10 Important Rules To Follow When Using A Public Bathroom

1. Don't eat or drink in the public bathroom... DUH!

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Don't open you food and continue eating in the public bathroom. They're not the best place to maintain hygiene and eating in a bathroom used by thousands of people everyday is pretty disgusting. They're full of germs, and it's not the place to enjoy your lunch.

2. Don't pee in a blocked toilet

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If you stumble upon a blocked toilet, it's best to steer clear of using it. Trust me, it's not just about you; it's for the greater good of everyone using that restroom. Trying to flush a blocked toilet (or adding more waste) could turn a simple problem into a messy disaster, and nobody wants that.

3. Don't flush the toilet or open the lock with your foot

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I know that people think they're doing the most hygienic thing for themselves, but really you're just adding bacteria to the surfaces for everybody else! Your shoe has been on the floor, and it's not fair to transfer even more germs where somebody else has to flush the toilet or open the door!

4. Don't get your cell phone out in the bathroom

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There are SO many germs on the surfaces of a phone. And, if we're using it in a public bathroom we are unintentionally putting even more germs from the bathroom onto our phone. It's not hygienic at all! Plus, it means that you're in the loo wasting time while people are waiting!

5. If you block the loo - you've gotta tell someone

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Mortifying. We know. But at the end of the day, if the toilet blocks when you use it, your kinda morally obligated to let somebody know (i.e maintenance) before it turns into an even bigger problem! It can happen to the best of us, so don't feel too ashamed.

6. Don't line the bowl with paper first

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While it might seem like a genius move for creating a makeshift barrier, it can actually cause more harm than good. First off, it's not great for the plumbing. Too much paper can lead to clogs, and that's a hassle nobody needs. Plus, it's not even as effective as we think!

7. Don't leave the next person without any paper

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In the world of toilet etiquette, don't be the person that leaves somebody unwittingly left without any loo paper. We've all been there, spare someone that discomfort. If you notice the roll is running low, let them know or at least leave a piece or two.

8. Don't hog the mirrors to do your makeup

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We get it; perfecting that cat-eye is an art form. But let's be mindful of our fellow bathroom goers. If the bathroom is packed, try to keep your makeup routine efficient. A quick touch-up is cool, but turning the shared mirrors into your personal vanity might cause a line to form.

9. If all the cubicles are full, DON'T keep knocking on the door

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Trust me, the person inside is already aware there's a line-up forming. Knocking repeatedly won't make the line move faster and might make things awkward. Give people their privacy, and let them pee in peace without panicking that you're about to break the door down!

10. If you see the fan switch, turn it on!

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After someone's had their moment in the bathroom, it may be a good idea to switch the fan on if you do notice one on the public bathroom. It helps bring fresh air into the bathroom which can help stagnant smells to disperse which is in everybody's best interests.

11. Give people space and privacy

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A golden rule in the bathroom handbook: always give people their space and privacy. Whether it's using stalls, washing hands, or fixing hair in front of the mirror, everyone deserves a bit of personal time. Respecting boundaries creates a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone!

12. If you can, save the number 2s for at home

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As they say 'when you gotta go, you gotta go''. And, it's not always possible or good to wait until you're at home. But, for example, if you can wait an extra ten minutes until you go home then perhaps spare the rest of the people in the bathroom the unpleasantries.

13. Wash your hands, please!

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A friendly reminder to all bathroom users that washing our hands after we use the toilet isn't something we may do, it's something we should do! You'd think it goes without saying, however the amount of times you see people leaving the toilet without washing their hands says otherwise!

14. Keep it in the bowl!

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Aiming for the target isn't just about cleanliness; it's a small but impactful way to show consideration for the next person using the facilities. Nobody wants to play clean-up before they even get started, right? And nobody should have to deal with anybody else's mess anyway!

15. Be patient with kids and mothers in the bathroom

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Parents with little ones might need a bit more time and assistance, and kids, well, they don't rush for anyone. If you encounter a parent reasoning with a tiny human or a child taking their sweet time, take a breath and give them the grace to have their space without being hassled.

16. Don't stick gum in the urinals

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Gent's, this one's for you. Gum doesn't dissolve like toilet paper, and it's not exactly urinal-friendly. It could clog the pipes and leave them out of order.  And, the next person using the urinal probably won't appreciate dealing with someone else's gum.

