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Knowing how to clean your bum 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 your bum properly? You might be surprised to find that a few tweaks to your routine, like using our Cushelle Tubeless Quilted toilet tissue could help leave you feeling more fresh, comfortable, and hygienic. If you are teaching a child how to wipe their bum on their own, it could also be useful to take a look through these 10 toilet hygiene rules to help them out.
Best way to wipe your bum: the front-back technique
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 place, which can cause problems up front – particularly for girls, as it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
The best way to wipe your bum is to reach around the side of your body to the back and 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 use a different method instead. You could 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.
How to clean your bum with the right pressure
As you gauge how to wipe – and how much pressure to apply – you should keep in mind that the skin in that area is delicate. So it’s very important to always wipe as gently as possible.
If there’s an occasion when you’re a bit too vigorous when wiping, you might be left with itching in that area. This is caused by inflammation. You might also experience some swelling and redness because the capillaries underneath the skin have dilated.
Frequent, runny stools can also cause discomfort to that delicate area. You’ll be wiping your bum more often than usual, too, which can add to the soreness.
There’s no need to worry, though, as with a little tender 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 it worse.3 Carefully use moist toilet tissues and an emollient-rich barrier cream while the area is sore – pop it in the fridge first, and the cool cream will feel even more soothing. This is when choosing the right toilet tissue can also make a big difference. Cushelle is gentle on your skin when you need that soft touch the most.
How to teach kids how to wipe their bum
Help kids remember how to wipe with 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.
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 mum and dad aren’t there to supervise.
If they accidentally wipe from back to front while they’re still learning, it’s a good idea to take it as an opportunity to remind them of the correct direction. And make sure to clean the urethral area afterwards, to help get rid of any germs. Avoid turning the shower up high, though, as the force can actually push the bacteria further inside. Instead, rinse the area gently with cool water. Drinking plenty of fluid over the next couple of days will also help flush out any lingering germs.
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 strong, will mean you only need to use a few sheets to feel clean and comfortable.
Stock up your bathroom with Cushelle Tubeless Toilet Paper to help make wiping your bum comfortable and effective, every time. It’s made from FSC® certified natural fibres, with Micro Air Pockets to make each sheet extra soft and absorbent.
Finish your hygiene routine with Cushelle Fresh Flushable Wipes they are pH-balanced and gentle on skin to help you avoid the need to wipe vigorously. This will reduce the chance of irritation or infection. Take a look at this article for more information on what can be flushed down the toilet.
How many times should you wipe your bum?
There’s no set number of times you should wipe when it comes to learning how to clean your bum but using a cushiony soft toilet paper, like Cushelle Quilted Tubeless will help you feel comfortable, no matter how many pieces you need. And remember to go the extra mile by giving one last wipe with our Cushelle Fresh moist toilet paper.
Did you know? Toilets use around 27% of water consumption in your home. Yep – more than the washing machine and shower! Add a water saving device to your toilet’s tank to reduce water consumption – and your energy bill!
There you have it: a quick and simple guide of how to wipe your bum with toilet paper and moist toilet paper wipes. This should help you feel clean, comfortable, and confident after you’ve used the toilet. 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.
References:
1S. 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 12 Simple and Wonderful Ways to Make Your Bathroom Eco Friendly
6 NHS, How to wash your hands
