Our brains control our bodies – well, at least until we need to use the toilet. Then, our bowels and bladders take over, and we have no other option than to listen to them. This often means having to use public restrooms when we don’t have a better option.
Public toilets are necessary, especially in crowded places such as shopping malls and train stations. But they can also be intimidating, either because of their questionable hygiene or because so many other people are using them. You want to stay clean and safe even after using public restrooms, so read our safety tips below…
Understanding Public Restrooms
As their name suggests, public restrooms are intended for public use, which means anyone can use them. Some public toilets are free to use, while others require you to pay a small fee to enter. In both cases, these restrooms suffer from some common issues.
For example, many public toilets are dirty. Even if there is some diligent cleaning staff, it is impossible to fully clean toilets used by hundreds of people every day. Additionally, these facilities often lack supplies such as toilet paper, paper hand towels, and soap. Again, it is hard to replenish these supplies when people spend them too quickly.
Unfortunately, many public toilets are vandalized or simply destroyed after prolonged use, and they simply don’t get repaired. It is worth noting that some public restrooms are better maintained, while others are completely neglected. However, keep in mind that even the well-maintained public restrooms will never be as clean as your own toilet.
Health Risks
Now that we have covered some common public restroom issues, it is clear that using them comes with certain health risks. They are full of various germs, and you can easily get those germs on your clothes, shoes, and your skin.
Additionally, public toilets often have wet and slippery floors, which is a huge safety hazard. Just one wrong step can make you slip and fall and potentially injure yourself. Of course, even if your fall isn’t so dramatic, you will get covered in nasty debris.
Finally, when visiting a really dirty public toilet, it is hard to relax or even to enjoy the experience. You will probably feel disgusted and dirty, no matter how well you wash your hands. This feeling can stay with you even long after you leave the toilet.
Hygiene Tips for Public Restrooms
After reading the previous section, you are probably repulsed by the mere idea of using public restrooms. However, sometimes it is necessary, so let’s see how you can stay safe. First of all, always have a pack or two of paper tissues with you, maybe even some wet wipes. Trust us, you will need it.
As you enter the toilet, avoid touchpoints such as door handles. God knows how many people touched them without washing their hands first. Instead, use your elbows to push the door if possible. If not, take one tissue and use it to grab the door handles.
Then, if there are several stalls where you can do your business, check them all to choose the cleanest one. If there is only one stall, you have no other choice than to use it. Now, whatever you plan to do in the toilet, don’t sit on the toilet seat. Instead, squat above it so that you don’t touch it. The toilet might be equipped with seat covers, but we wouldn’t rely too much on them.
After several seconds or minutes, you have finished. Carefully wipe yourself. Even if there is no toilet paper, you have listened to us and brought your own tissues. If you also have wet wipes, that’s even better. Use them in the end, just to make sure you have properly cleaned yourself. Flush the toilet and move to the sink.
Washing up in Public Restrooms
It’s time to wash your hands. Wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget the areas between your fingers and around your nails. After you’re done, it’s time to dry your hands. Don’t use those air dryers as they are also full of germs, and using them cancels the washing process.
Instead, use paper towels, if there are any, or paper tissues that you brought. Then, on your way out, avoid touchpoints just like you did when entering. Bonus tip: if you have a pocket-sized disinfectant bottle with you, use it after leaving the toilet. This will help you clean even more.
Staying Safe Around Others
Apart from germs, public restrooms can also contain some shady people. So, keep your belongings safe and with you if possible. Also, don’t get too close to anyone; respect their personal space as well as your own. Always remember where the nearest exits are in the case of an emergency.
If you have a bad feeling about someone in the restroom, maybe you should listen to it. Your subconscious instincts might tell you something you aren’t unaware of. That person might be just a random, normal person like you, but there is always a possibility that they might attack or even try to kidnap you.
If you can wait a little longer, you can wait until that person leaves, or you can go to the nearest café and ask them to use their toilet instead. Pro tip: buy something cheap, a coffee or something, and they can’t say no to you.
Use Public Restrooms With Care
No one likes to use public toilets, but sometimes, they are the best or closest option that you have. You won’t enjoy the experience, but at least you will relieve yourself. And with our safety tips, you can make your public toilet visit as harmless as possible.
Remember to always carry paper tissues, wet wipes, and disinfectant with you. Don’t touch the door knobs and handles, don’t sit on the toilet seat, and don’t use air blowers. Be careful of how you walk if the floors are slippery. Stay away from other people, especially if they seem shady.
Be aware, and stay safe!
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