[clarry]

We use toilet paper to wipe our butts, not our hands. So we shouldn't get fecal matter on our hands to begin with. Though we still wash our hands afterwards.

How do you wash your butt with water? I wash my body parts (in shower) using my hands to rub. Should I apply my hands on butt at loo? Sometimes I do it, but that's only when paper doesn't do a good job. But then my hand is in direct contact with fecal matter and there's a good risk of getting it under fingernails too. Of course I wash my hands as well as I can afterwards, but regularly dirtying them that way does sound like questionable personal hygiene.

(I can't believe I'm discussing this on HN.)

[notahacker]

A high pressure hose, accurately directed, works wonders. Though some paper to wipe afterwards helps. They're common enough in Asia to make me wonder why Europe hasn't caught on - at least in hotels and public bathrooms.

(I can't believe the level of discussion around toilet paper is more sophisticated than the discussion on the associated socioeconomic issues...)

[ballard]

Picking one or the other is a trade-off of effectiveness of water jet vs direct action and yet another part to clean. TP does create waste, as do wipes, so water jet is an environmental win and possibly sanitation one as well. TP and wipes are great for business.

In the West, it's generally considered faux pas disgusting to not meaningfully wash your hands before leaving a public restroom, regardless of business. (Turning on the water doesn't count.) What's the perception of hand-washing etiquette elsewhere?