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((Short description|Hygienic practice performed on the anal area, primarily post-defecation))
((Use dmy dates|date=February 2020))

'''Anal hygiene'''<ref name="Charlier">((Cite journal|last1=Charlier|first1=Philippe|last2=Brun|first2=Luc|last3=Prêtre|first3=Clarisse|last4=Huynh-Charlier|first4=Isabelle|date=2012-12-17|title=Toilet hygiene in the classical era|url=https://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e8287|journal=BMJ|language=en|volume=345|pages=e8287|doi=10.1136/bmj.e8287|issn=1756-1833|pmid=23247990|s2cid=43471110|doi-access=free))</ref> or '''anal cleansing'''<ref name="McMahon 2011 1536–1540">((Cite journal|last1=McMahon|first1=Shannon|last2=Caruso|first2=Bethany A.|last3=Obure|first3=Alfredo|last4=Okumu|first4=Fred|last5=Rheingans|first5=Richard D.|date=2011|title=Anal cleansing practices and faecal contamination: a preliminary investigation of behaviours and conditions in schools in rural Nyanza Province, Kenya|journal=Tropical Medicine & International Health|language=en|volume=16|issue=12|pages=1536–1540|doi=10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02879.x|pmid=21906214|s2cid=205392366|issn=1365-3156|doi-access=free))</ref> refers to the practices that are performed on a person's [[human anus|anus]] to maintain [[hygiene]], usually in the aftermath of [[defecation]]. Post-defecation cleansing is rarely discussed academically,<ref name="McMahon 2011 1536–1540"/> partly due to the social taboo surrounding it. The scientific objective of post-defecation cleansing is to prevent exposure to [[Pathogen|pathogens]].<ref name="McMahon 2011 1536–1540"/> The process of post-defecation cleansing involves either washing the anus and inner part of the [[buttocks]] with water or wiping the area with dry materials such as [[toilet paper]]. Water-based cleansing typically involves either the use of running water from a handheld vessel and a hand for washing or the use of pressurized water through a jet device, such as a [[bidet]]. In either method, subsequent hand sanitization is essential<ref name="McMahon 2011 1536–1540"/> to achieve the ultimate objectives of post-defecation cleansing.

((TOC limit|3))

== History ==
[[Image:Nara period toilet paper.jpg|thumb|upright|Anal cleansing instruments known as ''[[shit stick#Chou or Ch.C5.AB|chūgi]]'' from the [[Nara period]] (710 to 784) in [[Japan]]. The modern rolls in the background are for size comparison.<ref name="Charlier"/>]]

=== Materials ===
The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] were known to use fragments of [[ceramic]], known as ''pessoi'', to perform anal cleansing.<ref name=mirsky>((Cite journal | last = Mirsky | first = Steve | title=Toilet Issue: Anthropologists Uncover All the Ways We've Wiped|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/toilet-tissue-anthropologists-uncover-all-the-ways-weve-wiped/| journal = [[Scientific American]] | date = March 2013 |issue=1 March 2013| doi = 10.1038/scientificamerican0313-85 ))</ref>

The [[Ancient Rome|ancient Romans]] used a ''[[xylospongium|tersorium]]'' (((Lang-el|xylospongium))), consisting of a sponge on a wooden stick. The stick would be soaked in a water channel in front of a toilet, and then stuck through the hole built into the front of the toilet<ref>((Cite web|last=Silver|first=Carly|date=2020-07-24|title=This Is How They Wiped Themselves in Ancient Rome|url=https://daily.jstor.org/this-is-how-they-wiped-themselves-in-ancient-rome/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=JSTOR Daily|language=en-US))</ref> for anal cleaning.<ref>((cite book|last1=Smil|first1=Vaclav|title=Why America is not a new Rome|date=2010|publisher=MIT Press|location=Cambridge, Massachusetts|isbn=978-0262195935|pages=112, 190–191|edition=[Online-Ausg.]|url=http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/why-america-not-new-rome|access-date=9 September 2014))</ref><ref>((cite book|last1=Shuter|first1=Jane|title=Life in a Roman fort|date=2004|publisher=Heinemann Library|location=Oxford|isbn=9780431112985|page=18|url=http://swft.gvrl.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/gvrl/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f88$002fSD_ILS:88383/ada;jsessionid=7F1701535762FB2B1DA352D4F607D6A2.enterprise-14800?qu=Rome+--+Civilization.&ps=300|access-date=9 September 2014))((Dead link|date=September 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes ))</ref> The ''tersorium'' was shared by people using public latrines. To clean the sponge, they washed it in a bucket with water and salt or vinegar. However, this became a breeding ground for [[bacteria]], causing the spread of disease in the latrine.((cn|date=January 2024))

