Female Bathroom Etiquette

Never just push the door of a stall to see if it is occupied.

Bathrooms are not the most glamorous places, but they are certainly necessary. People are often reluctant to talk about what goes on in bathrooms because of the very personal nature of visiting the restroom. Women in particular often have a difficult time because they cannot use a urinal and may have to wait much longer to relieve themselves. However, basic ground rules can make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

Toilet Paper

Unlike men, women cannot use a bathroom without making use of toilet paper. If a woman walks into a public bathroom and notices that one stall is out of toilet paper, she should warn any other women before they attempt to use it. If this is not possible, then pass some toilet paper under the stall for her to use. Also, when replacing a toilet paper roll, it is much better to put it so the loose end is facing out, not against the wall.

Picking a Stall

A woman should never just push the door of a stall to see if it is occupied. Always do a visual check for feet. Pushing on a door, even lightly, could cause great embarrassment if there is someone already in the stall but the lock is faulty.

Cleaning Up

Women may often find that when they have finished using the toilet some liquid remains on the toilet seat. Always wipe this away before flushing. It is unsanitary to leave this waste on the seat and very unpleasant if the next user forgets to check before sitting down. Cleaning up also extends to making sure sanitary napkins are secure in receptacles. Additionally, if a woman brushes her hair in the bathroom, she should clean up any stray hairs instead of letting them sit in the sink.

Flushing

It is always important to flush the toilet. Saving water by letting nonsolid waste stay in the toilet is a personal decision that some choose to make, but in a public setting, you should always flush after use. Flushing more than once may be necessary; always check before leaving a stall that you have flushed enough to remove all waste.

Help Others

If a woman is in a bathroom and sees another woman with toilet paper stuck to her shoe, or whose skirt is awry, she should always alert the second woman to the issue. This will save her considerable embarrassment as she exits the restroom.

References

• Women's Health: Bathroom Etiquette Guide
• The International Center for Bathroom Etiquette: Women's Bathroom Issues