Public Restroom Habits Revealed in New Study

A new study conducted by QS Supplies, a U.K. bathroom wholesaler, compares peoples’ public restroom perceptions and habits across the United States and the United Kingdom.

The study, which surveyed  517 respondents from the U.S. and 437 respondents from the U.K.,  found that discretion and cleanliness were top priorities for restroom goers no matter what side of the pond they are on.

The survey found that despite evidence of virus-carrying toilet plumes, more than a quarter (26%) of people don’t check a public toilet seat’s rim, and 69% don’t line it with paper before use. Nearly one-third of respondents admit they don’t flush a public toilet at all.

When looking at U.K. versus U.S. respondents, U.K. restroom users were more likely than Americans to wipe the toilet seat even if it looks clean and to clean up any drips or smudges.

U.S. respondents were more likely than U.K. respondents to check under the stall door for vacancy, flush with their foot, and line the toilet seat.

The survey also compared preferences of men and women, finding men are more concerned with avoiding personal contact in a public restroom, while women are more concerned with avoiding environmental contact. In terms of privacy, 82% of men said they select the most private toilet in the restroom, compared to 69% of women.