In [[History of Japan|ancient Japan]], wooden skewers known as ''[[chuugi]]'' ("[[shit stick]]s") were used for post-defecation cleaning.((cn|date=January 2024))

The use of toilet paper first started in [[History of China|ancient China]] around the 2nd century BC.<ref name="Charlier" /><ref name="needham volume 5 part 1 123">Needham, Volume 5, Part 1, 123.</ref> According to Charlier (2012), French physician [[François Rabelais]] had argued about the ineffectiveness of toilet paper in the 16th century.<ref name="Charlier" /> The first commercially available toilet paper was invented by American entrepreneur [[Joseph Gayetty]] in 1857, with the dawning of the [[Second Industrial Revolution]].<ref>((Cite web|date=2009-11-07|title=Toilet Paper History: How America Convinced the World to Wipe|url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/23210/toilet-paper-history-how-america-convinced-world-wipe|access-date=2021-01-03|website=www.mentalfloss.com|language=en))</ref>

=== Facilities ===
((Unreferenced section|date=November 2023))
Post-defecation facilities evolved with human civilization, and thus, so did post-defecation cleansing. According to Fernando,<ref>Fernando, Wickramarachchige Sugath Rohitha. ''An Examination of the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Lack of Facilities for Use of Water for Post Defecation Cleansing Among Sinhala Sri Lankan Immigrants in Australia, Canada and United States of America. A Dissertation Presented to the Dissertation Committee of the College of Health Sciences of Trident University International in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences.'' By Wickramarachchige Sugath Rohitha Fernando. Cypress, California, 2016. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338717444_Fernando_Final_dissertataion_2-6-2017_-_Copy_1</ref> there is archeological evidence of toilet use in [[History of Sri Lanka|medieval Sri Lanka]], ranging from the 6th-century Abhayagiri Complex in [[Anuradhapura]]; the 10th-century Pamsukulika Monastery in [[Ritigala]], and the Baddhasimapasada and the Alahana Pirivena hospital complex in [[Polonnaruwa]]; to the 12th-century hospital toilet in [[Mihintale]].((Citation needed|date=January 2021)) These toilets were found to be with a complete system of plumbing and sewage with multi-stage treatment plants. According to [[Buddhism]], toilet etiquettes (Wachchakutti Wattakkandaka in [[Pali|Pali language]]) were enumerated by [[The Buddha|Buddha]] himself in [[Tripiṭaka|Tripitaka]], the earliest collection of Buddhist teachings.((Citation needed|date=January 2021))

== Common methods ==

=== Washing ===
In countries that have predominantly [[Catholic Church|Catholic]],<ref>((cite book |last=E. Clark |first=Mary |title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=2006 |isbn=9780721625973 |page=613 |quote=Douching is commonly practiced in Catholic countries. The bidet ... is still commonly found in France and other Catholic countries.))</ref> [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]],<ref>((cite book |last=E. Clark |first=Mary |title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=2006 |isbn=9780721625973 |page=633 |quote=))</ref> [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]],<ref name="Roberto Zapperi 20102">Roberto Zapperi: ''Zu viel Moralismus macht den Körper schmutzig.'', in: FAZ, 24 aprile 2010.</ref> or [[Islam|Islamic]] cultural traditions, water is usually used for anal cleansing. It is also practiced in some [[Protestantism|Protestant]] cultures, such as that of [[Finland]].<ref>[http://en.biginfinland.com/hose-always-next-every-finnish-toilet/ "Bidets in Finland"]</ref> The cleaning process is typically done through either a pressurized device (e.g., a [[bidet]] or a [[bidet shower]]) or a non-pressurized vessel (e.g., a [[Lota (vessel)|lota]] or an [[aftabeh]]) alongside a person's hand; many cultures assert that [[Bias against left-handed people#Unfavorable perceptions|only the left hand is to be used for this task]]. Washing is sometimes followed by drying the cleaned areas with a cloth towel or toilet paper.

