The History of 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.

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.

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.