17. Do we need to say it: put the seat down

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Ah, the classic bathroom etiquette reminder: put the seat down! It's a simple act, yet it carries a lot of weight in maintaining harmony in shared spaces. It seems to be an ongoing issue for women using public bathrooms and even their private bathrooms shared with partners!

18. Don't shake your hands dry

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Most public bathrooms provide paper towels or air dryers for a reason. Using them helps remove residual moisture and potentially harmful germs more thoroughly. The hand-shaking move, on the other hand, can leave you with damp hands and a damp bathroom!

19. Don't jiggle door handles to check the toilet's available

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When you're on the toilet and someone jiggles the door, a moment of panic sets in. You suddenly feel like you're being timed and try and pee as fast as you can. It's also super unnecessary unless you're concerned that someone's been in there for way too long.

20. Allow someone with disabilities to go before you

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Navigating a public bathroom can be more challenging for individuals with disabilities, and offering them the courtesy of going first is a thoughtful gesture. It helps create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone! It's a simple act of kindness that can make a significant difference in their day.

21. Carry on gossiping when you leave the bathroom

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When you leave the bathroom, it's probably best to hit the pause button on any ongoing gossip. Public spaces, especially bathrooms, aren't the ideal venues for continuing private conversations. For one, other people may not want to hear, and two, you don't know if the very person you're gossiping about it sat behind the cubicle door!

22. If the door is closed but not locked, check for feet before barging in

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If you encounter a closed but unlocked door, please, for the sake of everyone involved, check for feet or any signs of occupancy before barging in. It's a simple yet crucial step in respecting the privacy of the person inside. Nobody wants to be burst in on while they're sat on the toilet!

23. Don't hog the cubicle unless you need it

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If you're just catching up on messages or scrolling through social media, and there's a line forming outside, it's courteous to wrap it up and free up the space for those who genuinely need to use the facilities. Sharing is caring, especially in the world of bathroom queues!

24. Put feminine products in the correct bin, not down the loo

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Flushing these items can lead to plumbing issues and contribute to blockages in the sewer system. Most public restrooms provide designated bins for the disposal of feminine hygiene products. Proper disposal not only helps maintain the plumbing but also ensures a cleaner and more efficient waste system.

25. Keep the noise down!

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If you're using hand dryers, closing doors, or even just having a conversation, keeping things on the quieter side helps maintain a sense of personal space. Not everyone wants to broadcast their bathroom activities, and a little consideration goes a long way.

26. Don't jump the queue

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A fundamental rule for any shared space, including the bathroom: don't jump the queue. Waiting your turn is a universal courtesy that keeps things fair and respectful for everyone. Whether it's a line for the restroom stalls or sinks, resist the temptation to cut in front of others.

27. If something is wrong with the toilet, alert someone

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If something is amiss with the toilet – be it a malfunction, a blockage, or any other issue – it's essential to alert someone responsible, like a janitor or maintenance personnel. It helps it get sorted as soon as possible and it won't progressively get worse!

28. Don't put your bag or coat on the toilet floor

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The floor can be a breeding ground for germs, and the last thing you want is to carry those unwelcome guests on your personal items. Many bathrooms come equipped with hooks, shelves, or designated spots for your belongings. Make use of these facilities to keep your things off the floors.

29. Don't spray aerosol without checking

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It might seem like a harmless act, but spraying aerosol can catch others off guard, especially in confined spaces like bathrooms. And, you never know what kind of health issues the people around you are dealing with. People with asthma could be affected by aerosols!

30. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

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Whether you use a tissue, your elbow, or any other method, covering up helps contain respiratory droplets that could carry germs. It's a considerate move, especially in shared spaces where maintaining cleanliness is key, for the sake of you and everybody around you!

31. Go in the right stall, respect gender and disability signs

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When you enter a restroom, take a moment to read and adhere to the signs on the stall doors. If it's designated for a specific gender or is marked for individuals with disabilities, respect those guidelines. It's important to allow people the space they need!

32. Don't use offensive language

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Public bathrooms are places where people from various backgrounds come together, and using offensive language can make others feel uncomfortable or unwelcome! Keeping the tone respectful is important in shared bathrooms when you don't know who is listening!

33. Don't spit gum into the bowl

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Gum can cause massive problems when you put it down the toilet. It can lead to clogs in the pipes, which lead to the toilets not working and then it can cost hundreds to fix it! It's better to wrap it in tissue or paper and toss it in the trash bin.

