public toilets ARE filthy

No matter how clean and sparkling they look, please do not be deceived by public toilets. I will share some of my experiences with you.

Rule #1: Never sit on toilet bowls
Many times, I've seen urine and period (sometimes shit too) stains on toilet covers. Often, the cleaners wipe them but only with tap water. They seldom use disinfectant so imagine sitting on someone's acidic and toxic wastes.

The solution is simple - carry disposable toilet seat covers which you may easily flush away or line the toilet seat with toilet paper. Alternatively, squat in a sitting manner (half squat/ half sit). That way, your pee won't drip down your thighs and you're safe from the toilet seat.

Rule #2: Never use anything that you drop on the toilet floor
I'm sure you've stood in front of the mirror to put on lipstick or comb your hair before, right? Well if you drop your accessory, throw it away! I have personally seen (cross my heart and hope to die) cleaners dip their mops in the squatting toilet bowls and flushing the toilet (to clean the mop I guess?) then use the same mop to mop the floor. Imagine using a lipstick that has fallen on a floor cleaned with toilet bowl water!

Rule #3: Tear away the first piece of toilet paper
Many times I've seen ladies come out of the toilet cubicle and straight out the toilet door. They do NOT wash their hands after using the toilet. You can't be sure if they have touched the toilet paper that you're about to wipe on your private part so please, tear away the first piece. I guess it's not environmentally friendly but health comes first right?

Rule #4: Do not touch sink taps and toilet main door
Similar to rule #3, many people (I have seen countless times and am very disgusted) do not wash their hands after they use the toilet. So try your best not to touch the doors or taps with your hands.

Solution - wash the tap with soap and water so that it's clean when you use it. To open the door, use your foot or hold on to some toilet paper and open the door with that. Or... if you see someone else opening the door, quickly rush out the door behind them.

Rule #5: Layer the surface of water with tissue
Put at least a layer of tissue slowly onto the water in the toilet bowl before you shit. Else, your droppings might cause some water to splash onto your ass. (Thanks for reminder, SJ!)

I'm not a hygiene freak but I get really disgusted with these dirty public antics. I mean, how can you use the toilet and NOT wash your hands? I'm more disgusted than anything. Please, always remember the 5 toilet rules above.