Wiping: Do You Fold or Wad? (2024)

When it comes to wiping after using the bathroom, some believe it’s a personality trait: a right-brained, creative thing versus a left-brained, logical approach. Others think it’s nature versus nurture — what feels best as opposed to what we were taught early on. So where do you stand on this personal question?

Is there a difference between folding and wadding?

As a matter of fact, there is a difference — and, as we’ve discovered, a right answer.

As with the age-old question, “What’s the correct way to hang toilet paper—under or over?”* the correct answer is rooted in science. Michigan State University theoretical and computational nuclear physicist Dr. Sam Novario actually crunched the numbers for a Mel Magazine article entitled, “Should You Fold or Wad Toilet Paper? A Physicist Settles the Debate for Good.”

After numerous calculations involving “wipe integrity” — the strength of the toilet tissue, its effective thickness, and the probability that it stays intact during the procedure — Dr. Novario came up with a formula that combined a hybrid of the wad and the fold: a couple folded sheets of toilet paper with a crumple on top “for extra waste-wicking wrinkles and folds.” In other words, when it comes to toilet paper, don’t just wad or fold; instead, you should “wafold.”

Behold the wonder of science, folks.

^{Courtesy: Dr. Sam Novario’s complete calculations via melmagazine.com}

Don’t want to wafold? Try a wet wipe.

If toilet paper origami seems a little labor-intensive for you, try a flushable* wipe from the Nice ’N CLEAN® brand. In addition to our standard flushable wipes, we now also offer a revolutionary biodegradable flushable wipe that breaks apart 5 times faster in water than the leading toilet paper does. Gentle yet durable, Nice ’N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH^TM Technology Flushable Wipes are made from 100% biodegradable** plant-based fibers and infused with 3 times more moisturizing aloe and vitamin E than the original formula. Safe for septic systems*, you can flush up to 5 wet wipes at a time! These wipes offer TLC to your tush as well as to our planet.

The next time nature calls, put down the calculator and pick up a discreet pack of Nice ’N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH^TM Technology Flushable Wipes. Because whether you fold or wad a wipe, you’re going to come away feeling nice and clean.

^†The correct answer is “over.” According to science (and Oprah) it is more sanitary to hang a roll of toilet paper over because it is easier to tear off the amount you require without contaminating the rest of the roll with E. coli, the bacteria commonly found in human feces.

*Safe for well-maintained sewer and septic systems. Not recommended for use with motorhomes or basem*nt pump systems.

**When disposed of in the toilet

Resources:
Should You Fold or Wad Toilet Paper? A Physicist Settles the Debate for Good.

The 3 Types of Toilet Paper Users: Which One Are You?

Potty Training 101: Do you Ball or Fold?

How You Hang Your Toilet Paper Reveals a Lot About Your Personality