What is the cleanest way to wipe your bum?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 study, bidets were found to offer a more hygienic clean than dry toilet paper alone, reducing the risk of skin irritation and bacteria spread. We explore this and answer: What is the cleanest way to wipe your bum?

Quick Summary

The most hygienic methods for cleaning after a bowel movement involve using water, like a bidet or peri bottle, followed by gentle drying, which is more effective and less irritating than dry paper alone. Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria spread.

Key Points

Washing is Cleaner: Using water via a bidet or peri bottle is more hygienic and effective than relying on dry toilet paper, which can smear waste and cause irritation.
Always Wipe Front-to-Back: This crucial technique prevents the spread of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, significantly reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Gentle is Best: Avoid aggressive scrubbing with toilet paper, as this can cause micro-tears and lead to discomfort or chronic itching (pruritus ani).
Avoid Scented Wipes and Soaps: Many wet wipes and scented products contain chemicals that can irritate the sensitive perianal skin and disrupt the natural bacterial balance.
Don't Skip the Dry Step: After using water or a moist wipe, gently pat the area dry with soft toilet paper or a cloth to prevent irritation from excess moisture.
Diet Matters: A diet rich in fiber and adequate hydration can lead to more consistent bowel movements and easier clean-up.
Bidets Offer Superior Hygiene: Considered the most effective method by experts, bidets provide a deep clean with a targeted stream of water, reducing residue and irritation.

The Case for Washing With Water

While dry toilet paper is the standard in many cultures, it's essentially just smearing and can leave residual fecal matter behind. This can lead to irritation, itching, and potential infections. Using water, on the other hand, provides a more thorough and gentle cleanse, similar to washing your hands instead of simply wiping them with paper.

Bidets: The Ultimate Clean

Bidets are toilet attachments or standalone units that spray a stream of water for cleansing. Common in Europe and Japan, they are gaining popularity in the West for their superior hygiene benefits. Bidets are environmentally friendly, using less water than is required to produce toilet paper, and can save you money over time.

Benefits of using a bidet:
- More thorough cleaning compared to dry paper.
- Reduces the risk of anal irritation, hemorrhoids, and fissures.
- Environmentally friendly due to reduced toilet paper consumption.
- Promotes better overall anal health.

The Bidet Alternatives: No Fancy Plumbing Needed

For those not ready to install a full bidet, there are several water-based alternatives:

Handheld sprayers: These are mini showerheads that attach to your toilet's water supply.
Peri bottles: Squeeze bottles used for rinsing, similar to what's offered in hospitals for postpartum care.
Moistened toilet paper: Lightly moistening a durable piece of toilet paper can offer a gentler clean than dry paper.

Perfecting Your Dry Wiping Technique

If you are using dry toilet paper, adopting the proper technique is crucial for both cleanliness and comfort. The goal is to be gentle yet thorough.

The Front-to-Back Rule

For both men and women, wiping from front to back is the most important rule of anal hygiene. This prevents the transfer of fecal bacteria from the anus to the urethra, which is a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women. To execute this, it is often easiest to reach around from behind while seated.

Dabbing Over Scrubbing

Excessive or vigorous scrubbing with dry paper can damage the delicate skin of the perianal area, leading to micro-tears, irritation, and even conditions like pruritus ani (chronic anal itching). Instead of scrubbing, gently dab and blot to lift away waste. For a more effective cleanse, fold your toilet paper for multiple clean surfaces.

The Importance of a Final Dry

After using water or a moist towel, it's essential to dry the area thoroughly but gently. Leaving moisture can lead to a moist, irritated environment that can cause chafing, bacterial growth, or fungal infections. A soft cloth or a dry piece of toilet paper can be used for gentle patting. Some bidets even have an air-dry function.

Comparison of Anal Cleansing Methods


Feature	Dry Toilet Paper	Moist Wipes	Bidet (Water)
Cleanliness	Leaves residue; less hygienic.	Can contain irritants; often not flushable.	Most hygienic; washes away waste.
Gentleness	Can be abrasive, especially with rough paper or aggressive wiping.	Softer than dry paper, but chemicals can cause irritation.	Very gentle; reduces friction and irritation.
Cost	Low initial cost; ongoing expense for paper.	Low to moderate; ongoing cost; flushable wipes can cause plumbing issues.	Moderate upfront cost for installation; very low long-term running costs.
Environmental Impact	High, due to tree and water usage for production.	High, as most are not biodegradable and clog systems.	Low, minimal water use per wash; significantly less paper waste.
Special Considerations	Can cause irritation, especially if wiped aggressively.	Chemicals can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity over time.	Initial use may feel unusual; a proper drying method is still needed.

The Role of Diet and Proper Habits

Beyond technique, your general health and bathroom habits contribute significantly to proper anal hygiene. Eating a fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps produce bulkier, well-formed stools that are easier to clean. Staying hydrated also helps soften stool. Waiting for a good opportunity to use the toilet without rushing allows for a more complete evacuation and easier clean-up.

For those with medical conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, or irritable bowel syndrome, gentle cleaning is even more critical. A bidet or peri bottle with lukewarm water is often recommended to prevent aggravating the area. If you consistently feel unclean or experience persistent irritation, it may be a symptom of a larger issue and warrants a conversation with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: Upgrading Your Bathroom Routine

The cleanest way to wipe your bum goes beyond the quick swipe of dry paper. The gold standard for hygienic cleaning is using water, either via a bidet or a simpler alternative like a peri bottle, followed by gentle drying. This method prevents irritation, ensures a more thorough clean, and is often more environmentally friendly. By adopting these techniques, you can significantly improve your personal hygiene and overall comfort. For more authoritative guidance on personal health topics, consult resources like the Healthline article on anal hygiene.

Ultimately, upgrading your routine to include water-based cleaning is a simple change that can lead to a fresher, healthier you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, using a bidet is generally considered more hygienic than toilet paper alone. Water provides a more complete and gentle clean, washing away residual waste instead of just smearing it. This can reduce irritation and improve overall anal health.

While some find wet wipes to be a better option than dry toilet paper, they are not without downsides. Many contain chemicals and fragrances that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. They are also notorious for clogging plumbing systems, as most are not truly flushable.

The correct and safest direction is always front to back. For women, this is crucial for preventing UTIs, but it's a good practice for everyone to avoid spreading bacteria and ensure maximum cleanliness.

If a bidet is not an option, you can still use water for a better clean. Consider using a peri bottle (a squeeze bottle filled with water) or a small handheld showerhead to rinse the area. After rinsing, gently pat dry with soft toilet paper.

Yes, excessive or aggressive wiping with dry paper can damage the delicate skin, leading to painful anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or chronic itching (pruritus ani). Gentle dabbing is always recommended over harsh scrubbing.

The position is a matter of personal preference, but many people find that wiping while seated keeps the buttocks spread apart, allowing for easier and more thorough cleaning. The key is to find a position that allows you to maintain the front-to-back motion comfortably.

After using water or a moist wipe, gently pat the area with a small amount of soft, dry toilet paper or a dedicated drying cloth. Ensuring you are completely dry helps prevent skin irritation and chafing.