" How you place the toilet paper? "
This question might seem mundane, but upon closer inspection, there are far more intricacies than one might imagine. Here we list some particular reasons for people choosing each of the two ways:
Why Under?
① Reduces the risk that a toddler or a house pet, such as a dog or cat, will completely unroll the toilet paper when batting at the roll.
② Provides a tidier appearance, in that the loose end can be more hidden from view.
③ In a recreational vehicle, this may reduce unrolling during driving.
Why Over?
① Easier to tear off the desired number of tiles.
② Easier to visually locate and to grasp the loose end.
③ Closer for you to get.
④ Reduces the risk of accidentally brushing the wall or cabinet with one's knuckles, potentially transferring grime and germs.
In 1989, a survey shows the percentages of respondents who roll their paper over:
Source∣Survy by Poretz and Sinrod
The most authoritative answer comes from Seth Wheeler, the man who first patented the idea for perforated “wrapping” paper (a more modest name for toilet paper) in 1871.
Seth Wheeler's Original patent page
- Patent No. 459,516 -
“My invention ... consists in a roll of wrapping paper with perforations on the line of the division between one sheet and the next, so as to be easily torn apart, such roll of wrapping paper forming a new article of manufacture,” Wheeler’s 1871 patent read.
But still,
the ultimate decision is left up to you.
After all,
this is one of the preferences
few people will hold against you!
