Using public bathrooms can sometimes be an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. From the lack of cleanliness to potential awkward encounters, public restrooms can be challenging to navigate.
However, with the right knowledge and a few survival tips, you can make your trip to the restroom a more positive and hygienic one. Here are some essential tips to help you survive using public bathrooms:.
1. Choose the Right Stall
When entering a public bathroom, it’s crucial to choose the right stall. Avoid using the one closest to the entrance, as it tends to be the busiest. Instead, opt for a stall further down the row for more privacy and cleanliness.
Additionally, look for stalls that have toilet paper and working locks.
2. Carry Essential Supplies
To ensure you have a comfortable restroom experience, it’s wise to carry a few essential supplies with you. Consider carrying travel-sized packs of tissues, sanitizing wipes, or even a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
These items can come in handy if the bathroom is running low on toilet paper or lacks soap and water.
3. Use Seat Covers or Create Your Own
If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of the toilet seat, using a seat cover can provide a barrier between you and the seat.
If seat covers are unavailable, create your own by layering toilet paper on the seat to prevent direct contact with any germs. Remember to discard it properly in the bin after use.
4. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is crucial in public restrooms to minimize the risk of spreading germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring you cover all areas.
If there’s no soap available, use hand sanitizer as a temporary alternative. Avoid touching your face or any personal belongings before washing or sanitizing your hands.
5. Avoid Touching Surfaces
Public restroom surfaces can harbor germs, so it’s best to avoid direct contact as much as possible. Use a tissue or paper towel to handle faucets, toilet handles, and door handles.
This helps create a barrier and reduces your chances of picking up any harmful bacteria or viruses.
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6. Flush with Your Foot or Elbow
Flushing a toilet can expose you to a spray of germs and bacteria. To minimize contact, try using your foot to press the flush lever or, alternatively, your elbow if it’s more convenient.
That way, you can avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
7. Use Elbow to Open Doors
Just like with the flush lever, it’s best to use your elbow to open restroom doors whenever possible.
Many people don’t wash their hands thoroughly or skip handwashing altogether, so using your elbow can help you avoid direct contact with germs on door handles.
8. Be Respectful of Others
When using public restrooms, it’s essential to be respectful of other individuals sharing the facilities. Avoid talking loudly or making excessive noise that can disturb others.
Keep conversations and phone calls to a minimum to maintain a peaceful and comfortable environment for everyone.
9. Dispose of Waste Properly
Always make sure you dispose of waste properly in public restrooms. Use the designated bins for toilet paper, sanitary products, and any other waste. Avoid leaving any trash behind on the floor or in inappropriate places.
By doing so, you contribute to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene for others to enjoy.
10. Report Maintenance Issues
If you encounter any maintenance issues, such as a lack of toilet paper or soap, broken fixtures, or other concerns, report them to the appropriate authorities.
By alerting the maintenance staff, you help ensure a more pleasant restroom experience for everyone who follows.
By following these survival tips, you can make your trips to public bathrooms more comfortable, hygienic, and worry-free.
Remember, while public restrooms may present their challenges, practicing good hygiene habits and being considerate of others can go a long way in creating a better restroom experience for all.