=== Wiping ===
In some parts of the [[Developing country|developing world]] and in other areas where water may not always be usable, such as during [[Camping|camping trips]], materials such as vegetable matter (leaves), mudballs, snow, [[Corncob|corncobs]], and stones are sometimes used for anal cleansing.<ref>((cite book |last1=Eds. |url=http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/487 |title=Ecological sanitation |last2=Simpson-Hébert |first2=co-authors: Uno Winblad, Mayling |date=2004 |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |isbn=9188714985 |edition=2nd rev and enlarged |location=Stockholm |page=67))</ref><ref name="tilley22">((cite book |last1=Tilley |first1=Elizabeth |url=http://www.eawag.ch/en/department/sandec/publications/compendium/ |title=Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies |last2=Ulrich |first2=Lukas |last3=Lüthi |first3=Christoph |last4=Reymond |first4=Philippe |last5=Zurbrügg |first5=Chris |publisher=Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) |year=2014 |isbn=978-3-906484-57-0 |edition=2nd |location=Duebendorf, Switzerland |chapter=Septic tanks |chapter-url=http://ecompendium.sswm.info/sanitation-technologies/septic-tank?group_code=s))</ref> Having hygienic means for anal cleansing available at the toilet or site of defecation is important for overall [[public health]]. The absence of proper materials in households can, under some circumstances, be correlated to the number of [[diarrhea]] episodes per household.<ref>Herbst, S. (2006). Ecology and development series No. 43, 2006 – [http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/1478 ''Water, sanitation, hygiene and diarrheal diseases in the Aral Sea area'']. PhD thesis, Göttingen: Cuvillier Verlag</ref> The history of anal hygiene, from the [[Greco-Roman world]] to [[History of China|ancient China]] and [[History of Japan|ancient Japan]], involves the widespread use of sponges and sticks as well as water and paper.

The inclusion of anal cleansing facilities is often overlooked in the design of public or shared toilets in developing countries. In most cases, materials for anal cleansing are not made available within those facilities. Ensuring safe disposal of anal cleansing materials is often overlooked, which can lead to unhygienic debris inside or surrounding public toilets that contributes to the spread of diseases.<ref>((Cite journal |last1=McMahon |first1=Shannon |last2=Caruso |first2=Bethany A. |last3=Obure |first3=Alfredo |last4=Okumu |first4=Fred |last5=Rheingans |first5=Richard D. |date=2011 |title=Anal cleansing practices and faecal contamination: a preliminary investigation of behaviours and conditions in schools in rural Nyanza Province, Kenya |journal=Tropical Medicine & International Health |language=en |volume=16 |issue=12 |pages=1536–1540 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02879.x |issn=1365-3156 |pmid=21906214 |s2cid=205392366 |doi-access=free))</ref>

== Cultural preferences  ==

=== Water ===
[[File:Bidet top.jpg|thumb|Top view of a [[bidet]]]]
[[File:Bidee shower.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[bidet shower]] or "health faucet"]]

Water with soap cleansing is a reliable and hygienic way of removing fecal remnants.

==== Muslim societies ====
((see also|Islamic toilet etiquette|Istinja))
The use of water in Muslim countries is due in part to [[Islamic toilet etiquette]] which encourages washing after all instances of defecation.((cn|date=March 2022)) There are flexible provisions for when water is scarce: stones or papers can be used for cleansing after defecation instead.((cn|date=March 2022))

In [[Turkey]], all [[Western world|Western]]-style toilets have a small nozzle on the centre rear of the toilet rim aiming at the anus. This nozzle is called ''[[Taharat|taharet]] musluğu'' and it is controlled by a small tap placed within hand's reach near the toilet. It is used to wash the anus after wiping and drying with toilet paper. [[Squat toilets]] in Turkey do not have this kind of nozzle (a small bucket of water from a hand's reach tap or a [[bidet shower]] is used instead).((cn|date=March 2022))

Another alternative resembles a miniature shower and is known as a "[[health faucet]]", bidet shower, or "bum gun". It is commonly found to the right of the toilet where it is easy to reach. These are commonly used in the [[Muslim world]]. In the [[Indian subcontinent]], a [[Lota (vessel)|lota]] vessel is often used to cleanse with water, though the shower or nozzle is common among new toilets.((cn|date=March 2022))

