Restroom Etiquette: 10 Do's for the Washroom

Toilet etiquette may seem like the last thing on your mind when sharing space with family, friends and relatives. But, think again. It should be the first thing on your mind when your guests arrive.

It is a well known fact that people will often judge you based on how clean your washroom is. And, it does not matter how polished the rest of the house is. People will look at your washroom and if its a mess; they will often assume that the rest of your house is a mess.

As such, prior to rushing to ensure that the pillows are in place on your sofa. Take a moment to place a scented candle in your washroom. A foul odor from your washroom is the worst thing.

In fact, don't bet on guests always using the main floor washroom. Guests may ask to use the family washroom if the main floor washroom is occupied. Therefore, its best to keep it all clean. The rest of the house, including your living room, kitchen and foyer can wait. Yes, we all want the grand entrance to look great, but the real deal is the washroom.

The washroom is the first thing that you should be cleaning when you invite guests over for lunch. Washrooms don't have to be sparkly clean, but they have to be reasonably clean; especially if you plan to have guests stay overnight. If you family members leave the washroom a mess; I would suggest locking the washroom as a last alternative. Have everyone use the second floor washroom instead. There is no reason why a family of three would need to use three washrooms in the morning; and at the same time. Its convenient, but you don't want to have a dirty washroom for guests.

I do not mean to say that your guests are more important than your family. You live in your home so that you can enjoy your home. However, we should ensure that we are respectable to our visitors as well. That is important. Furthermore, when I say dirty washroom; I am not referring to the occasional garbage in the dust bin. I am talking about a washroom that has an unappealing odor. An odor that your guests may wonder about. They may assume the worst. Its just bad manners. And a washroom is a personal space. And you want your guests to feel at home. Impress your guests with a beautiful and polished washroom.

Having a clean washroom ensures that your visitors come back. Also, you do not want your visitors holding off until they leave your home to relieve their bladder. Please be considerate. Its something that is very simple. It can make a lasting impression on your guests. With regards to your cleanliness and personality. So, without further due here are the ten most important restroom tips of all time.

1. Always lock the door - Of course, if your sharing your washroom with your better half then you can do as you please. However, with others; its best that you lock the washroom door. Its surprising how often people rush in and forget to lock the door; especially when you have got to go. This is my drill. I usually knock on the door if its closed. After which I open the door slowly to alert anyone. Please folks, there is no reason to abruptly swing the door against the wall. Why use so much force? Your not opening the door of a Volvo car which sometimes requires a bit of force due to the sheer weight. That is a different story. At home a gentle turn of the knob will do. Speaking of locked doors; once while visiting a relatives home, it came to my attention that the washroom lock seemed to be rather weak. It would not open with a light push, but it would open easily with a bit more push.

Anyhow, I informed the host of the situation. Our host had someone guarded the washroom door while occupied. That particular someone had to literally stand in front of the washroom door to ensure that guests don't run up and push against the washroom door.

2. Protecting your Best Asset - Second rule of thumb is as simple as it gets. Without fail, always place toilet paper on the toilet seat when you use the washroom. I don't mean half way. It has to cover the full length of the toilet seat. I am sure that you don't wish to share someone else's germs. Its so easy to get infections these days. Unfortunately, not everyone urinates with the lid up. So, you can imagine what may land on the toilet seat.

3. Mess - Do not make a mess while urinating. Shoot low if you have to. Please be courteous enough to clean up after yourself so that others are not aware of your poor shooting skills. I know it sounds harsh, but its best that you hear it here on this hub than in person. Now, that would be embarrassing.

4. Flush, Flush, and Flush - Always flush after your done. No matter what. Not after you have taken a shower as you may forget. In fact, double flush the toilet just in case. And in doing so, ensure that the lid is closed so nothing spills over while flushing. And please double check to ensure that you haven't left any personal friends behind in the toilet. You can never be too cautious. No punn intended.

