Etiquette for the Public Bathroom
We have all experienced a public bathroom that was so dirty we opted to hold on until we got home. So why is there no universal list of rules for public washrooms? Actually there may be one, but very few people have paid attention to it. Here is our compilation of reasonable rules for etiquette in public washrooms. Pass it on.
1. Keeping eyes and hands to oneself while in a public washroom is important. If you are waiting for a stall or urinal, minimal conversation is acceptable. However if you are male and standing at a urinal relieving yourself, it is considered unacceptable to start a conversation with a stranger at another urinal. No one should begin a conversation with someone actively engaged in relieving themselves. The only exceptions are asking for the availability of toilet paper or emergency situations.
2. Avoid talking about offensive subjects in all public places, but especially in a public washroom. The close proximity makes people feel threatened.
3. Holding a place in line for someone may lead to a confrontational situation, so try to avoid it.
4. Helping out our fellow human being is an important habit. If you see someone leaving the bathroom with toilet paper hanging from their pants or stuck to their shoe – tell them.
5. Before entering a stall, knock on the closed door to ensure no one is there. When you do enter, make sure there is toilet paper. Lock the door to avoid being disturbed.
6. If you are unsure of the cleanliness of the toilet, hover over it in the center and perform your business. Wipe up any waste that may have soiled the toilet seat.
7. Do not use an excess amount of toilet paper. Do not attempt to flush an entire roll of toilet paper. Do not flush paper towels or other foreign materials.
8. Flush. Always flush. If the water is not clean after flushing, flush again.
9. If you are experiencing bowel problems and creating an offensive odor, flush before cleaning yourself. Flushing will help get rid of the odor and be a courtesy to others using the washroom.
10. Bodily fluids and solids are meant to be deposited in the toilet or urinal provided. Walls, floors, ceilings and doors are not designed to hold or absorb said substances.
11. When you have left the stall and made sure to flush, wash your hands thoroughly. Wet your hands, scrub with soap and wash under warm water for 30 seconds (or sing Happy Birthday in your head three times). Dry your hands.
12. Most women who use the public washroom also take the opportunity to brush their hair or touch up make up. Before leaving, check that no stray hairs are left on the counter. Do not wipe excess lipstick or mascara on the mirror.
13. The bathroom is not a lounge. If you arrived in a group, do your business and wait outside. Let people finish their task in peace.
14. Try not to touch the door on your way out. Only half of those who use public washrooms, wash their hands after relieving themselves.
15. If the bathroom is dirty and you find it offensive, tell the staff responsible for its cleanliness.
Some companies have single-serve washrooms intended for one person at a time. If you find yourself using a bathroom of this sort, make sure to abide by the following etiquette:
1. Use the fan. As you walk in the door, turn the fan on. It will help muffle the sound of you doing your business and make the people outside the door feel more comfortable.
2. If you are a male, put the seat down. Put. It. Down. No one wants to walk into a bathroom and be confronted by the inside of a toilet.
3. Take extra care in cleaning up after yourself. Chances are the next person using the bathroom will see you coming out, and if they notice you left a mess… Well you may get some hate mail.
What if you just cannot hold it? Is it OK to use the opposite gender bathroom? We think so, but with two provisos. It must be empty. It must have a working lock. If your situation fits, then run in there, lock the door, do your business, wash up and run out. Be as quick as possible.
If the general public adopted the above guidelines, the world would be a better place. Spread the word. Demand adherence to the etiquette. Teach your children. We will all benefit in the end.
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2 Responses to “Etiquette for the Public Bathroom”
Regarding the point about not touching the door on your way out: Many businesses have addressed this concern by installing foot operated door openers (like StepNpull). StepNpull gives you the option of pulling the door open with your foot instead of touching the door handle.