What percentage of people stand up to wipe? The surprising stats and hygiene debate

September 29, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a large 2017 survey on Reddit, approximately 34% of respondents indicated that they stand up to wipe after using the toilet. This statistic reveals the prevalence of this often-unspoken personal care detail, prompting many to question the commonality of the habit and, more importantly, address the fundamental hygiene question: What percentage of people stand up to wipe?

Quick Summary

Exploring the varying statistics on how many people stand or sit to wipe, this article discusses the hygienic pros and cons of each method, expert opinions on the matter, and best practices for personal cleanliness, regardless of your chosen position.

Key Points

Prevalence Varies: Surveys show that a significant portion of the population stands up to wipe (e.g., ~34% in a Reddit poll), though sitting remains the majority habit.
Key Hygiene Rule: Regardless of whether you stand or sit, wiping front-to-back is the most critical rule, especially for those with vulvas, to prevent the spread of bacteria and UTIs.
Sitting's Advantage: The seated position naturally keeps buttocks separated, which often provides more thorough access to the anal area for cleaning.
Standing's Rationale: Those who stand may do so for greater perceived control, better visibility, or to keep hands further from the toilet bowl.
Gentle is Better: Medical experts advise using a soft touch and avoiding aggressive scrubbing, which can lead to skin irritation or anal fissures.
Bidets Offer Superior Cleanliness: For maximum hygiene, bidets use water for a more thorough and gentle clean, eliminating the position debate altogether.
Personal Preference Matters: The choice of position is largely a matter of comfort and habit, and as long as good technique is used, both are viable options.

For a long time, the topic of how one wipes after using the toilet has been a silent and often-assumed personal habit. However, over the last decade, with the rise of online forums and viral polls, it has emerged as a surprisingly common and sometimes heated debate. People are often shocked to learn that their own method isn't the only one, or even the most common. This discussion transcends simple preference, touching on practical aspects of hygiene, comfort, and mobility. Different surveys conducted by online outlets show varying results, suggesting that a significant portion of the population employs the standing method, though most people are 'sitters'.

The Surprising Statistics on Wiping Positions

When it comes to answering the question, 'What percentage of people stand up to wipe?', the results are not consistent across all online surveys. However, they all confirm that both methods are surprisingly common. The varying statistics likely result from differences in survey sample sizes, demographics, and the platform where the poll was conducted.

Reddit r/SampleSize (2017): A survey of 951 respondents found that 34.3% said they wipe standing up, while 65.7% wipe sitting down. The data also showed a gender split, with 37.7% of men and 26.8% of women reporting they stand.
Whisper Bidets (2018): In a survey of 100 people, 21% of respondents identified as standers, while 79% were sitters. The smaller sample size and specific context (a bidet company) could influence these results.
Men's Health (2018): Citing social media polls, an article reported that about 35% of men wipe standing up, a number not insignificant enough to ignore.

These polls reveal that the 'sitter' majority is not absolute, and a substantial minority practices the standing method. The key takeaway is that neither approach is an isolated eccentricity; both are widely practiced throughout the population.

The Hygienic Arguments: Sitting vs. Standing

Proponents of each method present their own logical arguments. Understanding the rationale behind each can shed light on the personal health implications.

The Case for Sitting

Those who prefer to wipe while sitting down often cite the following advantages:

Superior Cleanliness: When you remain seated, your buttocks are naturally spread and relaxed, offering better access to the anal area for a more thorough clean. Wiping while your cheeks are compressed can lead to incomplete cleaning.
Better Access: The seated position provides a stable, low-effort way to reach the target area without awkward maneuvering.
Less Smearing Risk: With cheeks separated, there is less risk of smearing fecal matter across the buttock cheeks or upper thighs, ensuring a cleaner process.

The Argument for Standing

Conversely, those who stand to wipe offer their own set of reasons:

Hand Distance from Toilet: Standers emphasize that they can better position themselves to keep their hands and arms away from the potentially germ-covered toilet bowl, a factor particularly relevant in public restrooms.
Better Visibility and Reach: Some feel they can better visualize and leverage their arm for a more effective wipe. This can be especially true for individuals with mobility issues or different body types.
Reduced Smearing Risk (Counter-Argument): While sitters believe their method reduces smearing, some standers argue that by standing, they have more control over the motion and can keep the used toilet paper from brushing against their body.

