After passing a stool, the primary guideline for using toilet paper is to wipe from front to back. This prevents the spread of bacteria and maintains hygiene.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Preparation: Use plenty of toilet paper, either crumpled or folded, for effective cleaning.
- Direction: Always wipe from the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus) towards and past the anus. This front-to-back motion is crucial, especially for women, to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Avoidance: Ensure no skin-to-skin contact occurs with the stool during wiping.
- Cleanliness: Continue wiping until the toilet paper comes back clean.
- Disposal: Dispose of the used toilet paper in the toilet and flush. (Unless your plumbing system advises otherwise – some older systems require disposal in a waste bin).
- Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and wiping.
Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain proper hygiene and prevents the spread of harmful bacteria.
