Japanese innovation meets an unexpected problem
Japanese toilets are renowned worldwide for their state-of-the-art features, including heated toilet seats, automatic flush systems, and even built-in music players. However, the creators of these marvels of modern convenience have revealed a surprising adversary: toilet paper.
Last week, Toto, one of Japan’s leading toilet seat manufacturers, issued an advisory urging users to avoid wiping its bidet toilet seats with toilet paper to prevent surface damage.
The issue with toilet paper
Toto’s bidet toilet seats, crafted from plastic resin, are praised for their durability and ability to take on intricate designs. However, the company explained that wiping the seats with toilet paper—or even dry cloth—can create micro scratches that trap dirt over time, leading to discoloration.
Speaking to the Mainichi Shimbun, a Toto representative clarified that the plastic resin is chosen for its “resistance to detergents and its ability to be molded into complex shapes.” Despite these benefits, the material remains vulnerable to abrasive friction.
A shared industry challenge
Toto is not alone in advising against using toilet paper to clean toilet seats. Cleaning experts and lifestyle guides have echoed similar advice, highlighting the risk of surface damage.
Instead, users are encouraged to clean seats with a soft cloth moistened with water or a gentle detergent. Abrasive tools such as nylon scrubbers, metal brushes, or harsh chemicals like thinners should be avoided altogether.
Toto has acknowledged the issue and is exploring scratch-resistant materials but stated, “There are no plans to change the material at this time.”
The pride of Japanese toilets
Toto’s flagship product, the Washlet, exemplifies the ingenuity of Japanese toilets. With features like an automatic lid, air dryer, and adjustable water pressure for the bidet, the Washlet has become a symbol of comfort and advanced technology.
Japanese toilets, often seen as an extension of the country’s famed hospitality culture, have garnered admiration both domestically and internationally. They are a point of pride for Japan and an unlikely attraction for tourists.
As Toto continues its efforts to enhance user experience, its recent advice serves as a reminder that even cutting-edge technology requires thoughtful care.
