May 17 2018
In recent years – with the aid of social networks – a heated debate has ensued on how to hang a toilet roll. But actually, the truth dates back to 1891…
Setii Wheeler, this is the name of the man who can put an end to one of the most popular debates present on social networks: which is the right way to hang a toilet roll? It may seem like a matter of little consequence, but the issue is so popular that it has its own dedicated page on Wikipedia.
Supporters of the “over” position, with the paper coming from the top of the roll, cite hygiene above all else: no accidental contact with the wall, a potential source of germs. Another reason is perceptive-cultural in nature: we tend to look at objects from the front, which in this case is the “usable” side. Then there is the question of illustrations if used. In the case of cartoons or slogans they can only be read correctly only in the “over” position. And last but not least, the objective ease of use.
Those who believe in the correctness of the “under” position, with the sheet hanging on the side farthest from the person sitting on the WC, maintain that in this way, accidental “use” is avoided and household pets cannot easily unroll the paper with consequent waste of material and money. Additionally, they contend that without the paper visibly hanging from the roll, the bathroom looks much tidier.
Well, despite the fact that everyone is free to place the roll as they see fit (there are stories of couples who could not find a compromise and installed two dispensers in the bathroom, one in the over and the other in the under position), it is good to know that in 1891 Mr. Setii Wheeler from Albany patented a roll of connected sheets of paper and that the drawing featured on the patent recorded its correct use: the over position.