A Question That Divides Households
Let’s be honest: few household debates spark more intense opinions than how to hang the toilet paper roll. Whether you’re at home, visiting a friend, or staying in a hotel, it’s hard not to notice which direction the paper is facing.
So, should toilet paper go over or under?
Some swear by the over method. Others are fiercely loyal to the under. A few people don’t care—though we suspect they’re just trying to avoid conflict.
This post dives deep into the arguments for both sides, explores the surprising history behind the practice, and even explains what your choice might say about your personality.
Let’s roll.
Where Did The Toilet Paper Debate Even Begin?
Before we examine hygiene or household harmony, let’s look back at the origins of toilet paper.
Toilet paper, as we know it, was first mass-produced in the United States by Joseph Gayetty in the 1850s. However, it wasn’t until 1891 that the over-under debate was truly born. That year, Seth Wheeler of Albany, New York, patented the perforated toilet paper roll.
In the original patent drawing—yes, there’s an actual drawing—the roll is shown hanging over, not under. This historical detail has fueled arguments ever since.
So if the inventor did it this way, shouldn’t we?
Well, not necessarily. But it does give Team Over a historical edge.
The Case for Over: Clean, Easy, and Classic
1. It’s Easier to Reach
When the toilet paper hangs over the top, you can see the loose end immediately. You don’t have to fumble or spin the roll in frustration. For guests or those with limited dexterity, this small convenience makes a big difference.
2. It’s More Hygienic
This one might surprise you. When the paper hangs under, your fingers are more likely to brush the wall behind the roll. That wall—especially in public restrooms—can harbor bacteria, mold, or worse.
Hanging toilet paper over keeps your hands farther from germ-prone surfaces.
3. Hotels and Hosts Do It
Walk into nearly any hotel room, and you’ll see the roll hanging over. That’s not an accident. In the hospitality industry, hanging the roll this way is considered a finishing touch—a sign of cleanliness, attention to detail, and thoughtful design.
They even “tri-fold” the end of the roll into a neat little point. Try doing that with an under-hanging roll!
4. It Looks More Polished
Let’s not pretend appearances don’t matter. A roll that hangs over looks more symmetrical, especially in decorative holders. It’s the difference between a tossed-together space and a thoughtfully curated one.
The Case for Under: Tidy, Secure, and Intentional
1. Less Tempting for Kids and Pets
If you’ve ever had a toddler or a cat turn your bathroom into a winter wonderland, you might be in the Under camp for good reason.
When the roll hangs under, it’s harder to unravel with a quick swipe. Curious hands—or paws—won’t have as much success turning your bathroom into a confetti-filled disaster.
2. It Looks Cleaner to Some
Some people argue that an under-hanging roll conceals the loose end, creating a more uniform, tucked-away appearance. There’s no tail dangling in sight, and the roll sits neatly against the wall.
3. It’s Less Likely to Unroll Itself
This is especially important in bathrooms with airflow. If you use a fan or keep a window cracked, a roll that hangs over is more likely to flap and unroll. An under-hung roll stays in place.
4. It’s a Preference—and That Matters
Let’s not forget that preference matters. Some people just find the under position more natural or easier based on the bathroom’s layout. If you’re left-handed, you might find the angle of pull feels better when the roll is flipped under. In the end, that comfort level counts.
What the Experts Say
Believe it or not, etiquette experts have weighed in.
According to Emily Post—the queen of American etiquette—over is the preferred method, especially when guests are visiting. It’s cleaner, more intuitive, and shows attention to detail.
Similarly, Consumer Reports and various home and hospitality blogs lean toward the over method for hygiene and ease of use.
But that doesn’t mean the under camp is wrong—it simply means the “right” way depends on your priorities.
Your Personality, Revealed by Toilet Paper?
In 2015, a therapist named Dr. Gilda Carle conducted a survey of 2,000 people to see if toilet paper preferences revealed personality traits.
Her findings were fascinating:
- People who hung their toilet paper over were more likely to be dominant, take charge in relationships, and value order.
- Those who hung it under tended to be more relaxed, empathetic, and agreeable.
While the sample size was small and the study wasn’t peer-reviewed, it certainly gives us something to think about.
Who knew toilet paper could be so revealing?
Accessibility and Ergonomics
In accessible bathrooms—such as those designed for individuals with disabilities—over is often the preferred direction. It’s easier to locate and pull with limited hand strength or range of motion.
Moreover, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t specify a direction, but positioning the roll at the right height and distance is mandatory. That said, advocates for disability rights often recommend the over method for practicality.
So if you want your bathroom to be more inclusive and accessible, that’s another point for Team Over.
Is There Ever a Time When Under Is Better?
Actually, yes. In recreational vehicles, boats, or high-motion environments, under may help keep the roll from unraveling during travel.
Also, in tight spaces where the toilet paper holder is mounted in an awkward corner or under a shelf, under might offer a better pull angle.
In other words, under isn’t always inferior—it’s just better suited for specific scenarios.
What About the Environment?
You might not think the orientation of your roll affects the planet, but here’s a fun fact: people who hang the roll over tend to use slightly less paper per pull.
Why? Because the over position encourages shorter, cleaner tears. In contrast, under pulls may lead to longer or uneven sheets, increasing usage over time.
So while it’s not a major environmental crisis either way, choosing over might help you use less—and waste less.
The Final Verdict?
Okay, here’s the truth: there’s no single correct answer to the question, “Should toilet paper go over or under?” It’s a mix of personal preference, household needs, and a dash of psychology.
But if you’re looking for:
- Better hygiene
- Accessibility
- Cleaner appearance
- Hospitality standards
Then over is your best bet.
If you value:
- Kid- or pet-proofing
- A more hidden look
- Preventing airflow disasters
Then under might be right for you.
Whichever way you choose, the key is consistency. No one likes the jolt of discovering the roll is “wrong” in their own home.
How to Settle It Once and for All
If you live alone, congratulations! You can do whatever you like.
If you share your space, though, it might be time for a bathroom summit. Discuss what matters most—cleanliness, aesthetics, toddler-proofing, or something else entirely. Consider creating a house rule, especially if this debate has become a recurring source of tension.
Or get creative: rotate weekly, use a double roll holder, or let the most frequent bathroom user win.
Fun Extras: The Toilet Paper Hall of Fame
- In 2010, Charmin created a public voting site where users could declare themselves Over or Under fans. Over won by a landslide.
- In Japan, high-tech toilets often skip the debate entirely by offering built-in bidets and dryers. Still, paper is usually provided—and yes, it’s hung over.
- In Antarctica, researchers at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station reportedly use over. Because when you’re living in a frozen desert, you deserve the small win of a well-placed roll.
Final Wipe
Whether you’re Team Over, Team Under, or just glad someone remembered to replace the roll, this debate is more than fluff. It’s about comfort, culture, and compromise.
So next time you’re in the bathroom and ask yourself, “Should toilet paper go over or under?”—remember: it’s not just a roll. It’s a choice. Make it wisely.
For additional discussion, check out these bathroom tips from Reader’s Digest.
