Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Don’t Clean the Toilet with Toilet Paper? Toto A”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Many people tear off a piece of toilet paper and give the toilet seat a quick wipe before sitting down. However, using toilet paper to wipe away dirt or other substances from the toilet should be avoided. Experts point out that an unexpected enemy of modern toilets, which are equipped with advanced systems like automatic flushing and heated seats, is actually toilet paper.
According to a recent report by the BBC, Toto, the world's largest toilet manufacturer (a Japanese company), has recently advised users not to clean the toilet seat with toilet paper. The risk is that it can cause fine scratches on the toilet surface. Toto's recommendation came after complaints about toilet scratches and discoloration spread on social media.
The company’s bidet toilet seats are made of plastic resin. It is a material with strong resistance to detergents and can be molded into complex shapes, but it is sensitive to scratches.
A Toto representative stated this in an interview with the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun.
Most household toilets primarily use ceramic and plastic resin, emphasizing durability and hygiene. Public restrooms, where strength and hygiene are crucial, often use stainless steel or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). FRP typically has a surface coating (gel coat, epoxy, etc.) applied to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. This surface is very hard, but there is a possibility of fine scratches being caused by the fibrous texture of toilet paper.
The toilet paper we commonly use feels soft, but it is actually made of paper fibers, which can cause fine scratches on the toilet surface (especially on plastic resin materials). These scratches are so small they may be invisible to the eye, but they accumulate over time. As the surface becomes less smooth, the likelihood increases for dust, contaminants, and bacteria to build up in those tiny gaps.
It's not just toilet paper; using thinner, nylon brushes, metal scouring pads, or abrasives should also be avoided as they can damage the toilet seat surface.
Toto is not the only one giving this advice regarding toilet cleaning precautions. Several cleaning experts and lifestyle companies have also recommended not cleaning the toilet seat with toilet paper. Instead, it is better to use a soft cloth dampened with water or detergent rather than dry toilet paper. Toto stated that it is researching materials more resistant to scratches for toilet manufacturing but added, "At present, we have no plans to change the material."
Source: Read the original article | Published: January 03, 2025