The Angel Soft® brand presents the history of toilet paper!
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The history of toilet paper
Before the convenience of Angel Soft® toilet paper ever reached store shelves, there was a long journey of innovation. The history of toilet paper tells the fascinating timeline of how people around the world found clever ways to stay clean—and how the toilet paper we know today came to be.
What did people use before toilet paper?
How did our ancestors keep their bottoms clean? According to historical records, ancient Greeks used stones and pieces of clay, while Romans wiped with sponges attached to sticks. Other early methods included water, leaves, grass, paper, hands, and even corncobs.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “What did people use before toilet paper was invented?”—consider modern toilet paper a blessing. Thanks to Angel and her team, we can wipe in comfort—without the less-than-divine methods of the past.
From sheets to rolls — who invented toilet paper?
Since the beginning of time, everyone has needed a way to wipe. But before toilet paper, it was simply paper. The first documented use of paper for personal hygiene was in 6th century China. By the 14th century, China began mass-producing paper for bathroom use, especially for the imperial court.
But it wasn’t until 1857 that Joseph Gayetty introduced “Gayetty’s Medicated Paper”—the first commercially available toilet paper in the U.S., sold in flat sheets. In the 1890s, Seth Wheeler patented the perforated toilet paper roll, revolutionizing how toilet paper was packaged and used.
Say Halo! To Angel Soft toilet paper.
In 1987, Angel Soft® Toilet Paper lands on store shelves and becomes a part of modern toilet paper history. In 2015, Angel Soft® introduced its Fresh Scented Lavender Tube and has since added other fresh smelling fragrances. Whether you choose regular Angel Soft®, Angel Soft® Ultra or Angel Soft® with Scented Tube, each roll delivers just the right amount of softness to put you and your family on Cloud 9, and it’s always at a value that can’t be beat.
Toilet paper through the ages
6th Century
First use of paper for hygiene in China1393
China produces over 700,000 sheets annually for the imperial court1857
Joseph Gayetty sells the first commercial toilet paper in the U.S.1890s
Seth Wheeler patents perforated toilet paper roll and dispenser1987
Angel Soft® lands on store shelves2015
Angel Soft® introduces Fresh Lavender Scented Tube
Did You Know?
Joseph Gayetty printed his name on every sheet of his original toilet paper.
In 1973, a late-night joke about a toilet paper shortage caused a real-life panic.
Seth Wheeler’s patent for perforated rolls shaped how toilet paper is sold to this day.
NASA uses specially designed toilet paper for space missions.
Why choose Angel Soft® toilet paper?
2-ply softness & strength.
Each 2-ply sheet is made to be perfectly soft and perfectly strong, giving you toilet paper you can rely on. You’ll be on cloud nine!
Good quality. Great value.
Every roll provides the dependability you need for your daily routine, all at a price that won’t break the bank!
Rolls that last.
Angel Soft® toilet paper is available in long-lasting Mega and Super Mega roll sizes, so you can change the roll less often!*
*vs our regular rolls
*vs our regular rolls
Easy flush. Septic safe.
Our toilet paper flushes easily and is septic safe in standard, well-maintained septic and sewer systems.
The easy choice.
When toilet paper does what it’s supposed to, that’s one less thing to think about. Angel Soft® toilet paper delivers softness, strength, and value that fits real life.