Wiping Method Comparison Table


Feature	Sitting (Lean Forward/Reach Back)	Standing (Partial Squat/Bend Over)
Hygiene Access	Generally provides better access due to separated butt cheeks.	Buttocks can clench, potentially restricting access and increasing smearing risk.
Reach and Control	Requires reaching into a smaller space, but the target area is more open.	Offers more leverage and room for movement, which some find more comfortable.
Comfort and Mobility	Less effort required, as you're already seated. Can be more challenging for those with limited flexibility.	Can feel more natural for some; offers a wider range of motion, which might be easier for those with mobility issues.
Perceived Cleanliness	Considered more thorough by many due to better access and reduced risk of smearing.	Standers cite keeping hands away from the toilet as a key sanitary benefit, especially in public spaces.

The Expert Take: What Matters Most for Health

According to medical experts like gastroenterologists, the position itself—whether you sit or stand—is ultimately a matter of personal preference and mobility. There are no specific health risks associated with either method, provided that a proper technique is employed. The more critical factors for maintaining good hygiene and preventing complications are:

Wipe from Front to Back: This is the most crucial rule, especially for individuals with a vulva. Wiping from the anus toward the urethra can introduce bacteria like E. coli, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Be Gentle: Vigorously wiping can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and even small anal fissures. Using soft toilet paper and a gentle patting motion is recommended.
Be Thorough: Regardless of technique, you should continue wiping until the toilet paper comes away clean. Rushing the process can leave behind residue that causes irritation and odor.

Advanced Hygiene Techniques

For those seeking a more thorough and hygienic clean than toilet paper alone can provide, there are several effective alternatives:

Bidets: A bidet uses a stream of water to clean the area. It is widely regarded as the most hygienic and gentle method, completely eliminating the need for abrasive wiping.
Wet Wipes: Designed for personal hygiene, flushable wipes can provide a more effective and refreshing clean. It is important to use true 'flushable' wipes to avoid plumbing issues.
Peri Bottles or Cleansing Lotions: These tools, often used post-childbirth, can be used to apply water or a gentle cleansing solution to the area, moistening things for a more effective wipe.

For more detailed advice on comprehensive anal hygiene, resources from reliable health websites like Healthline can provide valuable insight. Ultimately, the goal is a clean, comfortable, and healthy outcome, which is achievable with either wiping method when done correctly.

Conclusion

While the answer to 'What percentage of people stand up to wipe?' varies depending on the poll, it's clear that both standing and sitting are common habits. The online discourse surrounding this topic reveals a widespread curiosity about personal hygiene practices. Ultimately, a person's wiping position is far less important than their technique. A gentle, front-to-back motion is the most critical factor for maintaining proper health and avoiding issues like UTIs and skin irritation, regardless of whether you choose to sit or stand. For those seeking maximum cleanliness, adding water-based methods like a bidet can offer a superior result, but with attention to proper form, both traditional wiping methods can be perfectly hygienic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standing to wipe is not inherently bad for your health, provided that you use a hygienic technique. The most important factor is wiping from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria, not the position itself.

Sitting can be considered more hygienic by some because it naturally spreads the buttocks, offering better access for cleaning. However, effective hygiene depends more on your wiping technique than your position, with gentle, front-to-back motions being key regardless of how you wipe.

Wiping while standing can cause the buttocks to clench together, potentially making the cleaning process less efficient and increasing the risk of smearing. However, some standers adapt their technique to minimize this possibility.

People stand up to wipe for various reasons, including feeling they have better leverage or control, a habit from childhood, or a desire to keep their hands and arms away from the toilet bowl, especially in public restrooms.

For women, wiping from front to back is essential to prevent bacteria from the anus from spreading to the urethra and vagina, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Yes, many health experts and users consider a bidet to be a more hygienic method than wiping with toilet paper alone. Water offers a more thorough and less abrasive clean that removes more fecal matter without irritating the skin.

No, your wiping position does not define your personality. It is simply a personal preference or a habit developed over time. The debate is a fun but ultimately superficial reflection of the diversity in human behavior.

Beyond effective wiping, you can use methods like a bidet, wet wipes (check for flushability), or gentle cleansing lotions. Using soft toilet paper and patting rather than scrubbing also contributes to a cleaner and healthier outcome.