What is the right way to hang toilet paper? Experts explain the hygienic way

The debate over how to hang toilet paper has divided households for decades. Should the loose end sit over the roll, facing outward, or should it hang under, closer to the wall? While many people have strong opinions about the "right" way, the question is no longer just about preference. Some experts say the way you position your toilet roll could influence how much contact it has with germs in the bathroom.

However, science has not officially declared one method the clear winner. There is no US-based study proving that over- or under-toilet paper placement directly causes more bacterial spread. Instead, hygiene experts rely on research about bathroom contamination and how germs move through shared spaces.

Why toilet paper direction matters for hygiene

Bathrooms naturally contain microorganisms because of their connection with human waste and frequent moisture exposure. Studies have shown that flushing can release contaminated droplets into the surrounding environment, potentially reaching nearby surfaces.


A 2023 study involving US restrooms examined how flushing contributed to viral contamination of bathroom surfaces. Researchers found that contamination could occur on multiple restroom surfaces and highlighted the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection. This is why small habits, including how we handle toilet paper, have become part of the larger conversation around bathroom hygiene.

The case for hanging toilet paper over

The "over" position means the loose end hangs in front of the roll and away from the wall. Supporters of this method argue that it makes the paper easier to find and pull without touching the wall behind it. Since bathroom walls near toilets can collect contaminants, keeping your hands away from those surfaces may reduce unnecessary contact.

The over position is also how toilet paper was illustrated in the original patent drawings for the roll design, a detail often mentioned in discussions about the debate. Many hotels also prefer this orientation because it looks cleaner and allows staff to fold the final sheet as a sign that the bathroom has been serviced.

According to the New York Post, Primrose Freestone, professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, believes the “under” position could reduce contamination. She explained that pulling paper from underneath may allow users to tear sheets with one hand without touching the outside of the roll, reducing the chance of transferring bacteria.

However, other experts argue that the “under” method may cause users to touch the wall behind the roll, potentially spreading germs. Bathroom hygiene studies show that flushing can contaminate nearby surfaces, making regular cleaning and handwashing more important than the roll’s direction.

The argument for hanging toilet paper under

The "under" position places the loose end behind the roll, closer to the wall. Some people prefer this method because it looks neater and prevents children or pets from easily pulling the entire roll off the holder.

Supporters also argue that pulling paper from underneath may reduce the need to touch the roll itself. However, this benefit depends on how a person actually uses the toilet paper and whether their hands touch surrounding surfaces.

What matters more than over versus under?

Experts suggest that toilet paper direction is only a small part of bathroom hygiene. More important habits include:
- Washing hands properly with soap and water
- Cleaning frequently touched bathroom surfaces
- Disinfecting areas around the toilet regularly
- Avoiding touching your face after using the bathroom

A study titled Impacts of lid closure during toilet flushing and of toilet bowl cleaning on viral contamination of surfaces in United States restrooms published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that toilet lid position did not significantly affect viral contamination after flushing. However, cleaning toilet bowls with a brush and commercial product reduced contamination in bowl water by more than 99.99%, while brush contamination dropped by 97.64% compared to no product use.

So, should toilet paper go over or under?

For those focused on hygiene, the over position has a slight practical advantage because it keeps the loose paper away from the wall and makes it easier to grab without touching nearby surfaces. But the biggest protection against bathroom germs is not the direction of the roll. It is regular cleaning and good hand hygiene. Whether your toilet paper hangs over or under, keeping your bathroom clean matters far more.