34. If you're going to the urinal, don't use the neighbouring one

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If you're heading to the urinal, it's better to try to not to use the neighboring one unless absolutely necessary. Maintaining a bit of space between users helps create a more comfortable and private environment for everyone. It can get a little bit awkward when you're side by side when the rest of them are available.

35. Don't put too much toilet paper down the toilet

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To keep things flowing smoothly, use a reasonable amount of toilet paper and flush only what is necessary. If you find yourself needing more, consider flushing in stages to prevent any potential problems. The last thing you, or anyone else wants is to block the toilet!

36. And, don't put anything other than toilet waste down the loo

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Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper effectively. Anything else, whether it's hygiene products, paper towels, or other items, can lead to blockages and plumbing issues. Dispose of non-toilet waste in the proper bins to avoid breaking public property!

37. Don't stand at the dryers unless you're using them

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Hovering around the dryers can create unnecessary congestion and make it challenging for anyone else to get to the dryers, even when they need them! Once you've dried your hands, give others the chance to do the same! It's easy, but helps public bathrooms function much more easily!

38. Don't leave your things around, blocking people's space

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Be mindful of your belongings – avoid creating unintentional obstacles for others in the restroom. Leaving items in a way that obstructs others can be really frustrating for people in the bathroom who just want to go to the toilet, wash their hands and leave - easily!

39. Put your trash in the can

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Don't leave you trash in the bathroom for somebody else to clean up. If it's your trash, you should be the one to dispose of it. It's not fair for other bathroom users to have to deal with your trash. And, it's going to make the public space a complete mess!

40. Don't go in the cubicle together, unless someone needs help

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In most cases, embracing a one-person-per-cubicle approach is much better in a public bathroom. Unless you're helping someone or assisting a child, then go to the toilet by yourself. Going in with the girls to gossip isn't the right thing to do when other people are waiting.

41. Watch where you throw your loo roll, don't miss the bowl

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be mindful of where you throw your toilet paper, and make sure it lands in the bowl. Accidentally missing the bowl leaves somebody else in a very unpleasant situation when they have to pick up your used tissue paper. Be careful and make sure that it's definitely going into the bowl.

42. If there's no soap, use hand sanitizer

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Sometimes you find yourself in a soap-less situation, so it's great to have hand sanitizer to the rescue! It's a great alternative to keep sanitizer around in case all the soap containers are running empty. This way, you can keep yourself free of germs!

43. Wipe down the seat before and after you use it

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Before you sit down, a quick wipe with some toilet paper or a sanitizing wipe ensures a fresh and clean surface. Similarly, after use, taking a moment to tidy up makes sure that the next person also has a pleasant experience and doesn't have to sit on a dirty seat.

44. Close the lid before you flush

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When you flush with the lid up, microscopic particles can be released into the air, carrying lots of germs. Closing the lid helps contain these particles so that they aren't coming into contact by you or anybody else and the bathroom is much cleaner!

45. Opt for paper towels over hand dryers if you can

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While hand dryers are convenient, paper towels can be more effective in removing germs and drying hands thoroughly. They have been found to be the more hygienic option. And, it means that water isn't blowing around the bathroom. Plus, it keeps the noise down too!

46. Don't use the sinks to style your hair

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Sinks are for washing hands, not for styling hair. While it might be tempting to use the bathroom as a makeshift salon, it's considerate to leave the sinks free for their intended purpose, and the people there to use them as such! Keep the hairstyling for home.

47. Don't make it obvious if the room smells

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Heading into the cubicle right after somebody else has left it, and crying 'phwoar, that stinks' is highly mortifying for that person. It's much better to be discreet with your reaction so that nobody feels embarrassed for simply doing what they had to do.

48. Don't embarrass anybody in the bathroom

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Whether it's avoiding awkward comments or not drawing attention to unexpected sounds or scents, being considerate can make the restroom experience more comfortable for everyone. Let's all embrace a bit of bathroom etiquette and keep it embarrassment-free!

49. Don't leave makeup spillages around the sink

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Try to avoid leaving spillages around the sink. Whether it's foundation, powder, or any other makeup product, a little wipe-down goes a long way in maintaining a clean and organized bathroom space. Taking that extra moment to clean up after yourself ensures that the next person using the sink won't encounter any unexpected surprises.

50. Or, put your handbag on the sink counters

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Sink counters in public bathrooms are highly in demand. People want to go, wash their hands and not have your bags lay on the side taking up your space. Everyone's on a mission to wash their hands and move on, and the last thing they need is a bag taking up precious space.