This week we discuss how people have used all sorts of things for wiping, from Greeks using rough stones to Romans sharing sponges on sticks. Paper made its way into Western hygiene practices eventually, but it wasn’t always popular at first. By the late 19th century, Seth Wheeler’s roll of perforated toilet paper and the Scott Paper Company’s innovations transformed the game, making toilet paper a common household item.
In a continuation of our Toilet Paper Series we cover how the Greeks and Romans used various methods for personal hygiene, with Greeks favoring rough stones or leeks and Romans using communal sponges on sticks. In medieval Europe, cloth was commonly used and reused for wiping, with wealthier individuals employing specialized attendants for the task. The invention of paper in China eventually influenced Western hygiene practices, though paper was initially criticized for its ineffectiveness. In the late 19th century, Seth Wheeler's innovations led to the commercialization of perforated toilet paper rolls, revolutionizing the industry. The Scott Paper Company, later a major player in the market, popularized high-quality toilet paper and disposable paper towels, evolving significantly over time. We continued to use the book, "Wiped" by Ronald Blumer as a source throughout this episode.