7 handy tips on how to wipe your bum properly  

Knowing things like how to wipe your bum or how to use the toilet paper might seem like common sense, but there are lots of different ways to do it – some more effective than others. Do you think you already know how to wipe properly? You might be surprised to find that a few tweaks to your routine could help leave you feeling so much fresher, cleaner and comfortable. Why? Because ‘good enough’ isn’t ‘good’ – and you deserve the best.

1. Wiping back to front or wiping front to back: which direction is best? 

There are lots of rules in life that are there to be broken, but wiping front to back isn’t one of them. Germs can end up in the wrong places, which can cause problems up front – particularly for girls, as these can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. 

Help children remember how to use toilet paper by explaining to them that they wouldn’t wear their clothes back to front, so they shouldn’t wipe back to front either.¹ If they accidentally wipe from back to front while they’re still learning, gently remind them of the correct direction. Make your life that little bit easier and download our printable toilet hygiene rules to stick on the bathroom door as a reminder for when you’re not there. 

Gently washing the area around your genitals and behind with cool water, as well as drinking plenty of fluids, can help flush out any lingering germs.² 

Read our tips on how to cope with diarrhoea at home for some further comfort.

2 . How to wipe: front to back 

It’s good to know not only which direction, but how to wipe front to back. Instead of wiping back to front by taking the toilet paper between your legs from the front, reach around the side of your body, then put your hand through your legs from behind. This makes it easier to wipe in the most hygienic direction in one motion, keeping everything away from the urethra. 

If that’s too uncomfortable, or you have physical limitations that mean you can’t use this technique, you can still put your hand between your legs from the front; you just need to take extra care that you’re only moving in a front-to-back direction when wiping your bum from this angle. There are also mobility aids that hold toilet paper on a long handle, if you’re restricted from reaching back at all.

3. What you need for wiping your bum

An important part of learning how to wipe your bum properly is finding the right paper for you. Choosing a toilet paper that’s soft and skin-loving, such as Cushelle Quilted, will mean you only need to use a few sheets to feel clean and comfortable. 

4. How to clean your bum – gently 

As you gauge how to wipe – and how hard – you should keep in mind that the skin on your delicate areas is, well, delicate. If you wipe a bit too vigorously, you might be left with discomfort and/or itchiness in that area, caused by inflammation. You might also experience some swelling and redness, because the capillaries underneath the skin have dilated.  

There’s no need to worry though, as with a little loving care you’ll soon be back to normal. Try to avoid scratching, using harsh soaps, eating spicy food, or sitting down for long periods, as they can all make discomfort worse.³

This can be prevented, of course – we know you don’t have time to waste worrying about your behind. That’s why you deserve the best: a toilet paper that’s selfishly soft and ensures comfort with every use, such as Cushelle Quilted, our softest, most skin-loving toilet paper ever. 

Carefully use your superior toilet paper alongside an emollient-rich barrier cream while the area is sore – pop the cream in the fridge first, and it will feel even more soothing. 

5. Correct way to wipe your bum when you have diarrhoea   

Frequent, runny stools can cause discomfort to delicate areas. You’ll be wiping your bum more often than usual, too, which can add to soreness. This is when the quality of your toilet paper can make a big difference. 

Cushelle Quilted toilet rolls are gentle on your skin when you need that soft touch most. Using your Cushelle toilet paper, try dabbing, rather than wiping, for a super gentle touch³, and follow up with a moist toilet tissue for extra cleanliness. If you’re wiping a lot and the area is particularly tender, gently washing with water every couple of times instead can also help. 

A bidet is perfect for this, but if you don’t have one, you could use a handheld showerhead instead. Set it to a lukewarm temperature, as hot water can dry out the skin and cause greater discomfort. While it might feel like an extra step you don’t have time for, you deserve the best care and looking after number one should always be top priority. After all, you can’t look after anyone else if you don’t look after yourself first!  

6. How many times should you wipe? 

There’s no set number of times when it comes to learning how to wipe your bum, but using a toilet paper that’s strong and soft will help you feel comfortable, no matter how many pieces you need. 

7. Should you sit or stand while wiping your bum? 

Kids might find it easier to learn how to wipe standing up, but try and encourage them to stay seated, right from potty-training-age. This will help them develop good toilet hygiene habits for when you’re not there to supervise. 

There you have it: a quick and simple explanation of how to use the toilet paper. This should help you feel clean, comfortable and confident after you’ve used the toilet, every time. If ever in doubt, remember this simple ABC guide on to how to wipe properly: 

• Always wipe from front to back
• Be gentle
• Choose soft yet strong toilet paper and follow up with moist toilet tissue

And don’t forget the most important step of all – wash your hands! The NHS guide to hand washing is a helpful reminder of how to do a thorough job, with step-by-step instructions on how to get every part of your hands spick and span.⁵

*To verify claims, please email verify.uk@essity.com for full verification details. 

Sources:

¹  S. Persad, S. Watermeyer, A. Griffiths, B. Cherian & J. Evans, Association between urinary tract infection and postmicturition wiping habit, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica. 2006; 85: 1395-1396
² Amber J. Tresca, The Healthiest Way to Wipe After a Bowel Movement, Very Well Health, 2019
³ Cleveland Clinic. Pruritus ani (anal itching): Management and treatment; 2018
⁴ Cancer Research UK, Tips on coping with diarrhoea; 2019
⁵ NHS,  How to wash your hand
⁶ NHS, Diarrhoea and Vomiting