Now, let me give you an fictitious example. Lets say someone complained of not having toilet paper after doing his or her business at someone's house. I am sure you don't want to be an occupant of that house. On the same token, that same individual mentioned flushing while sitting on the toilet. So, folks, here is my two cents on this matter. Please do not flush the toilet while you are sitting down. That is just wrong. Again, its all about cleanliness. Be clean to your environment and to your body. Reduce the risk of infections. I know you make think that its just your behind. But, you don't want to know what can go wrong. It ain't the best thing. I am a medical student; so lets say that I might know a few things.

5. Toilet brush with holder - An absolute must. In fact, ensure that its in close proximity to the toilet so that you can clean up after yourself if double flushing is not effective. And, for those who lose a lot of weight at the toilet seat. I have news for you. You know who you are. I advice that you try flushing in increments. I am sure you know that its not going to go down easy at some point. Please don't dig yourself in a hole. Its not going to just go away, because you want it to. The last thing you want to do is call a plumber after using a toilet at a guest's home; especially if your not bosom friends.

6. Toilet Plunger - If you are unable to flush your products of mass consumption down the pipe. Do not fret. This tool can be your savior. Do not underestimate the importance of a good old working plunger. Just use sufficient force. Try not to express your frustration on the plunger. You are more likely to make a bigger mess. Also, hosts, if you can hear your guests flushing, but are in the restroom for an awfully long time. Do not laugh and poke fun at them. Try to be courteous. Its okay to ask if they are okay. Perhaps, you can inform them that a plumber or cleaner will take care of the problem. Try to be polite by telling them that it happens often. Most guests wouldn't want you cleaning up after them. When it comes to the washroom that is. Also, there may be times when the plunger may not be enough. Then offer to hire someone. Tell them that you were already planning to call someone to see whats wrong with the toilet. At least, they won't be stuck in your restroom for the rest of the evening.

7. Toilet Paper - Toilet paper for your guests is a must. Have it handy in two locations that are visible. Your guests are not going to look for the toilet paper if its hidden somewhere. Please store any extra toilet paper in the cabinets just in case. Do not wait for a sale. However, toilet paper with double the thickness would be very much appreciated by your guests. It could be like the cherry on the ice cream. Nothing beats quality toilet paper. It says something about the host.

8. Washroom Cleaning - If you are living with others on a long term or short term basis washroom cleaning is something that should be discussed beforehand. Plan a schedule on who is going to clean the washroom, when and how often. So, there is no confusion. Personally, when I studied abroad; we hired someone to clean the washroom every week. It was an added cost, but it solved a lot of problems. However, within the family taking turns is a better way to go. Its more complicated with room mates. You would rather hire someone and be worry free. The last thing you want to do is clean up after someone else; especially if you are the only considerate one. Also, when cleaning use gloves and a long brush so that you are not on your hands and knees cleaning.

In fact, its not uncommon that people would also judge restaurants based on how clean their washroom is. Think about this fact. A simple fast food place has employees or a dedicated cleaner take care of the washroom everyday. Now, that is to ensure that you have your customers coming back.

9. Swimming in the Tub & Sleepers - When taking a shower ensure that water is not left pooling in the tub after use. Take the time to drain the excessive water afterwards. The following person should not have to drain the tub for you. That is discourteous. In addition to that. Yes. You heard that right. Wear sleepers in the washroom; especially near the toilet. For heavens sake, to say it bluntly, some people may have trouble shooting straight. Its best that you don't step on someone's urine. Its not something that is always obvious to the eye. The possibility is disgusting and it can be a source of infection. In addition, when using the tub, wear sleepers while standing under the shower head. Some showers may be in poor condition and may not drain so well. Please don't expose your soles to infectious agents that could be on the floor. The soles of your feet are very sensitive. You will be surprised how easily the palms and soles of you feet are for infectious agents. Take care of your body. Your body is your temple.

10. Personal Hygiene and Antibacterials - Take advantage of hand soap and body wash. A green product would be environmentally friendly and also great for your skin. Less chance for the spread of infection is another benefit. Also, its important to have paper towel and perhaps a hand towel for guests.