==== Christian societies ====
((Further|Bidet))
The [[Hygiene in Christianity|use of water]] in many [[Christian countries]] is due in part to the [[Hygiene in Christianity|biblical toilet etiquette]] which encourages washing after all instances of defecation.<ref>((cite book|title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications|first=Mary|last= E. Clark|year= 2006| isbn= 9780721625973|publisher=University of Michigan Press))</ref> The [[bidet]] is common in predominantly [[Catholic countries]] where water is considered essential for anal cleansing.<ref>((cite book|title=Contemporary Biology: Concepts and Implications|first=Mary|last= E. Clark|year= 2006| isbn= 9780721625973| page =613 |publisher=University of Michigan Press|quote= Douching is commonly practiced in Catholic countries. The bidet ... is still commonly found in France and other Catholic countries.))</ref><ref>((cite book |date= 2013|title= Made in Naples. Come Napoli ha civilizzato l'Europa (e come continua a farlo)|trans-title=Made in Naples. How Naples civilised Europe (And still does it)|language=it |publisher= Addictions-Magenes Editoriale|isbn=978-8866490395))</ref> 

Some people in [[Europe]] and the [[Americas]] use [[bidet]]s for anal cleansing with water. Bidets are common bathroom fixtures in many [[Western Europe|Western]] and [[Southern Europe|Southern European countries]] and many [[South American]] countries,<ref>((in lang|fr)) [http://www.cany1.fr/histoBIDET.htm L'historique du papier toilette et du bidet] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924040050/http://www.cany1.fr/histoBIDET.htm |date=24 September 2017 ))</ref><ref name="Sanità 1975">''Decreto ministeriale Sanità'', 5 July 1975, art. 7.</ref><ref>[https://dre.pt/application/file/310347 Decreto-Lei n.º 650/75 de 18 de Novembro] (in Portuguese), 18 November 1975, art. 84</ref> while [[bidet showers]] are more common in [[Finland]]<ref name=":0">((cite web|url=http://en.biginfinland.com/hose-always-next-every-finnish-toilet/|title=A hose: Always next to every Finnish toilet – Big in Finland|date=8 July 2014))</ref> and [[Greece]]. The availability of bidets varies widely within this group of countries. Furthermore, even where bidets exist, they may have other uses than for anal washing. In Italy, the installation of bidets in every household and hotel became mandatory by law on July 5, 1975.<ref name="Sanità 1975" />

==== East Asia ====
((Main|Toilets in Japan))
[[File:JapaneseToiletBidet.jpg|thumb|220px|A Japanese toilet with integrated [[bidet]] spraying water for cleaning. The water jet is used to wash the anus and buttocks after defecation.]]

The first "paperless" toilet seat was invented in Japan in 1980. A spray toilet seat, commonly known by Toto's trademark [[Washlet]], is typically a combination of seat warmer, bidet and drier, controlled by an electronic panel or remote control next to the toilet seat. A nozzle placed at rear of the toilet bowl aims a water jet to the anus and serves the purpose of cleaning. Many models have a separate "bidet" function aimed towards the front for feminine cleansing. The spray toilet seat is common only in Western-style toilets, and is not incorporated in traditional style squat toilets. Some modern Japanese bidet toilets, especially in hotels and public areas, are labeled with pictograms to avoid language problems, and most newer models have a sensor that will refuse to activate the bidet unless someone is sitting on the toilet.[[File:Bidet weiss.jpg|thumb|A modern [[bidet]] of the traditional type, available in many [[southern Europe]]an and [[South American]] countries<ref name="Roberto Zapperi 2010">Roberto Zapperi: ''Zu viel Moralismus macht den Körper schmutzig.'', in: FAZ, 24 aprile 2010.</ref>]]

