Japanese shower toilet company Toto has advised customers to avoid wiping its products with toilet paper, after consumers complained online about seeing scratches appear on their bathroom products.
Several social media users recently complained that they had seen scratches and discoloration on their Toto products after use, and argued that the products should be more durable.
Speaking to Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, a spokesperson from the company responded, urging consumers not to wipe their products with toilet paper, as Toto’s Washlet bidet toilet seats are made from plastic resin. The spokesperson added: “We use the current resin considering its resistance to detergents and its ability to be molded into complex shapes.”
It is believed that repeatedly wiping plastic resin seats with toilet paper or dry cloth can cause so-called “micro scratches”, which are almost invisible to the naked eye. However, experts say that dirt can build-up within these scratches, which can lead to discoloration.
According to Mainichi Shimbun, although Toto is carrying out research into materials with higher scratch resistance, the company says “there are no plans to change the material at this time”.
Unlike traditional toilets, Toto’s flagship Washlet bidet is an automatic shower toilet – a product which makes use of features such as an automatic water stream and an air dryer, which the company argues eliminates the need for toilet paper.
Shower toilets rose to popularity in Japan in the 1980s, and by 2002, almost half of all private homes in the country reported having models installed. Although their adoption in Europe and the US has been far less widespread, it is estimated that shower toilets are set to increase in popularity in the West in the near future as the consumer desire for multigenerational homes and “spa-bathrooms” is expected to continue.
