‘Over or under’: Expert settles the great toilet paper debate once and for all

It’s the household debate that’s torn families apart, sparked heated arguments in share houses, and even inspired a few passive-aggressive notes in the loo: should your toilet paper hang ‘over’ or ‘under’? 

For decades, Australians have been quietly (or not so quietly) waging war over the correct way to hang the humble roll. Now, at long last, science has entered the fray—and the answer might surprise you.

Let’s set the scene. You’re in the bathroom, nature has called, and you reach for the toilet paper. Do you want the next sheet to cascade gracefully towards you (‘over’), or do you prefer to go under and pull it from the back (‘under’)? 

It might seem trivial, but for many, this is a matter of principle, pride, and—according to new research—potentially your health. 

First, let’s acknowledge the two camps. Team Over likes their paper hanging forward, which is easy to spot and grab. 

It’s the method immortalised in the original 1891 toilet paper patent and, according to surveys, the overwhelming favourite—about 70 per cent of people prefer it this way.

Team Under, on the other hand, prefers the roll tucked closer to the wall. Maybe it looks tidier, perhaps it’s harder for pets or toddlers to unravel, or maybe it’s just how Mum and Dad did it. 

Only about 30 per cent of people admit to being in this camp, but they’re a passionate minority.

Enter Professor Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, who finally gives us a scientific perspective. 

According to Professor Freestone, the ‘under’ method is more hygienic. Why? It all comes down to how we handle the roll.

When you use the ‘over’ method, you typically need two hands: one to hold the roll steady and the other to tear off your sheet. 

This increases the risk of transferring bacteria from one hand to another, potentially contaminating the roll. 

If you’ve already wiped and your hand isn’t as clean as you’d like, you could spread germs to the next person using the roll—or even back to yourself.

With the ‘under’ method, you can pin the paper against the wall and tear off a sheet with just one hand, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. 

Less touching means fewer germs, which is a win in a world where we’re all a bit more conscious of hygiene.

But wait—there’s a twist

Not everyone agrees with Professor Freestone. Dr Christian Moro, an associate professor of health sciences and medicine at Bond University here in Australia, argues that the ‘under’ method could worsen things. 

His concern? When you reach for the paper, you’re more likely to touch the wall behind the roll, potentially leaving germs for the next person. This could be a real issue in public toilets, where cleanliness is already a concern.

So, which expert do you trust? Is the one who says ‘under’ more hygienic, or the one who warns it could spread germs to the wall? It seems the debate isn’t quite as settled as we’d hoped.

Interestingly, the debate isn’t just about personal preference. Research shows that women are at greater risk of infection from poor toilet hygiene because they use more paper for both number ones and twos. 

And in public restrooms, where every surface is a potential germ hotspot—from the door handle to the flush button to the bath mat (which, believe it or not, is often dirtier than the toilet seat)—the way you hang your roll could make a difference.

For the trivia buffs: Toilet paper, as we know, was invented around 250 years ago, but the first patent for a perforated roll was filed in 1891. 

That patent clearly shows the paper hanging ‘over’—a fact that many ‘over’ advocates cite as the ultimate proof that their way is right. But as we’ve seen, science sometimes has other ideas.

Let’s not forget the practical side. If you have a curious cat or a mischievous toddler, the ‘under’ method can be a lifesaver, making it harder for little paws or hands to unravel the whole roll in one go. 

On the other hand, if you have arthritis or limited dexterity, the ‘over’ method might be easier to grab.

Our advice? Pick the best method for you and your household—and maybe keep a spare roll handy, just in case someone decides to switch things up.

Now, over to you! Are you Team Over or Team Under? Have you ever had a heated debate about the ‘right’ way to hang the roll? And do you think hygiene should trump habit? In the comments below, share your thoughts (and best toilet paper tales).

Also read: Tested by CHOICE: Find out the most recommended toilet paper options