How did people wipe themselves before toilet paper was invented?

Answer 1

People used pages from an old telephone book or catalog, but before that, I would imagine they simply used the softest leaves they could find.

Answer 2

The original material used in place of toilet paper ranged anywhere from leaves and sticks, to cobs of corn, or linen. It is believed that although the earliest form of toilet paper on a roll wasn’t introduced until 1880, people made do with many various items that stemmed from their environments.

Answer 3

This is going to sound odd but it depends on where you lived. As gross as this is most people used their hand. (Left preferably) if you travel to countries like those in Africa and the Middle East it is still a custom to never use the left hand for eating. (This is probably one of the reasons why although my father never said as much).
In Ancient Rome, a sponge on a stick was commonly used, and, after usage, placed back in a bucket of saltwater.
Hmmm, in general, wool, rags, even seashells were used.

Answer 4

Corn Cobs and the Sears and Robuck Catalog.

Answer 5

I've heard of people saying they used paper from the catalog in
the old out houses. Sounds rough.

Answer 6

i think that would have been too difficult for you to figure out. so God let you be born in a generation with toilet paper., otherwise, you would be a mess,

why does a dog wag its tail? WHEN HAPPY? and a cat when mad?
WHY DOES THE TOILET PAPER ISSUE CONCERN YOU,, ARE WE GOING TO HAVE A SHORTAGE?

Answer 7

Old Sears and Roebuck catalogue pages. Dried corn cobs. Rags.

Answer 8

They used all kinds of things. Corn cobs, catalog and phone book pages, magazine pages, leaves, grass, pine cones. The list goes on.

Answer 9

I would imagine on cloth towels and then slaves would clean them up... not hard to imagine. Maybe even palm leaves or some leaves of some plant.

Or, they may have just cleaned afterwards or have the ancient dogs lick the crap off... who knows...

Answer 10

I know that my grandparents had an outhouse where they kept the old Sears Roebuck catalog. And before that, they told me that they used old dried out corn cobs. Ouch!