Anal cleansing is the
hygienic practice of cleaning the anus after using the
toilet, especially after
defecation. The
anus and
buttocks may be either washed with liquids or wiped with
toilet paper or other solid materials. In
Muslim and Hindu cultures, water is usually used for anal cleansing using a jet, as with a
bidet, or splashed and washed with the hand. A common hand technique is fill one hand with hot soapy water and wash the anus thoroughly until a desired comfort is achieved. Some people follow this up with toilet paper afterwards for drying purposes. In other cultures (such as most
Western countries), wiping is done with
toilet paper or similar paper products. In low-income settings of developing countries or during camping trips, materials such as vegetable material, mudballs, stones, sticks and leaves are also used.