# Reasons it is sometimes OK to have the toilet paper roll in backwards **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 15, 2019, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568 "2019-06-15T16:29:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/1 "2019-06-15T16:29:39Z")
I’m a firm believer that the vast majority of the time, the only acceptable way to install a roll of toilet paper is that so it unrolls over the top in front. However, I do concede there are circumstances where the reverse arrangement is better. Thus far I’ve come up with two acceptable reasons. 1. One has cats or other pets in the household which unroll TP hung the traditional way. 2. One has small children which do this also. I suspect there are other legit reasons but have difficulty coming up with them. Please, dopers, supply some other acceptable reasons. NB: While “I like it better this way” is not something I’d want to argue against, further explanation of why it’s liked better that way would be nice to get. Also: I see this thread as a tool for greater acceptance and understanding of my fellow primates, not as an opportunity to bash the minority. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/2 "2019-06-15T16:45:08Z")
I’ve read that restaurants and businesses do it (sometimes) so guests don’t just spool six feet off at a time. Like kids and cats, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/3 "2019-06-15T16:54:18Z")
In our master bath, the toilet paper roll is mounted directly over the AC vent in the floor. Sometimes when the roll gets down to about 1/4 left, just the blowing air is enough to cause the TP to unroll. It does not do this, though, when the TP is hung down the back instead of over the top. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/4 "2019-06-15T17:09:06Z")
As a side note, my cats will shred an entire roll whilst unrolling it. My puppy will take the end and run as far as she can to unspool it. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/5 "2019-06-15T17:19:00Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > As a side note, my cats will shred an entire roll whilst unrolling it. My puppy will take the end and run as far as she can to unspool it. I don’t suppose you have a video? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/6 "2019-06-15T17:21:21Z")
> [@](#): > > NB: While “I like it better this way” is not something I’d want to argue against, further explanation of why it’s liked better that way would be nice to get. To be fair, while I’ve vehemently believed all my life that unrolling at the front is the One True Way, i have a very difficult time articulating why that’s better. And I can’t very well expect the other side to come up with better arguments than I do. I’ve seen home bathrooms with two dispensers installed, in different places and different orientations, to ac-commode-ate both members of a couple. It’s tough to argue against that. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/7 "2019-06-15T17:23:54Z")
I don’t pay attention, and toilet paper is installed willy nilly in the house. But I do have small kids, and I guess it is better installed under the bottom for this reason. I think I’ve always had a slight preference for this orientation, but I’ve been shocked and surprised at how many people actually pay attention and at least pretend to care about it. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/8 "2019-06-15T17:29:19Z")
Next you’ll be saying its okay to put ketchup on a hot dog. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/9 "2019-06-15T17:35:14Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > To be fair, while I’ve vehemently believed all my life that unrolling at the front is the One True Way, i have a very difficult time articulating why that’s better. If the toilet roll is fitted the wrong way round, then the paper hanging down may be only half an inch or so from the wall. This means that, when one is reaching for paper, one’s fingers - which one may have been using to wipe one’s ass - are liable to touch the wall, which isn’t hygienic for a start. When the toilet roll is fitted the right way round, the hanging part is two or three inches away from the wall, which means one’s fingers will only come into contact with toilet paper. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/10 "2019-06-15T17:39:12Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I think I’ve always had a slight preference for this orientation, but I’ve been shocked and surprised at how many people actually pay attention and at least pretend to care about it. You better pay attention if you don’t want the government to [take away your children!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQod276-7Mo) :mad: 😛 ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/11 "2019-06-15T18:02:47Z")
I like it the “wrong” way. Due to ergonomic factors of hand dexterity and location of the roll, I’ve found that I can more easily and gently tear off the desired amount of paper with one hand…my left hand… by bracing the roll with my wrist and pulling the desired amount of gently/carefully at the perforation(s) with my fingers easier with the paper feed being underslung than overslung from the roll. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/12 "2019-06-15T18:15:35Z")
In our main bathroom, the toilet paper dispenser is built rather far back into the wall, and since I’ve had back problems, it’s difficult for me to twist around and reach it. So we keep the roll on its side, on the top of the tank. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/13 "2019-06-15T18:48:55Z")
Oh dear god. Please don’t tell me you people actually hang your toilet rolls from the wall. That is _so_ déclassé. Ours are always ensconced in [one of these](https://www.google.com/search?q=toilet+roll+doll&oq=toilet+roll+do&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j69i60j0l2.5793j0j7&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=Fvyqd7kzSO1MVM:), as nature intended. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/14 "2019-06-15T19:01:47Z")
I reject the premise that there’s a “backwards.” ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/15 "2019-06-15T19:08:38Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Oh dear god. Please don’t tell me you people actually hang your toilet rolls from the wall. That is _so_ déclassé. > > Ours are always ensconced in [one of these](https://www.google.com/search?q=toilet+roll+doll&oq=toilet+roll+do&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j69i60j0l2.5793j0j7&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=Fvyqd7kzSO1MVM:), as nature intended. How very nice for you, that you never have to actually _use_ your toilet paper. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/16 "2019-06-15T19:40:09Z")
In true passive-aggressive manner… My wife always hung rolls so that the tissue unrolled from underneath. I always did the opposite, having it feed from the top. We mentioned the difference when we first got married. Now, whenever she replaces a roll, she installs it the way I prefer. Whenever I install a roll, I do it the way she likes. In other words, we each install it contrary to our own preferences in order to please the other. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/17 "2019-06-15T19:46:18Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Ours are always ensconced in [one of these](https://www.google.com/search?q=toilet+roll+doll&oq=toilet+roll+do&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j69i60j0l2.5793j0j7&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=Fvyqd7kzSO1MVM:), as nature intended. Saints preserve us! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/18 "2019-06-15T19:47:18Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > I don’t suppose you have a video? They don’t do it while you are\* looking\*, Thudlow. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/19 "2019-06-15T20:24:29Z")
I like the vertical style, myself. Sidesteps the whole question, and much easier to change the paper. Can’t find a picture of the ones I’ve got, but [here’s](https://www.google.com/search?q=vertical+toilet+paper+holder&tbm=isch&source=univ&client=firefox-b-1-d&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjAgYq5qOziAhVEp1kKHXtODQUQsAR6BAgIEAE&biw=1009&bih=518) some examples. ---
**Author:** ![UCBearcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/77aa72/32.png) [@UCBearcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UCBearcats)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2019, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568/20 "2019-06-15T20:41:51Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Oh dear god. Please don’t tell me you people actually hang your toilet rolls from the wall. That is _so_ déclassé. > > Ours are always ensconced in [one of these](https://www.google.com/search?q=toilet+roll+doll&oq=toilet+roll+do&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j69i60j0l2.5793j0j7&client=tablet-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=Fvyqd7kzSO1MVM:), as nature intended. That should be used in place of toilet paper. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-it-is-sometimes-ok-to-have-the-toilet-paper-roll-in-backwards/835568.md?page=2)