==== Southeast Asia ====
((More citations needed|date=May 2020))
In Southeast Asian countries such as [[Indonesia]], the [[Philippines]],<ref>((cite book |last1=Benedict |first1=Paul K. |title=Austro-Thai language and culture, with a glossary of roots |date=1975 |publisher=HRAF Press |page=271 |isbn=9780875363233 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cu4XAAAAYAAJ |accessdate=11 March 2020 |language=en))</ref>  [[Thailand]], [[Brunei]], [[Malaysia]], and [[East Timor]],<ref name="JelineMalasig20181107">((Cite news |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/trends-spotlights/2018/11/07/137553/tabo-foreign-blogger-coolest-filipino-household-item/ |title=A foreign blogger's fascination with the 'coolest Filipino household item' |last=Malasig |first=Jeline |date=2018-11-07 |work=Interaksyon |access-date=2018-11-10 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110160040/http://www.interaksyon.com/trends-spotlights/2018/11/07/137553/tabo-foreign-blogger-coolest-filipino-household-item/ |archive-date=2018-11-10 |url-status=live ))</ref> house bathrooms usually have a medium size wide plastic dipper (called ''gayung'' in Indonesia, ''[[Tabo (hygiene)|tabo]]'' in the Philippines, ''ขัน'' (khan) in Thai) or large cup, which is also used in bathing. In Thailand, the "bum gun" is ubiquitous.<ref name="YN-20160509">((cite news |last1=Nguyen-Okwu |first1=Leslie |title=Trade the Toilet Paper for a Bum Gun |url=https://news.yahoo.com/trade-toilet-paper-bum-gun-080000351.html |access-date=15 August 2019 |work=Yahoo News |date=9 May 2016))</ref> Some health faucets are metal sets attached to the bowl of the water closet, with the opening pointed at the anus. Toilets in public establishments mainly provide toilet paper for free or dispensed, though the dipper (often a cut up plastic bottle or small jug) is occasionally encountered in some establishments.  Owing to its ethnic diversity, restrooms in Malaysia often feature a combination of anal cleansing methods where most public restrooms in cities offer toilet paper as well as a built in bidet or a small hand-held bidet shower ([[health faucet]]s) connected to the plumbing in the absence of a built-in bidet.

In [[Vietnam]], people often use a [[bidet shower]].<ref>((cite web|url=http://m.kenh14.vn/ban-se-khong-nhin-thay-voi-xit-toilet-khi-den-my-vi-sao-vay-20170814132652575.chn|title=Bạn sẽ không nhìn thấy vòi xịt toilet khi đến Mỹ – vì sao vậy?|date=15 August 2017|language=vi))</ref><ref name="YN-20160509" /> It is usually available both at general households and public places.

=== Toilet paper ===

==== Western world and Sub-Saharan Africa ====
((Main|Toilet paper))
[[File:Toiletpapier (Gobran111).jpg|thumb|A roll of [[toilet paper]]]]

In some cultures—such as many [[Western countries]]—cleaning after defecation is generally done with [[toilet paper]] only, until the person can [[Bathing|bathe]] or [[Showering|shower]]. Toilet paper is considered a very important household commodity in [[Western culture]], as illustrated by the [[panic buying]] of toilet paper in many Western countries during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>((Cite web|date=2020-05-19|title=How the Coronavirus Created a Toilet Paper Shortage|url=https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2020/05/coronavirus-toilet-paper-shortage/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=College of Natural Resources News|language=en-US))</ref><ref>((Cite journal|last=Güzel|first=Aziz|date=2020-07-02|title=A brief reflection on losing and finding toilet paper|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/14753634.2020.1759290|journal=Psychodynamic Practice|volume=26|issue=3|pages=215–220|doi=10.1080/14753634.2020.1759290|issn=1475-3634|s2cid=219000146))</ref>

In some parts of the world, especially before toilet paper was available or affordable, the use of newspaper, telephone directory pages, or other paper products was common. In [[North America]], the widely distributed [[Sears Roebuck]] catalog was also a popular choice until it began to be printed on glossy paper (at which point some people wrote to the company to complain).<ref>((cite web|author=Adams, Cecil|date=15 August 1986|title=What did people use before toilet paper was invented?|url=http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/572/what-did-people-use-before-toilet-paper-was-invented|access-date=29 August 2010|work=[[The Straight Dope]]))</ref><ref>((cite web|author=Rodriguez, Linda|date=8 July 2009|title=Why toilet paper belongs to America|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/07/07/mf.toilet.paper.history/index.html|access-date=29 August 2010|work=CNN))</ref> With [[flush toilet]]s, using newspaper as toilet paper is likely to cause blockages.

