Tips for Using a Public Restroom

It happens. Nobody likes using public restrooms, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Whether you're in an airport and have a long layover, out shopping for an extended time, at a restaurant or at work, it can be difficult to avoid using a public restroom. Yes, I would consider this a "first world problem," although, anything in life that I complain about probably is. The point of the post is simply to explain the steps that I take when I can't avoid using a public restroom. Let the uncomfortable-ness begin!

1. Pick the cleanest looking stall you can. They say that the first stalls are the least used because people want more privacy, but I think ever since that got out, it's probably not as true anymore, so just do the best you can.

(Image courtesy of Google)

2. If you hang your bag on the stall, hang it so that the side that doesn't touch your body when you're wearing it is facing/touching the door (I know the germs are still there, I just feel a tiny bit better doing this).

3. If they have toilet seat covers, use one. If not, use two strips of toilet paper and place that on the seat. The third option would be to squat (ick, that word just SOUNDS bad) if the stall is really gross or you're just more comfortable that way.

(Image courtesy of Google)

4. Do not let your clothes touch the floor! Not only is the floor probably filthy (in fact, I've read it's the dirtiest part of a public restroom), but when I was in elementary school and didn't know any better, the bottoms of my pants would touch the floor and whatever cleaner they used would bleach my pants.

5. Before you grab toilet paper (even if it's just used for a make-shift seat cover) rip off the end because who knows who was the last person to touch it.

6. If it's not automatic, flush the toilet with your hand, or grab a piece of toilet paper to flush (I used to use my foot, but then I realized that I walk around in my house with shoes on sometimes and that's totally gross- if you don't do that, then use your foot!).

7. Wash your hands REALLY well in warm, soapy water.

8. If you have to touch a handle to get out of the restroom, grab a paper towel or piece of toilet paper to open it and throw that in the trash before you leave.

(Image courtesy of Google)

9. Sanitize hands if you feel you should and put the experience behind you! haha :)

I know that these tips aren't going to avoid you coming into contact with bathroom germs 100%. They do at least make me feel better because I feel like I've done just about all I can do. Do you guys do any of these things or anything I haven't mentioned when you go into a public restroom? Let me know :)