A doctor on TikTok confirmed a disturbing rumor about public restrooms: some people allegedly use toilet paper rolls to clean dirty needles before putting them back for others to use.
The viral post came after @drjoe_md stitched a video of an angry father in a public bathroom with his kids. The man said, “This is why you never use toilet paper from a local place with your kids or yourself. F**king dirtballs cleaning their needles in here.”
Dr. Joe explained that this situation was not exaggerated. He said that some people really did use toilet paper rolls to wipe dirty needles, leaving behind subtle or obvious puncture marks. His video has been viewed 1.5 million times and has over 50,000 likes.
Dr. Joe explains why you should always inspect public toilet paper rolls
In his stitched video, the doctor broke it down clearly. He said, “Okay, so this is a real thing. Some people do use public toilet paper rolls to clean their dirty needles. Sometimes it’s obvious, like this one, but other times it can be subtle, like this one. Look for that small, little puncture.”
He then offered practical advice for anyone worried about public restroom hygiene.
“So to keep yourself safe, it’s always best practice to carry with you in your car a set of flushable wipes. And if you can’t do that, make sure to inspect the roll before you use the toilet paper. If the dispenser is locked and you can’t inspect it, make sure you say your prayers before you raw dog that toilet paper roll in some sketchy stall.”
Dr. Joe also added a caption with safety tips. It read in part, “🚽 PSA: Check the toilet paper before you wipe. Yeah, I wish this was a joke too. Some public restrooms have had toilet paper rolls used to clean needles… and then put right back like it’s no big deal. 🤢”
He followed that with a list of guidelines, including inspecting rolls for dampness, dirt, or damage, avoiding unwrapped paper, keeping wipes on hand, washing hands after touching public surfaces, and being extra cautious with open cuts. The caption ended with, “Your butt deserves better.”
@drjoe_md 🚽 PSA: Check the toilet paper before you wipe. Yeah, I wish this was a joke too. Some public restrooms have had toilet paper rolls used to clean needles… and then put right back like it’s no big deal. 🤢 🧻 Here’s how to avoid unwanted surprises: ✔️ Inspect the roll (damp, dirty, or sketchy = hard pass) ✔️ Don’t use TP that’s not wrapped or hanging clean ✔️ Keep flushable wipes on hand ✔️ Wash your hands after touching public surfaces ✔️ If you’ve got open cuts—be extra careful Your butt deserves better. VC: @cody1kenobii #publicrestroom #infectionprevention #healthhazard #germaphobe ♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺
Is the warning exaggerated?
“Public restrooms can be unpredictable environments, and while it’s rare, there have been reports of drug paraphernalia being improperly disposed of or cleaned using items like toilet paper,” Dr. Joe told the Daily Dot.
“Most users won’t face any danger, but when bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV are involved, even a low risk is worth taking seriously, especially if someone has cuts, open wounds, or compromised skin that could come into contact with contaminated surfaces.”
He went on to note that according to the CDC, “hepatitis B can survive outside the body for up to 7 days, and hepatitis C for up to 4 days, depending on conditions.”
“That’s why simple precautions, like inspecting toilet paper rolls, avoiding visibly soiled or damp paper, and using flushable wipes you bring yourself, can be smart public hygiene practices,” he said.
“My goal with this video was to strike a balance between raising awareness and avoiding panic. Most of the time, you’re safe, but a quick glance before you grab the TP could save you from a worst-case scenario.”
Viewers shared their own insights in both the TikTok comments and on X, where the clip was reposted. One X user, @jshul_mmr, pointed out, “I know these [dispensers]. He opened that top. It wasn’t locked. There’s a key port but if you push on it and it opens. Then yeah that’s sketchy. If it’s locked. The TP is safe. No one is cleaning needles in a locked dispenser.”
Although some agreed that locked dispensers offered safety, many still emphasized caution. Several also reminded others that wipes labeled “flushable” often cause plumbing problems when disposed of in toilets.
A commenter named @skyleskd said, “My brother is a plumber. He says he ends up unclogging a lot of drains because of ‘flushable’ wipes. They’re not really flushable (even Charmin toilet paper is pretty bad). DO NOT flush them. Carry a roll of regular ol’ toilet paper.”
The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s newsletter here.
