Proper Bathroom Door Etiquette

Be polite when waiting for the bathroom.

While bathrooms are private places, the areas around the doors in a public bathroom attract heavy traffic. Respect the personal space of others when waiting in line, even if a flimsy stall door is all that separates you.

Determine Vacancy

Refrain from pushing the bathroom or stall door to determine occupancy. Stand a polite distance from the stall and look for feet or the bottom edge of a wheelchair under the door. For full doors, look for light under the door.

Knocking

When the door is full-sized, or stall occupancy remains ambiguous, knock gently. Await a reply. Heavy or impatient pounding may startle or alarm the occupant, which may result in a trip-and-fall accident. If no reply is given, knock gently one more time, and then enter.

Expert Insight

Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business" has several bathroom door etiquette recommendations. Post advises those who are waiting for someone to stand near or against the wall instead of in other high-traffic areas. She also reminds readers that since bathroom doors are not soundproof, people in line should avoid making comments to hurry stall occupants.

References

• "Women's Health" magazine: The WH Bathroom Etiquette Guide
• "Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business;" Peggy Post; 2005