Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Japan’s top toilet maker said last week that the bowls should not be wiped with toilet papers to avoid micro scratches on the surface. 

Japan’s toilets are popularly known for being equipped with music players, automatic flushes, bidets and heated seats. 

Despite the advanced features, toilet paper can cause minor damages, as reported by some users. 

People on social media published posts complaining about scratches and discoloration on their Toto toilet seats.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun, a Toto representative said that its bidet toilet seats are made of plastic resin due to the material’s “resistance to detergents and its ability to be molded into complex shapes.”

The act of wiping toilet paper or a dry cloth on the seat can cause small scratches where dirt might accumulate, leading to the discoloration some users experienced. 

Other companies have also recommended the same practice.

Cleaning experts advise using a soft cloth soaked in water or detergent. They also advise against using thinners, nylon or metal scrubbers or abrasives.

The company representative said that “there are no plans to change the material at this time.”