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This is the right way to hang your toilet paper

According to the inventor of perforated loo roll!
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If you’ve ever had to share your place of residence with another human being, then you know not everyone agrees on the ‘correct’ way to hang your toilet paper on the holder. 

However, it turns out there is a ‘correct’ way to hang your toilet paper, and as such we felt it necessary to share this revelation with the wider community. 

toilet paper
The wrong way. (Credit: Getty)
toilet paper
The right way. (Credit: Getty)

The toilet paper you have come to know and love today was actually invented by Seth Wheeler in 1871. Credited in 1891 for ‘inventing useful improvements in toilet paper rolls’, Seth is the mastermind behind perforated loo roll that can be easily torn into squares. It was then that the ‘over’ position was clarified as being the correct way to hang your toilet roll.

Seth actually re-patented his invention in roll form in 1891, and his new patent application included detailed diagrams that clearly show the paper going up and over the roll, not under. 

Therefore, placing your toilet paper overhand is using this wonder product precisely as its creator intended. 

seth wheeler toilet roll
(Credit: Seth Wheeler/Google Patents)

Other reasons for hanging toilet paper in the ‘over’ position includes reducing waste, as it’s easier to see the tearing point. You’ll also notice that printed toilet paper is designed to be placed in the ‘over’ position. You’ve spent a little more on the print, so it makes sense to hang it in the right orientation so that you can admire it.

Seth wheeler diagram hang toilet paper
(Credit: Seth Wheeler/Google Patents)

There you are, a conclusive answer to the divisive topic of the ‘right’ way to hang toilet paper. 

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