As much as men might like to think of themselves as polished and urbane, there are certain mistakes they’re prone to making in the restroom. These errors can be embarrassing or even detrimental to their health and well-being.

Here are ten things guys should avoid doing in the men’s bathroom.

Not Washing Their Hands

It should go without saying that men need to wash their hands after using the restroom. Touching any part of the bathroom, including the toilet flusher, can contaminate hands with bacteria and germs.

Not washing can lead to the spread of harmful diseases such as E.coli and norovirus. It’s essential to use soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds – roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”.

Not Flushing

No one wants to come across an unflushed toilet in a public restroom. Men sometimes forget or choose not to flush, leaving their waste for the next person to deal with.

Even if the man before you didn’t flush, it’s good etiquette to take care of it yourself. Leaving a surprise behind can lead to embarrassment in front of others.

Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Whether intentionally or not, men are notorious for using too much toilet paper. Excess paper can clog the toilet and cause an unpleasant mess.

Using less toilet paper not only prevents issues with the plumbing, but it’s also environmentally friendly. One alternative is to use wet wipes, which keep things clean and reduce the amount of paper used.

Not Taking Care of Their Hair

Men who have hair that sheds, such as those with longer hair or beards, often leave their hair around the bathroom sink or urinal. This is unsightly and can clog drains. Most restrooms have a broom and dustpan to clean up after oneself.

Taking the time to tidy up after using the sink or urinal is respectful to those who come after.

Not Waiting Their Turn

In a busy bathroom, it’s proper etiquette to wait your turn for the urinal or sink. There’s often an unspoken etiquette of “eyes front” – meaning guys should avoid looking at each other when using the urinal.

It’s also polite to give ample personal space. No one wants someone breathing down their neck while washing their hands.

Using the Wrong Stall

Many public restrooms have multiple stalls, with some designated for use by people with disabilities or those who need additional space. When choosing a stall, be aware of which one you’re using.

It’s not only bad etiquette to use the wrong stall, but it can also be a legal violation. If you’re not sure which stall is appropriate, err on the side of caution and choose a different one.

Not Replacing Toilet Paper

Running out of toilet paper can be a nightmare for any guy. When the roll is empty, it’s courteous to replace it with a new one.

Not only does this save the next person a lot of trouble, but it also eliminates the possibility of someone being caught without any paper.

Using the Wrong Soap

The soap in a restroom is meant as a way to clean one’s hands, but using it in the wrong manner can lead to problems. Men will often use the soap as shampoo, leading to clogged drains and an unpleasant aroma throughout the restroom.

Be sure to use the soap for what it was intended.

Leaving the Door Unlocked

In public restrooms, it’s essential to maintain privacy. Leaving the door unlocked can lead to accidents or uncomfortable situations. It only takes a few seconds to lock and unlock the door, so be sure to take the extra step to ensure privacy.

Walking Away While Using the Hand Dryer

Many public restrooms have air dryers that automatically turn off when someone moves away from them. Walking away before your hands are dry can leave water all over the restroom, creating a slipping hazard.

Take the extra few seconds to ensure that your hands are dry before walking away.