The correct way to hang toilet paper has finally been revealed as people see the original patent for the first time.
The long-debated question of how to hang toilet paper—over or under—may have an official answer. Here’s what history and experts say.
An age-old debate on the right way to hang toilet paper
For years, people have debated whether toilet paper rolls should face over or under.
While it might seem trivial, many take this issue seriously. Online discussions and social media debates show that people feel strongly about their preferred way.
One person joked: The correct way for hanging toilet paper depend on how many cat you have in your house
A second wrote: Don’t matter just change the roll don’t leave it emptied
While a third commented: We use a paper towel holder. One goes one way, one the other. When you need TP, it doesn’t matter which way it rolls.
Another added: I like mine over the top. When it spins around it comes out easier. The other way you need to look under and hopefully, HOPEFULLY it doesn’t stick back onto the roll.
Someone else said: Heres an idea stick it on the floor standing sideways. Then take the cardboard roll from the middle. Then pull the paper from the middle.problem solved.
The original patent holds the answer
The toilet paper roll we know today was patented in 1891 by Seth Wheeler, who also patented an earlier design in 1871. In Wheeler’s 1891 patent, he introduced the idea of perforated sheets on a roll, allowing each sheet to separate easily without waste.
The drawings describe “a view of [the] improved roll suspended on the simplest form of fixture.”
Wheeler’s patent illustrations, however, do more than describe the perforation design—they also show the correct direction for hanging toilet paper. In his diagrams, the paper faces outward, indicating the roll should hang *over*, not under.
An Expert’s take on toilet paper etiquette
Jackie, an etiquette expert, supports Wheeler’s intended direction. She shared her views in a recent interview, saying, “Research after research reveals that the proper and most hygienic way to hang your toilet paper is over and not under.
“Might I add, that goes for paper towels too, if hanging from the wall. Not only is it hygienic, it lends to maintaining proper hygiene, which is proper etiquette.”
Jackie also added that this applies to paper towels hung from wall dispensers, as the over method helps maintain hygiene.
So, according to the original patent and experts, the correct way to hang toilet paper is *over*. For those who have been in the “over” camp all along, this may feel like a victory. For others, perhaps Wheeler’s design can help settle the debate once and for all.