Public restrooms are a necessary evil. While I'm thankful for them in general there are some real problems in the world of public restrooms. From restaurants and stores to rest areas and gas stations, there is some serious room for improvement when it comes to lavatory amenities.
I know you're thinking, Christie's crazy. Why is she talking about public potties?
Well it's a free service offered here in America that is in desperate need of an overhaul in my opinion.
Here are 8 characteristics of a highly successful public restroom which should be implemented across the nation:
1. Seat covers -- I love it when there is a fully stocked seat cover dispenser in the stall. That keeps me from using all the toilet paper to create a protective barrier between my kid's bum and the toilet seat.
2. No automated flushing sensors -- I prefer to flush toilets manually (actually using my foot to hit the lever) instead of automated flushing sensors. Why? These things flush at the slightest movement, especially if a child is sitting on the toilet.
They also flush if you're trying to put the seat covers down, hence messing up your hard work.
3. ALL stall doors should open OUT, not in -- I can't stand it when a stall door opens in toward the toilet instead of out toward the wall. You have to do a special dance in the stall so you don't brush up against the nasty wall trash cans in female stalls and the nasty toilet. It doesn't make any sense at all. (For the guys, these trash cans are for personal products, if you catch my drift. I just had someone ask me what wall trash cans are for.)
4. All sinks should have automated sensors -- Here's an area that I appreciate auto sensors, the sink. It's gross touching sink handles, am I right? Here sensors are a perk.
5. Automated soap dispensers -- Automated soap dispensers that work are great. You don't have to touch the lever like everyone else before you.
6. Automated paper towel dispensers -- I like these things too but listen up businesses when you install the device don't do it right over the trash can. That's gross and ridiculous, especially if your employees don't take out the trash regularly.
7. A main door foot grip -- Every public restroom door should have one of these devices. It allows you to open the door without touching the handles. Why? Because there are nasty people in this world that do not wash their hands after taking care of business.
8. Speaking of nasty people -- Women stop throwing your purse, keys, diaper bags, cell phones and shopping bags on the floor in the stall then putting them on the counters by the sinks. Don't you know that gross things get on the floor that you may not be able to see? Yep you just put your stuff on top of that. Also go here to see why this habit is dangerous not just because of body fluids.
BONUS --
In a perfect world there would be a ninth feature - sound proof stalls. I'm serious, I do not want to hear what you're doing next door even if it's just a cell phone conversation while you relieve yourself.
Now who wants to start a nationwide potty petition?