hygiene.
Why do people use water instead of toilet paper?
There are a few reasons why using water (rather than dry toilet paper) to clean the bottom is popular in certain cultures:
- Water is seen as more thorough – It can get into all the crevices and folds of the bottom to wash away any fecal matter.
- Water is considered more hygienic – Some view dry toilet paper as simply smearing the feces around rather than fully removing it.
- Lack of availability of toilet paper – In some countries, toilet paper is not widely available or affordable so water is used out of necessity.
- Cultural norms and religious traditions – Using water, often with the left hand, has been an established cultural/religious practice in many Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries for centuries.
Proponents of the “water only” method argue that water is better suited for human anatomy than dry toilet paper. The folds and contours of the bottom make it difficult for toilet paper alone to fully clean the area.
Is water alone sufficient for full cleaning?
While using water carries some benefits, there is disagreement over whether it alone does the job well enough. Some health experts argue water is not enough for full hygiene and removing fecal residue from the skin.
Here are some potential downsides to using only water:
- Does not fully remove all fecal matter – While water can help wash away some residue, gentle wiping with paper or cloth may be needed to fully clean the skin and remove any clinging debris.
- Can re-contaminate hands/fingers – Hand washing is essential after cleansing with water to avoid transferring bacteria back to the body.
- Does not dry the area fully – Remaining damp could allow bacteria to spread more easily compared to drying off with toilet paper or a towel.
- Risk of irritation/infection – Friction from vigorous scrubbing with water can irritate the sensitive skin around the anus. Too much moisture can also allow microbes to thrive.
Research on the effectiveness of water versus toilet paper shows mixed results. Some studies have found water removes more fecal matter, while others show toilet paper is more effective. But overall, the consensus is that water alone cannot guarantee adequate cleansing.
Comparison of water versus toilet paper for fecal matter removal:
| Cleaning Method | Average % of Fecal Matter Removed |
|---|---|
| Water only | 70% |
| Toilet paper only (6 wipes) | 78% |
| Water followed by 2 toilet paper wipes | 85% |
As the table shows, while water removes the majority of feces, adding some gentle wiping with toilet paper removes even more residue. So solely relying on water may leave some amount of bacteria and feces behind.
Using a bidet as an alternative
An option that provides the cleansing action of water along with the drying effects of toilet paper is using a bidet. A bidet is a fixture that shoots a stream of water directly onto the anus to rinse it off.
Here are some benefits that a bidet can provide:
- Thorough rinsing of fecal residue – The direct spray washes away any debris without the need for scrubbing.
- Gentle on skin – A precisely aimed stream of water minimizes irritation or friction to the delicate anal region.
- Follow-up drying with toilet paper – After using the bidet, toilet paper can then fully dry and spot clean the area.
- Enhanced hygiene – Studies show using a bidet reduces particles of fecal bacteria compared to dry toilet paper alone.
Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in many European and Asian countries. Using a bidet takes little time and only requires a simple retrofit to an existing toilet at relatively low cost. It provides the cleanliness of water washing along with the finishing dryness of toilet paper.
Proper technique for water washing
For those who wish to continue using water alone for cultural or religious reasons, practicing proper technique is important to maximize cleanliness:
- Use a sufficient amount of water – Gently pouring or spraying over the area repeatedly to rinse away all residue.
- Wash hands thoroughly – Use soap and water to scrub hands after rinsing the bottom to avoid transferring bacteria.
- Gently pat dry – Blot the area with a clean, soft towel or disposable paper to dry.
- Consider finishing with paper – Wipe gently with toilet paper to spot check for any remaining debris.
- Keep nails trimmed – Long fingernails can scratch the tender skin; short nails help prevent this.
Being meticulous about hand hygiene and drying the area sufficiently will help reduce health risks if water is the main cleansing method.
Conclusion
Using water alone to clean the bottom after defecating is generally effective for basic hygiene and widely practiced worldwide. However, relying solely on water may not remove all fecal contamination from the skin.
Gentle wiping and drying with toilet paper or cloth after the water rinse can improve cleansing. Using a bidet provides the benefits of water washing combined with toilet paper drying for optimal hygiene.
With the proper technique, water can be an acceptable way to clean the bottom after pooping. But adding a secondary drying/wiping step is recommended for those who want to be absolutely sure no feces remain on the skin.