This practice continues today in parts of Africa; while rolls of toilet paper are readily available, they can be fairly expensive, prompting poorer members of the community to use newspapers.

People suffering from [[hemorrhoids]] may find it more difficult to keep the anal area clean using only toilet paper and may prefer washing with water as well.<ref>((Cite web|title=Hemorrhoids|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/hemorrhoids-a-to-z|access-date=2021-01-03|website=[[Harvard Medical School]]|date=24 April 2019|url-access=subscription))</ref>

Although wiping from front to back minimizes the risk of contaminating the [[urethra]], the directionality of wiping varies based on sex, personal preference, and culture.

Some people wipe their anal region standing while others wipe theirs sitting.<ref>((Cite web|last=Baragona|first=Louis|date=29 August 2018|title=Apparently Butt-Wiping Is a Heated Debate|url=https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a22864779/wipe-standing-up/|access-date=27 July 2019|website=Men's Health))</ref>

== Other methods and materials ==

=== Wet wipes and gel wipes ===
When cleaning babies' buttocks during diaper changes [[wet wipe]]s are often used, in combination with water if available. As wet wipes are produced from plastic textiles made of [[polyester]] or [[polypropylene]], they are notoriously bad for sewage systems as they do not decompose, although the wet wipe industry maintains they are biodegradable but not "flushable".<ref>((cite web |last1=Pajda |first1=Aleksandra |title=Did You Know Wet Wipes Are Made With Plastic? This Is Why the UK Wants Them Banned |url=http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/wet-wipes-made-plastic-uk-wants-banned/ |website=One Green Planet |date=7 May 2018 ))</ref><ref>((cite news |title=Wet wipes could face wipe-out in plastic clean-up |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/44034025 |access-date=15 August 2019 |work=BBC News |date=8 May 2018))</ref><ref>((cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Emma |title=No 'flushable' wet wipes tested so far pass water industry tests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46188354 |access-date=15 August 2019 |work=BBC News |date=13 November 2018))</ref>

A product of the 21st century, special foams, sprays and gels can be combined with dry toilet paper as alternatives to wet wipes. A moisturizing gel can be applied to toilet paper for personal hygiene or to reduce skin irritation from diarrhea. This product is called [[gel wipe]].<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffkart/2018/06/15/toilet-paper-gel-cleans-up-no-2-in-more-ways-than-one/#30aa3f9e9a44 |title=Toilet Paper Gel Cleans Up No. 2 in More Ways Than One|website=[[Forbes]]))</ref>

=== Pre-wipes ===
Novel pre-wipes and methods are disclosed for assisting in the cleaning of skin in the anal area. The pre-wipes comprise an anti-adherent formulation and are wiped across the anal region of a user prior to defecation to introduce a film of the anti-adherent formulation onto the anal region. This film reduces the amount of fecal material that is retained in the anal region after defecation and reduces the amount of cleanup required. This reduced amount of cleanup results in cleaner, healthier skin.<ref>((Cite patent|title=Pre-wipes for improving anal cleansing|country=US|number=2005244480|pubdate=2005-11-03|assign1=[[Kimberly-Clark|Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.]]|inventor1-last=Koenig|inventor1-first=David|inventor2-last=Krzysik|inventor2-first=Duane|inventor3-last=Biggs|inventor3-first=David)), since abandoned.</ref>

=== Natural materials ===
Stones, leaves, [[Corncob|corn cobs]] and similar natural materials may also be used for anal cleansing.<ref name="tilley2">((cite book |last1=Tilley |first1=Elizabeth |url=http://www.eawag.ch/en/department/sandec/publications/compendium/ |title=Compendium of Sanitation Systems and Technologies |last2=Ulrich |first2=Lukas |last3=Lüthi |first3=Christoph |last4=Reymond |first4=Philippe |last5=Zurbrügg |first5=Chris |publisher=Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) |year=2014 |isbn=978-3-906484-57-0 |edition=2nd |location=Duebendorf, Switzerland |chapter=Septic tanks |chapter-url=http://ecompendium.sswm.info/sanitation-technologies/septic-tank?group_code=s))</ref>((rp|162))

==References==
((reflist))

((Toilets))

((DEFAULTSORT:Anal Cleansing))
[[Category:Defecation]]
[[Category:Anus|Hygiene]]

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