Public bathrooms don’t come with a rulebook. But somehow most of us know the do’s and don’ts without anyone ever teaching them. There is no list of rules on the wall, but for some reason, most people seem to follow the same basic code of conduct so that things don’t get weird.
We polled a few people and found that these “unwritten rules” were in fact universal. Here are 12 of the most common rules that everyone follows to help public bathrooms run smoothly, and a lot less uncomfortably.
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Don’t pick the stall right next to someone if others are open
If there’s a whole row of stalls free, don’t pick the one next to the only person there. A little space between stalls creates more privacy and makes things a little less stressful for everyone.
Keep phone calls outside
No one wants to hear your conversation as bathrooms echo like crazy. Not only is it distracting for other people using the facilities, but the person on the other end of the line also doesn’t want to hear the hand dryers or toilets flushing in the background.
Always double-check the flush
Always do a double check, even if it’s one of those fancy toilets that automatically flushes. Take a quick glance at the bowl before you leave. If it didn’t flush properly, just press the button or push the flush handle down.
Don’t peek through cracks or under stalls
Public bathroom stall doors are weird enough without someone creeping through them. Avoid getting on one knee and peering under a stall door to see if it’s free. Instead, knock politely or wait your turn.
Wash your hands every time
Even if you just went in to fix your hair or tuck in your shirt, rinse your hands before you leave. People do notice if you walk straight out without washing, and it makes things feel gross. Plus, it actually helps keep germs from spreading around, which everyone secretly appreciates.
Don’t hog the sink or dryer
Wash your hands, dry them, and then scoot over so other people can get in there too. If you really need extra time to fix your hair or clothes, just move off to the side a bit. Hanging around in front of the sink makes the whole area feel crowded and awkward.
Don’t linger—get in and get out
A public bathroom is not a place to lounge or to get a lot of personal work done. If you need to put makeup on, just do a quick touch-up and go. If you need more time, go somewhere private.
Respect the line
If there’s a line, wait your turn like everyone else. Cutting in front will almost always get you glares and maybe a few whispered complaints. Lines move faster when everyone follows the order.
Knock if a stall looks closed but isn’t locked
Not all stall doors shut completely or sometimes they’re broken. Avoid one of the worst and most awkward experiences ever by knocking before you open the door to check that the stall is, in fact, empty.
Use a courtesy flush when needed
If you know it’s going to smell bad, flush halfway through to keep the odor down. It only takes a second and makes it much nicer for the person who comes in after you.
Clean up after yourself
Don’t leave paper towels on the floor or water all over the sink. Toss your trash in the bin and wipe up any messes you make. It’s a small thing that keeps the bathroom pleasant for the next person.
Don’t stand right by the door
If you’re waiting for someone or just checking your phone, don’t hover near the entrance. It makes it hard for people to walk in or out, and everyone ends up doing that weird side-step shuffle to squeeze past you.
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