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Find out 10 interesting and fun facts about toilets. You will be amazed!
10 Facts You Didn't Know About Toilets
Toilets are one of those undeniable necessities of life. We all need one. Most of us have one – some of us have more – and we all want to keep them clean. Sometimes you just have to see the funny side of these strange bowls. Here are 10 quirky facts about toilets to keep you entertained as you tackle the task of getting rid of the bacteria and limescale in your own toilets.
1. THE DUAL-FLUSH TOILET, AN AUSTRALIAN INVENTION
The dual-flush toilet, an important innovation for water conservation, was invented by Australian Bruce Thompson in 1980. It allows users to choose between a half flush (for liquid waste) and a full flush (for solid waste) [BBC, 2012].
2. SERIOUS SHEETS
It’s rumoured that toilet paper dates back to the 14th century when a Chinese Emperor ordered it in sheets that were two feet by three feet. Imagine trying to get an 8-pack of that stuff in the cupboard under the stairs!
3. AWAY FROM HOME
A public toilet can harbour over 200,000 germs. Whoever looks after them needs to get hold of some Harpic! Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
4. LUXURY WIPE
For those who think their deserve the best, you can’t look past Japan’s exclusive toilet paper called Hanebisho. This toilet paper is made from the highest quality wood fibre and has beautifully adorned works of art on it.
5. INVENTION OF THE MODERN TOILET
Although there are many claims to fame, Scottish inventor Alexander Cumming was granted the first patent for a flushing toilet in 1775. [History.com, 2020].
6. TOILET TUNER
Forget singing in the shower, the toilet could be your best bathroom backing band. Apparently, most toilets flush in the key of E flat!
7. TOILET CHAT
82% of people surveyed under the age of 40 admitted to using their phone on the toilet. The digital age is coming on leaps and bounds!
8. DO TOILETS IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE FLUSH IN REVERSE?
It is commonly thought that people on the other side of the world flush backwards. SO, do they? The answer is no. The natural phenomenon known as the Coriolis effect tells us that water will drain counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. But this has nothing to do with flushing toilets, which are in fact impacted by the shape and design of the toilet bowl!
9. TOILET PAPER PANIC OF 2020
Australia made headlines globally during the COVID-19 pandemic when widespread panic buying led to a temporary toilet paper shortage. Supermarkets had to impose limits on toilet paper purchases to manage the demand.
10. AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL PUBLIC TOILET MAP
This government-supported tool helps Australians locate public toilets across the country. It's especially useful in remote and rural areas where facilities can be scarce. Find it here: https://toiletmap.gov.au/
1. Mercer, P (2012). Wi-fi, dual-flush loos and eight more Australian inventions. BBC News.
2. Barsksdale, N (2020). Who Invented the Flush Toilet? History.com.
How can we help?
Harpic can help you find a solution to your toilet questions!
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